‘Calculators at the ready’ used to be the advice for reporters and supporters as league tables came towards a conclusion, especially on the final day of a season.
In truth, keeping tabs on points tallies and goal differences wasn’t all that difficult, although in the heat of the moment some had to take their shoes and socks off to help with their counting.
Certainly those sums were at another, extremely low level compared to the workings out that may be required to decide which three teams end up relegated from the English Premier League at the end of this campaign.
With at least seven clubs seemingly under threat of demotion there are plenty of permutations surrounding who might be the unfortunate trio.
Speaker
Blame for stand-off lies squarely with inept Heaton-Harris – Brian Feeney
Forest have been referred over an alleged PSR breach Forest have been referred over an alleged PSR breach (Richard Sellers/PA)Yet Monday’s announcement that both Everton and Nottingham Forest have been charged by the Premier League with breaching its profit and sustainability rules (PSR) further complicates the picture.
The Blues are already appealing against a 10-point deduction for alleged breaches up to the 2021-22 season.
If that appeal fails and they face a further reduction in their points tally then they could be deep in the relegation zone – and Forest could be there with them.
Q&A: Everton and Forest facing potential Premier League points deductions
In the absence of any trophies for decades, it’s become........