Sean Dyche has been sacked by Everton with the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, acting after a dismal run of form left the Toffees in a relegation battle.
Dyche departs after less than two years in charge with the club just one point above the Premier League’s drop zone following a run of just one win in 11 games.
The decision to terminate his contract with immediate effect comes just hours before tonight’s FA Cup third round match against Peterborough. Captain Seamus Coleman and former left back turned Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines are set to take charge of the tie at Goodison Park.
After completing a takeover in December, the Friedkin Group has acted in the aftermath of their defeat to Bournemouth. Dyche’s side have scored the second-fewest goals in the league this season and former manager David Moyes has been linked with a move to Goodison Park.
Graham Potter had also been linked to the Toffees, but the former Chelsea and Brighton boss has now replaced the sacked Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
Dyche took charge of Everton in January 2023, replacing Frank Lampard, and guided the team to safety on the final day of the season. He also inspired a first home win at Goodison Park in the Merseyside derby since 2010 when Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 last season.
A club statement said: “Everton 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 process to appoint a new manager is under way and an update will be provided in due course. Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis.”
Moyes, who managed Everton between 2002 and 2013 before leaving to become Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United, has been linked with a return to Goodison and is thought to be in contention for the vacancy.
Moyes has been out of work since the end of his second stint with West Ham at the end of last season. The club achieved their highest Premier League finish, fourth in 2005, during the Scot’s first spell on Merseyside.
