These are worrying times for Everton and their long-suffering supporters.
It shouldn't be that way, not with the move to the club's magnificent new stadium on the banks of the Mersey growing closer.
But it's difficult to look too far ahead given the team are embroiled in another desperate fight for Premier League survival on the pitch - and given issues off the pitch, including an alleged breach of Premier League profit and sustainability rules, which the club strongly denies.
