Everton are a cornerstone of Premier League football. The Merseyside club are the second-longest continuous serving club in the top-flight, with 70 straight seasons under their belt (only Arsenal, with 97, have had more). They also rank third in the all-time points ranking, ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.
There have been plenty of trophies along the way too, with nine league titles, five FA Cups and one European Cup Winners' Cup.
Yet the Toffees are now facing the ignominy of relegation.
Sean Dyche’s side currently sit 19th in the table, two points off safety. The Toffees are without a win in their last six games, with a six-pointer against 18th-placed Leicester coming up on Monday. They also still have to play Manchester City, and it's looking likely that their chances of survival come down to the final day of the season, when they play Bournemouth at home.
When were Everton last relegated?
Everton have not been relegated since the 1950/51 season; 72 years ago. On that occasion, they finished bottom of the league and went down alongside Sheffield United. It was a sign of the times that Blackpool finished third that season. Everton came straight back up the following year and have been enjoying top-flight football ever since 1952/53.
A demotion to the Championship this season would be a huge shock in general terms, but would also come as little surprise given the club’s behaviour over the past several years. Vast sums of money have been squandered on players and coaches with no clear long-term strategy.
With Everton currently building a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, relegation would deal a huge financial blow.
Everton's Premier League run-in
Monday, May 1: Leicester (A)
Monday, May 8: Brighton (A)
Sunday, May 14: Man City (H)
Saturday, May 20: Wolves (A)
Sunday, May 28: Bournemouth (H)
