Everton have been mired in chaos in recent years and have been thrown into disarray again following a strange day at Goodison Park.
New owners the Friedkin Group had promised to show their commitment to the club “through actions, not words” when completing their takeover in December.
And they have been true to their word, making their first major decision by ruthlessly bringing Sean Dyche’s tenure to an abrupt end just three hours before kick-off against Peterborough in the FA Cup third round.
Everton Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines was brought in as caretaker alongside captain Seamus Coleman, and the former full-back was on duty to speak to the media after the 2-0 victory.
“It has definitely been a difficult day,” said Baines. “A manager losing his job isn’t good and it normally follows a difficult period. Within all of that, there has to be hope and optimism.
“Things are changing at the football club with the ownership and new stadium. The manager has had to leave and that is not what anyone wants. There will be a new manager coming in and that brings opportunity.
“The football club is in a situation where it needs some stability and that was the message from the owners when they came in. Everyone would gladly accept that at the moment.”
‘Dyche looked a beaten man – now Everton owners face huge decision’
Who could be next Everton manager after Dyche sacking?
Latest Everton news, analysis and fan views after dramatic day at Goodison Park
Everton overcome Peterborough after sacking Sean Dyche
Dyche’s sacking on Thursday evening just as preparations were being finalised for the cup tie came as a real shock – not because it happened, but the nature of how it transpired.
Local authorities met at lunchtime to give the game the go-ahead despite freezing conditions on Merseyside, and the Friedkin Group’s bombshell decision was just as cold.
Dyche had been at the club’s Finch Farm training ground in the morning before being informed of the decision in the
Leave a Reply