Everton Football Club has sacked manager Sean Dyche with immediate effect after the team's dismal run of form has left them just one point above the Premier League relegation zone. Dyche, who was at the helm for less than two years, faced mounting pressure following a series of disappointing results, including just one win from their last eleven matches.
Shortly before their FA Cup match against League One side Peterborough, the Liverpool-based club announced Dyche's dismissal. The club statement confirmed, "Everton can confirm Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as senior men's first team manager with immediate effect," adding the names of his backroom staff who were also let go. Taking the reins on an interim basis are the Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman.
The situation at Everton reached its breaking point after the Toffees’ 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, where they failed to register any shots on target—a telling indicator of their struggles. With the team currently sitting 16th—only one point clear of relegation—it was evident drastic measures were necessary. A source close to the Friedkin Group, Everton's new owners, confirmed discussions had intensified over Dyche’s position due to eroding confidence following the team's poor performance.
Dyche’s tenure, which began back on January 30, 2023, was marked by desperate struggles against relegation. He managed to save the team from relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 season with a dramatic last-minute win against Bournemouth. The following season saw some stable performances, but the current campaign has been riddled with issues, not least their woeful scoring record, contributing to this latest managerial change.
Despite past heroics, which included leading the side to its first home victory against rivals Liverpool since 2010, the prevailing narrative has increasingly been about the lack of goals. Everton has netted only 15 this season, the second-lowest tally, and has been unable to convert chances—some matches saw them not score at all, which is alarmingly indicative of their performance inconsistency.
Following the announcement, Dyche’s departure raised questions about the future direction of the club, especially under the new ownership of the Friedkin Group, which took control late last year. After their takeover, the owners expressed the need for stability and had been engaging with Dyche about potential support through the upcoming transfer window. This stability, it appears, has now been thrown out the window due to poor results and Dyche’s admission earlier this week of reaching his limits with the squad’s current abilities.
The search for Dyche's successor is already underway, with names like David Moyes making headlines. Moyes, who enjoyed two successful stints managing Everton from 2002 to 2013, is seen as a front-runner, following his exit from West Ham at the end of last season. The interest also indicates the club's desire for someone well-versed with Premier League dynamics and Everton's unique challenges.
Moyes is not alone among potential candidates, as the club begins preparations to find someone capable of steering Everton away from the looming threat of relegation. Dyche’s statement about the club needing to plan for succession underlines the pressures faced by both him and his coaching staff amid mounting fan dissatisfaction over the running of the team.
Certainly, Dyche's firing makes him the sixth Premier League manager to lose his job this season, and second within days after West Ham dismissed Julen Lopetegui. The sweeping changes signal significant unrest within the club as the Friedkin Group looks to avert disaster at one of the Premier League's historically renowned teams. Having not won major silverware since 1995, the urgency to improve performances and maintain top-flight status has never been more pressing.
While the club has aspirations of returning to the height of English football, the struggle continues. Their last season at Goodison Park looms, as fans are eager to see whether changes can provide renewed hope at the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton is at the crossroads now, but as they search for the right manager to guide them through the turbulent waters of the current season, only time will tell if they can turn things around and restore former glory.