Less than four hours before their FA Cup match against Peterborough, Everton dismissed Sean Dyche. The club’s new owners have already chosen his replacement.
The Toffees have secured only one win in their last 11 Premier League games and just three victories throughout the season, leaving them merely a point above the relegation zone. This disappointing performance led to Dyche's rather premature departure.The Friedkin Group (TFG), according to the PA news agency, is optimistic about finding a replacement in the coming days. They have already identified their preferred candidate and reached out to Graham Potter before he chose West Ham.
Former manager David Moyes is the frontrunner to return to Goodison Park, 12 years after departing for Manchester United.
Dyche had been on the brink for some time, and according to PA news agency sources, TFG started discussions about his departure several days ago. The manager had acknowledged that his nearly two-year tenure was coming to an end.
Although the timing of the announcement may appear unusual, it is understood that negotiations reached a stalemate regarding his severance package. With his contract set to expire in summer regardless, Dyche's demands were unacceptable to TFG.
The American owners, who took control just 21 days ago, refused to be pressured into paying more than what they considered a fair price.
TFG is committed to managing the club with a more sustainable financial approach following the extravagant spending by former incumbent Farhad Moshiri, which led to two separate points deductions last season for violating profitability and sustainability regulations.
After reaching a satisfactory deal, the decision was made to proceed with the separation immediately, despite its timing. This came after Dyche had already conducted pre-match press conference duties while being aware that the new owners had considered Potter as a potential replacement before he opted for West Ham.
As the owners of Roma, TFG has already demonstrated that it is unafraid to make significant decisions regarding managers.
Jose Mourinho was dismissed 18 months following his achievement of securing the Serie A club's first European trophy. His successor, Daniele De Rossi—a beloved figure and fan favorite at the club—remained in charge for only eight months. Ivan Juric, who followed De Rossi as manager, was let go after just 12 games.Club statement.
— Everton (@Everton) January 9, 2025
Dyche managed to guide the team through two relegation escapes, including one that was decided on the final day of the season. However, his overall performance fell short as this campaign revealed both his limitations and those of a squad lacking in quality and depth.
They have scored 15 goals in 20 league matches, with only the bottom team Southampton netting fewer. With a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock awaiting them next season, the club cannot risk facing relegation threats again.
Overall, Dyche oversaw 74 Premier League matches, securing 21 victories, drawing in 23 games, and facing defeat in 30. During the calendar year of 2024, Everton achieved only eight wins in the Premier League.
Leighton Baines, the former Everton defender and currently the under-18s head coach, alongside Seamus Coleman, the club captain who is presently injured, led the team for their match against League One's Peterborough.
Everton announced Sean Dyche's departure in a statement, saying: "Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as the senior men's first team manager with immediate effect."
Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer have also departed from the club.