'For many to feel priced out of a sport they love feels like a punch to the gut'

[BBC]

[Getty Images]

If you can't win, don't lose. It was definitely one point gained, rather than two points dropped when Everton came from behind twice at Brentford. The resilience of this team is paying off, with the Toffees still on the hunt for European football.

It comes off the back of a turbulent week for the club with the announcement of increases to season ticket prices. This was met with widespread criticism.

However, it isn't just an Everton problem, it's a football problem with similar protests at our Merseyside neighbours. The game, particularly in the Premier League, doesn't feel geared towards the dedicated season ticket holder, there rain or shine, home and away.

At Everton there's an extremely difficult balance to be met.

On the one hand the new ownership must put the recent past behind them, to move forward and become a more prosperous and stable football club. That inevitably means Everton needs to become a thriving business. If it wants to challenge with the higher echelons of the Premier League, unfortunately that means they need more irregular visitors through the door who will part more freely with their money.

But Everton at its heart has a working-class, loyal fanbase, who live by the motto "nil satis nisi optimum" - i.e. nothing but the best is good enough. This also translates to their utter devotion to this football club.

For many to now feel priced out of a sport they love feels like a punch to the gut, particularly after the part they have played the last few seasons rallying the team out of relegation.

Progress in modern football so often comes at a cost and more often than not, that cost is felt most by those who have given the most for the least.

Everton must not forget its foundation as the people's club.