MICAH RICHARDS: Everton would be biggest club EVER to get relegated

There comes a point during a relegation battle when you are convinced everything will be fine, a moment you believe will lead fortunes to change.

Mine came against Watford in November 2015. Aston Villa had suffered a dreadful start to that season but, as a squad, we all felt one win would stop the rot.

We were 1-0 down and I equalised just before half-time. All my emotions came tumbling out as I celebrated. I was captain and wanted to lead by example.

I was convinced us drawing level would be the catalyst we needed to get away from the bottom. I was wrong. We ended up losing 3-2 and there would be no turning back.

Villa were eventually relegated after a calamitous sequence of 11 straight defeats. The numbness I felt after our fate was confirmed will never leave me.

All through that campaign, we were told relegation would not happen. A team with Villa's history — of winning a European Cup and being ever present in the Premier League with a fanatical fanbase — should never have been in that position but the reality was crushing and bleak.

It was huge news. Villa were the biggest club to suffer this fate, bigger than Nottingham Forest (1993) and Leeds (2004). They will lose that title this spring, however, if Everton fall.

Everton are a huge club. Paul Power, my old youth coach at Manchester City, was part of their last title-winning side in 1987. He used to tell me about their history and reputation and why they should be given the utmost respect.

Perhaps younger generations won't appreciate it but I know exactly what they have done. Aside from Paul, I have Gary Lineker — who had an unbelievable season at Goodison Park in 1985-86 — reminding me what they stand for. Leicester are Gary's team but he has huge affection for