AFTER a promising start to the new season, Everton has been hit by a triple blow that has left fans wondering if it will be yet another season of struggle.

The Goodison faithful know that plenty of other clubs will suffer Premiership defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Liverpool.

That said, the 4-1 reverse at Old Trafford and 3-1 derby defeat at Goodison Park last week illustrated the size of the gap that exists between the Toffees and the country's elite.

Add to that the home defeat in the Worthington Cup by first division Crystal Palace and the start that saw Everton top of the table after three games seems a long time ago.

Victories over Charlton and Middlesbrough and a draw against Spurs hinted at better times ahead for the Toffees after years of struggle. In fact only twice in the last decade has Everton finished in the top ten and never higher than sixth.

Manager Walter Smith strengthened his squad in the summer with the capture of Scouser Alan Stubbs from Celtic on a free transfer and the £4.5million acquisition of striker Tomasz Radzinski from Anderlecht.

Radzinski has yet to start a game for Everton although he has featured as a substitute in the last couple of games.

He may again have to fill that role if Smith perseveres with the partnership of Duncan Ferguson and skipper Kevin Campbell in attack.

Stubbs has slotted into a back three alongside David Weir and David Unworth with Steve Watson and Gary Naysmith in the wing-back roles.

Smith's major selection decisions will come in midfield where he is considering giving former England star Paul Gascoigne a start.

Having seen his midfield outplayed by Liverpool in the first half last week he brought Gazza on and he improved the side's performance.

Scottish international Scott Gemmill is also fit again and and in contention for a place in the side with Dane Thomas Gravesen and Swede Niclas Alexandersson.

It is only 15 seasons ago that Everton were champions of England and a force to be reckoned with. It says much for their recent struggles that they are now talked about more in terms of relegation than challenging for European places.

Smith was used to success at Rangers, winning trophies galore. For the moment at Goodison, success is simply reaching the safety of mid-table.