Everton boss Sean Dyche says the club has proven their character over their response to their 10 point penalty.
Ahead of tomorrow's clash with Wolves, Dyche says the punishment served to unite all facets of the club.
He said: "It's just the reality, if you look at where we were when we got the points taken to where we are now, there has been a pretty healthy shift.
"We don't know what will come next (from the appeal); we will have to wait and see. But performance levels are good and the mentality is good. We are a bit stretched, that is sometimes the challenge of what it is but we get on with it and keep working hard.
He added: "In spite of the obvious, if there was an assessment at the end of last season looking ahead to this season, and if people were to ask what do we expect, I'd say: 'We have to do better'.
"I think despite the obvious situation, 26 points would be a healthy return with regards to a step forward from the last couple of seasons.
"I think there is also what you see beyond the points return, like the way the team and squad are going about it - it feels like we have got a more aligned Club.
"The fans' connection with the Club is something I endlessly talk about. The alignment between us the staff and the players - that is beginning to mature. These are all important factors.
"The news of the 10 points put a dent in that, but it hasn't broken anything. We are still there, fighting and working hard, and I still believe we have the players to get more from the season than what we are currently getting."