In a significant move by its new American ownership, Everton Football Club dismissed manager Sean Dyche on Thursday, mere hours before they were set to compete in an FA Cup match.
The decision came as Everton lingered just one point above the relegation zone, with the team having secured only one victory in their last eleven encounters.
The timing of the announcement was particularly unexpected, occurring just three hours prior to the match where Everton ultimately triumphed over third-tier side Peterborough with a score of 2-0 in the third round of the FA Cup.
“It’s never pleasant when a manager is let go, but everyone needed to get back to their duties — there was a football match taking place,” remarked Leighton Baines, the Under-18 coach, who along with team captain Seamus Coleman, has been designated to lead the squad on an interim basis.
This historic club, a nine-time English champion, last celebrated a major trophy in 1995 and was acquired last month by the Friedkin Group, based in Texas, in a deal reportedly exceeding £400 million (approximately $495 million).
Led by Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan, the group also owns the Italian team Roma, where they are facing backlash from supporters due to controversial management decisions, including the dismissal of the cherished former captain Daniele De Rossi earlier this season.
Though the decision to part ways with Dyche may have been seen as essential given Everton’s alarming performance, which has seen them net only three goals in their last eleven matches, there are concerns regarding their attack. With only 15 goals recorded across 19 matches, Everton ranks as the second-lowest scoring team in the division and hovers precariously above the relegation spots.
“The search for a new manager has commenced, and updates will be provided in due course,” stated an official communication from the club.
David Moyes, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, is among those rumored to be in line for the role. Additionally, in October, Jose Mourinho, who currently coaches Fenerbahce, expressed interest in returning to England to manage a club struggling near the bottom of the table after his stint in Turkey wraps up. Mourinho has held managerial positions with several top clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
Dyche had been at the helm for nearly two years, during which he helped maintain Everton’s status as a fixture in the Premier League since 1954. His approach to the game was often conservative, focusing more on defense rather than attacking flair, a strategy the Friedkins may wish to revise.
Everton’s next match in the Premier League is slated for Wednesday against Aston Villa.
Baines has indicated that he is currently unaware of who will take charge for that game.
“I’m not really sure about that right now,” he mentioned. “Things unfolded rapidly today, so we certainly haven’t had the opportunity to consider the next steps.”