Sean Dyche sacked as Everton manager by new owners hours before FA Cup tie | Everton

Sean Dyche has been sacked as Everton manager just hours before the club’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Peterborough United.

Everton’s new owner, The Friedkin Group (TFG), had wanted a period of stability after completing its takeover on 19 December. But a run of one win in 11 Premier League games – with Everton failing to score in eight of them – has seen TFG part ways with Dyche earlier than expected. Tensions in Dyche’s relationship with director of football, Kevin Thelwell, may have contributed to the timing.

Everton Under-18s coach Leighton Baines will take charge of the FA Cup tie, assisted by captain Séamus Coleman. Graham Potter had been heavily linked with the Everton job in recent days, but replaced Julen Lopetegui at West Ham instead.

A club statement released at 4.32pm, read: “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 process to appoint a new manager is underway and an update will be provided in due course. Under-18 head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Séamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis.”

Dyche replaced Frank Lampard as Everton manager in January 2023. He twice succeeded in the task of retaining the club’s Premier League status despite major financial constraints and last season’s two-point deduction for breaches of profitability and sustainability rules. But poor results, coupled with a dismal style of play, drained support for the 53-year-old this season.

The former Burnley manager admitted on Tuesday that TFG should plan his succession based on Everton’s results. Dyche has managed just three league wins this campaign and despite draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City over the Christmas period, Everton sit fifth, a point above the relegation zone.