'Absolutely horrendous' - Victor Anichebe sends blunt message to Everton board

Victor Anichebe has fired fierce criticism at Everton's board as the club's hopes of maintaining their Premier League status suffered a serious blow on Wednesday evening with defeat against Burnley.

A late Maxwel Cornet goal earned the Clarets a 3-2 win at Turf Moor and cut the gap between themselves and Frank Lampard's side to just a point, with nine games to play.

And now former Everton striker Anichebe has weighed in on the inquest, calling out not just the players but the decision-making of the board as well.

In a lengthy Instagram story, he said: "Apologies if I don't respond tonight, I just can't be bothered. So... The players are responsible first and foremost. But Everton's board is absolutely horrendous. The money they've wasted, the sackings of influential staff like @embodyism (Dan Donachie), not letting Marcel Brands actually do his job, bringing in Rafa, creating a complete disconnect with fans and club.

"Next - appointing Lampard (who is a good coach) but appointing him when you know you're in a relegation battle with a tough run in... was absurd... him getting Alli who is a luxury player... in a relegation fight... baffling. If something doesn't happen tonight they are 100% going down. At the moment it's 60%. Keep the faith."

Everton's next run of fixtures does little to suggest that Anichebe's prediction is off target. The Blues will host Manchester United on Saturday, before Leicester City visit Goodison on April 20.

Everton will then travel across the park to face title-challenging Liverpool, before reigning European champions Chelsea come to Goodison.

Having joined the Blues in his teens, Anichebe spent a decade at the club in both the youth and senior sides, making 131 first-team appearances and