Kevin Thelwell issues Everton squad verdict after transfer window and makes new stadium claim

Director of football Kevin Thelwell has reflected on the state of play at Everton following the conclusion of the January transfer window.

The Blues did not strengthen for the second consecutive January but, for the first time in several windows, did not sell a key player. As a result, Thelwell said there is a belief at Finch Farm that Sean Dyche has a "strong and robust squad" that is capable of overcoming the challenges posed by a season in which the club faces important battles off the pitch as well as on it.

Referring to the financial constraints of attempting to comply with Premier League spending rules - something Everton are twice accused of failing to do - and the 10-point penalty that stemmed from the first of those breaches, Thelwell said: "Ensuring we operate in a way that protects us for the future has been a key priority from my first day at the club.

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"It isn’t possible to change direction quickly within the constraints of profit and sustainability rules, but what has been evident over the four transfer windows I’ve navigated in my time at Everton has been an ongoing focus to make the club more sustainable. "

The Blues face the coming months with a threadbare squad susceptible to injuries but which has shown itself capable of achieving the results needed to avoid a relegation battle. Without the 10-point deduction, which is being appealed against, the club would be comfortably positioned in mid-table and just a couple of wins from guaranteeing Premier League survival months earlier than in the