Everton have parted company with manager Sean Dyche just hours before a third-round FA Cup tie against Peterborough United at Goodison Park.
Dyche, 53, was in charge of the Merseyside club for less than two years after arriving at the club on January 30th 2023. He leaves the Toffees after 83 games in charge and had a record of 26 wins, 24 draws and 33 losses during his time in charge.
Everton announced that the former Burnley manager was relieved of his duties through a statement on the club’s official website. The statement reads, “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect. Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the Club.”
The club have also confirmed that under-18s coach and former player Leighton Baines and current club captain Seamus Coleman shall be in charge for tonight’s cup clash.
Have Everton made the correct decision?
The decision may not come as a surprise due to Everton’s lacklustre form in the first half of the season. The Blues currently find themselves nervously looking over their shoulder as they sit just one point outside of the relegation zone.
It could be argued that the club’s recent form was a major factor behind the decision to change managers, as it does not make for good reading. In their last five games, Everton are winless. Despite only losing twice and picking up respectable points away at Manchester City and Arsenal, this run has epitomised their season so far.
Lacklustre performances this season have left sections of the fanbase frustrated and understandably anxious that the club’s last season at the iconic Goodison Park could be tainted with a first relegation from the Premier League. Therefore, although the timing may seem a bit strange on the day of a game, it could be argued the decision was the correct one as relegation could potentially be disastrous.
Who could replace Dyche?
With Everton recently being bought by billionaire Americans, The Friedkin Group (TFG), excitement over who Dyche’s successor could be is understandable.
One name which has been constantly associated with the Everton job is the infamous Jose Mourinho. However, journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that the Portuguese manager is not even being considered for the job.
This is because Mourinho previously worked with Everton’s new owners at their other club AS Roma. Mourinho was hired by Roma in 2021 and was sacked in January 2024.
Additionally, The Special One is currently employed by Turkish club Fenerbahçe on a contract that runs until 2026. Therefore, compensation would likely have proven difficult.
Another name that could be in the running for the job is a familiar face to Evertonians. Former manager David Moyes, who managed the club from 2002-2013, has also been linked to the job. The Scotsman has been out of work since his departure from West Ham United in the summer, so it is not unreasonable to suggest that he may fancy leading his former club in their new era.