Everton are not back where they want to be, but by avoiding the drop with three games to go this season, the progress is there for all to see.
And whilst it is also not really something that should be celebrated, every Evertonian in Goodison Park breathed a collective sigh of relief when that full-time whistle rang on Saturday, capping off a remarkable six days of football for the Toffees.
Having brushed aside Nottingham Forest before then beating Liverpool in a historic Merseyside derby success, Brentford were the last on their hit list. A win would see Sean Dyche’s men leapfrog the Bees in the table, whilst a loss would have left them still battling with Luton Town and the Tricky Trees for relegation.
Having opted for the former, that is now no longer a possibility, unless something completely ridiculous was to happen…
Alan Myers delivers third deduction claim
We mustn’t forget that this is Everton we are talking about, and the utterly unbelievable seems to occur on a weekly basis here.
So, whilst mathematically the Toffees have already secured their top-flight status, further deductions cannot be discounted.
And that is without even mentioning the ever-present threat that administration poses, looming quietly in the background as a Farhad Moshiri fallback option.
Well, one fan seemingly is still scared of such an outcome, and sought to ask Alan Myers whether further deductions could be wrought from their ongoing appeal.
His response will have done little to ease his fears, simply writing: ‘It’s technically possible but highly unlikely.’
Everton need to find a financial solution fast
Given what has already gone on today, this slight possibility that another deduction could be on the way is a mere drop in the ocean for Everton.
After all, administration is seemingly still a very real threat, with one report stating that the club have even entered talks with advisors over how to steer the club away from such a dire possibility.
The manner in which Moshiri and his various cronies have gone about regressing this once fine institution needs studying, having thrown his vast wealth at the problem and never quite come to a solution.
In fact, all it has done is conjure up more hurdles, the likes of which Dyche and Kevin Thelwell are now being forced to jump.
A financial solution must be found, and whether that is with 777 Partners or not, it does not matter.
The Toffees need a solid, safe and secure investor, willing to pump another fortune in with a little bit more intelligence than the last. It feels like the Miami-based firm might not be able to provide that, but we will wait and see on that front.
Regardless, it must be solved soon, or this summer will prove to be a write-off, as too will next season.