7. On The Brink

It’s been a dramatic 12 months for Sean Dyche since he took the Everton job. He saved the club from relegation on the final day of the 22/23 season, saw the Board leave, the death Everton’s longest serving Chairman in more than a century, two PSR breaches and a 10 point deduction. As he marks one year as “the Gaffer”, Giulia Bould went to Finch Farm to catch up with Sean Dyche….

The story of Everton Football Club took a dramatic turn today when news dropped that they were to receive a ten-point deduction from the Premier League for breaching Profit & Sustainability Rules in 2022. This is the largest penalty given out in Premier League history. This bonus episode contains reaction to Everton's point deduction from Conor Coady and Leon Osman and is presented by Darren Fletcher. This was an episode of 5 Live's Football Daily broadcast on 17th Nov 2023.

Giulia Bould talks to Everton’s Interim CEO Colin Chong, who reflects on the criticism the club has faced this season.

Giulia Bould reflects on the season with manager Sean Dyche and club captain Seamus Coleman. She then takes Mark Chapman behind the scenes of the production. These interviews were recorded in July 2023.

Mark Chapman reflects on the season with Director of Football Kevin Thelwell, who opens up about how personal this job is for him. This interview was recorded on June 8th 2023.

With just four weeks of the season to go, everyone inside Finch Farm, from the grounds-people to the kit manager, pull together. Will it be enough to save Everton from relegation? After a crucial penalty save against Leicester, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford takes us through how analytics play a role in his prep. While everyone waits for the final result, it’s time for some goodbyes.

The gaffer’s honeymoon period seems to be over, as Everton struggle to win points and move up the table. Away from the pitch, there’s bad news when it’s alleged that the club has breached Financial Fair Play regulations. Fans continue to call for change at the top.Injury has contributed to the club’s difficulties this season, with star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing in only 7 of Dyche’s 18 games. Players Andros Townsend and Tom Davies reflect on their coping strategies for struggles with physical and mental health.

Sean Dyche prepares his team for one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s calendar: the world-renowned Merseyside Derby, an event that awakens deep bonds and rivalries. The women’s team has a Derby too and this year it will be held at Goodison Park. Midfielder Megan Finnigan reflects on the game and the press attention she’s received since the profile of women’s football has risen.

With new manager Sean Dyche in charge, Everton start winning some much-needed points. We deep-dive into the gaffer’s techniques with players Tom Davies and Seamus Coleman. Dyche opens up as he chats with his best friend on and off the pitch: assistant manager and lifelong Evertonian Ian Woan. In the kitchen, Head chef Tom Kenton plans the week’s meals, while performance nutritionist Lloyd Parker looks ahead to Ramadan with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

It’s January and Everton are in the bottom three of the Premier League. After more disappointing results, Frank Lampard’s time runs out. Club Captain Seamus Coleman opens up about what it’s like to lose yet another manager. We meet new gaffer Sean Dyche on his first day at Finch Farm. He’s the club’s eighth manager in seven years. Will he be the one to turn things around? On Liverpool’s waterfront, work progresses on Everton’s new stadium. The club needs a home that’s fit for a top flight football club. But the ambitious and expensive project comes with financial risks too.