Everton Football Club has parted ways with manager Sean Dyche after less than two years at the helm. The announcement, which came just hours before their FA Cup third-round clash against League One side Peterborough, reflects the club’s ongoing struggles this season. Dyche, 53, leaves with Everton languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The decision follows a dismal run of form, including Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, where Everton failed to register a single shot on target. Under Dyche’s stewardship this season, the Toffees have managed just three wins in 19 league games and scored a mere 15 goals, making them the second-lowest scorers in the league. Everton’s U18 coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will temporarily take charge of the team, bringing their combined experience of over 800 club appearances to the role.
Mixed Results and Defensive Strength Under Dyche
Dyche’s tenure began in January 2023, with the former Burnley manager tasked with saving Everton from relegation. He succeeded in securing survival on the final day of the 2022-23 season and guided the team to a 15th-place finish in the following campaign despite significant challenges, including an eight-point deduction for financial breaches.
While Everton showed defensive resilience under Dyche, keeping seven clean sheets this season, their offensive struggles have been glaring. The team’s expected goals (xG) rate of 18.33 is the lowest in the league, highlighting their inability to create clear-cut chances. Pundits like Leon Osman have noted the lack of quality in the squad, further complicating Dyche’s efforts to produce consistent results.
Interim Leadership for FA Cup Tie
With Dyche’s abrupt exit, Everton turned to club stalwarts for stability. Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and veteran captain Seamus Coleman have been appointed interim leaders for the FA Cup match against Peterborough United.
This unexpected arrangement highlights the club’s crisis management strategy, as fans eagerly anticipate how the team will perform under Baines and Coleman’s guidance. Their shared history and understanding of the club’s ethos could provide a short-term boost, though long-term questions remain unanswered.
Ownership Changes and Financial Turmoil
Dyche’s departure comes in the wake of a turbulent period for Everton off the pitch. The Friedkin Group, a U.S.-based investment firm, completed a £400 million takeover of the club in December 2024, ending years of uncertainty. However, financial troubles have persisted, with Everton reporting a deficit of £89.1 million in 2024, marking their sixth consecutive year of losses.
The club’s financial woes have been compounded by a series of points deductions over the past two seasons due to breaches of Premier League financial rules. Despite these setbacks, Dyche managed to stabilize the team last season. However, the lack of investment and the sale of key players, such as midfielder Amadou Onana, have left the squad struggling to compete in the Premier League.
What Lies Ahead for Everton?
As Everton prepare for their final season at Goodison Park before moving to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the club faces a critical juncture. The Friedkin Group’s takeover has brought renewed hope, but the immediate focus will be on avoiding relegation and rebuilding the squad.
With Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman stepping in temporarily, the search for a permanent manager is expected to begin immediately. The Toffees’ fans, who have endured years of mediocrity, will be hoping for swift action to turn the club’s fortunes around. For now, Everton’s future remains uncertain as they navigate another challenging chapter in their storied history.
David Moyes Rumored to Make Everton Return
Speculation has already begun about who will take over the managerial reins at Goodison Park. Among the names being discussed is former Everton manager David Moyes, who enjoyed a successful stint with the club between 2002 and 2013. Moyes is currently under pressure at West Ham United, making a potential return to Merseyside a plausible scenario.
Fans are divided on Moyes’ possible comeback. While his experience and understanding of Everton could bring stability, others question whether he is the right fit for the modern challenges facing the club. Everton’s hierarchy has yet to confirm any candidates, but they have assured supporters that the search for a new manager is already underway.
