Former Everton winger Pat Nevin has warned supporters that avoiding relegation should remain the club’s priority after raising concerns about the depth of David Moyes’ squad.
Everton lost their unbeaten Premier League record when Chelsea won 2-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, although Moyes’ side remain eighth with 10 points from their opening seven matches. That encouraging start has prompted some supporters to look further up the table, but Nevin believes expectations should be tempered given the resources available to Moyes.
Writing for BBC Sport, Nevin revealed that an Everton supporter had asked him before the Chelsea game whether the club could challenge for a top-six finish this season. The former Scotland international said he was taken aback by the suggestion and replied: “It has been a good start, but avoiding relegation should still be the real focus.”
Nevin warns Everton over squad investment
Nevin’s concern centres on the difference in attacking resources available to Everton and some of their Premier League rivals. He pointed to Chelsea’s expensive frontline as a contrast to Moyes’ options and issued a stark warning about the consequences of what he considers insufficient investment.
“Evertonians should beware: due to underinvestment, dark clouds are gathering,” Nevin wrote.
Everton’s squad was significantly reshaped during the summer, with Beto among those to leave before the deadline. A proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun failed to materialise, leaving Thierno Barry as Moyes’ only recognised senior centre-forward.
Nevin’s comments also come amid uncertainty surrounding The Friedkin Group. TFG announced on October 9 that it was exploring a range of investment options for Everton, including the potential sale of a controlling interest, and appointed Moelis & Company to advise on the process. The owners have stressed that their focus will remain unchanged while that work takes place and that they will continue supporting Everton in their pursuit of success on the pitch.
For Nevin, however, the immediate concern is the strength of the squad available to Moyes. Everton’s opening seven games have provided reasons for encouragement, but the former winger believes their lack of depth means survival should remain the first objective rather than a push for the European places.
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