Everton have parted ways with Sean Dyche, ending his tenure as manager just hours before the team’s FA Cup tie against Peterborough United. The decision comes as the club’s new ownership, The Friedkin Group (TFG), seeks a fresh direction to secure Premier League survival. Dyche’s departure marks the culmination of a challenging period for the club, with results and performances falling below expectations.
David Moyes has emerged as the leading candidate to take over, with discussions set to progress imminently. Moyes, who managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, is seen as an ideal fit due to his extensive Premier League experience and familiarity with the club. Since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, he has been out of work, making him an accessible option for the role. TFG is eager to make a swift appointment, recognizing the urgency of stabilizing the team’s fortunes.
Dyche’s exit was confirmed shortly before the FA Cup match, leaving Under-18s coach Leighton Baines and club captain Séamus Coleman to step in as interim leaders. Alongside Dyche, his backroom staff, including Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer, have also departed. Negotiations over severance terms had been ongoing since earlier in the week, with Dyche seeking compensation for the remaining months of his contract. However, the owners were firm in their stance, arguing that his perceived resignation from the role justified their decision to withhold certain payouts.
The former manager’s tenure was characterized by a pragmatic approach that yielded mixed results. Dyche managed to keep Everton in the Premier League on two occasions, despite significant financial challenges and sanctions, including points deductions for breaches of financial regulations. However, his conservative style of play and a poor run of form this season eroded support among fans. The team managed only three league wins and failed to score in eight of their last eleven matches under his leadership.
TFG had initially hoped to provide stability following their takeover in December but grew concerned about Dyche’s attitude and the team’s trajectory. His admission that he could not achieve more with the current squad reportedly accelerated the decision to make a managerial change. Discussions about potential replacements included Graham Potter, but no formal offer was made. José Mourinho, despite past links to TFG, is not being considered for the position.
The statement announcing Dyche’s departure emphasized the urgency of appointing a new manager and praised the interim efforts of Baines and Coleman. The focus now shifts to finding a leader capable of revitalizing the squad and ensuring survival in the top flight. Moyes’ return would represent a nostalgic yet pragmatic choice, aligning with the owners’ desire for a seasoned and steady hand to guide the club through a critical period.
Everton’s struggles this season have left them perilously close to the relegation zone, with only one point separating them from the bottom three. While recent draws against strong opponents offered brief respite, the overall lack of progress demanded decisive action. The club’s leadership hopes that a new appointment will galvanize the team and restore confidence among players and supporters alike.
