Nottingham Forest and Everton ‘It’s absolutely ridiculous’: Tony Cottee reacts to Premier League

Everton are set to hear the outcome of their appeal hearing by the end of February. Or at least that’s what has been disseminated throughout various media outlets.

However, these faux deadlines mean little when already two have been bypassed, and now there is little faith that they will stick to this latest despite the importance of the trial.

Set to have major repercussions throughout the relegation zone, both the Toffees and Nottingham Forest are being forced to wait for information that could be integral to their long-term survival.

It is a laughable situation, but one in which they frustratingly have no control.

Tony Cottee has at least sought to point the spotlight on this Premier League failure.

What Tony Cottee said about Everton

The former Everton and West Ham United striker, brought on to discuss the managerial situation with the latter, was posed one final question before he ended his chat with Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling.

They asked whether he felt two of his former sides might be swapping places in Leicester City and the Toffees, and whilst he was certain that the Foxes would go up, the Merseyside outfit remained an enigma to him.

Speaking live on talk Sport (26/02, 9:45 am), he claimed: ’Everton… who knows I mean… for Christ’s sake make a decision about what’s going on with the points, I don’t get it. It’s not just Everton affected it’s Forest, it’s all the clubs around down there in the Premier League.

‘And then they say ‘Oh by the way here’s an appeal, we’ll announce the result of the appeal after the seasons finished.’ It’s absolutely ridiculous boys.

‘Come on, make some decisions. And it’s not just about Everton, it’s about everyone who’s involved in that relegation fight. It is not fair on all them clubs, and more importantly the fans of those clubs.’

The Premier League have treated Everton terribly

How can an institution the size and strength of the Premier League get this situation so horribly wrong?

Their rules have been threadbare and hugely debatable, and the lack of set-in-stone deadlines has left everything open to interpretation.

They have been allowed to do as they please, whenever they please, unmoved by the effects it has on Everton and those around them in the table.

Whether they are successful in their appeal or not now, the manner in which this trial has proceeded has left an almighty stain on the Premier League’s previously spotless brand.

Hopefully, a positive outcome can emerge for the Toffees, to further weaken the division and help propel Sean Dyche’s men towards the safety their play this season has merited.