Sean Dyche Sacked as Everton Manager Amid Poor Form

Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Everton manager, the club confirmed on Thursday. The 53-year-old’s departure comes just hours before Everton’s FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough United at Goodison Park. Dyche, who took over from Frank Lampard in January 2023, leaves the club after a dismal run of form that saw Everton fail to score in eight of their last 10 Premier League matches.

Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, in which they failed to register a shot on target, proved to be the final straw. The club currently sits 16th in the Premier League standings, with just 17 points from 19 games. Dyche’s exit follows the recent takeover of the club by U.S. firm The Friedkin Group, which completed its acquisition less than a month ago.

In a statement, Everton said: “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect. Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer have also left the club.” The club added that the process to appoint a new manager is underway, with former defender Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman taking charge on an interim basis.

Dyche, who previously managed Burnley for nearly a decade, was credited with keeping Everton in the Premier League last season despite two points deductions for breaching the league’s profitability and sustainability rules. However, his pragmatic style of football and recent results led to growing discontent among fans. The Friedkin Group’s arrival signaled a desire for change, and Dyche’s departure had been widely anticipated.

Everton’s next Premier League match is against Aston Villa on January 15. The club is also preparing for a move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, marking the end of their 132-year tenure at Goodison Park.