Everton Football Club have parted ways with manager Sean Dyche “with immediate effect,” the Merseyside club confirmed in a statement.
Stepping into the managerial void on a temporary basis are under-18s coach and former player Leighton Baines, alongside club captain Seamus Coleman. The duo will oversee first-team duties for Thursday evening’s FA Cup clash against League One side Peterborough.
The decision comes hot on the heels of West Ham United’s sacking of Julen Lopetegui, who was replaced by ex-Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
Currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Everton sit precariously just one point above the relegation zone.
Their dismal form was further highlighted in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Bournemouth, during which the Toffees failed to register a single shot on target. The club have secured just one victory in their last 11 league matches.
The departures extend beyond Dyche, with assistants Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer also leaving Goodison Park. Everton stated that the search for a new manager “is under way.”
Everton’s ownership changed hands last December when The Friedkin Group, led by American billionaire Dan Friedkin, completed a takeover from Farhad Moshiri’s Blue Heaven Holdings. The group also holds a majority stake in Italian Serie A side AS Roma.
Dyche is the sixth managerial casualty in the Premier League this season. Manchester United set the trend by sacking Erik ten Hag in October, followed by Leicester City’s dismissal of Steve Cooper in November.
Wolves parted ways with Gary O’Neil on 15 December, the same day Southampton let go of Russell Martin. Meanwhile, Luton Town recently axed Rob Edwards after the club, relegated from the Premier League last season, dropped to 20th in the Championship.
As Everton navigate a turbulent period, all eyes are on their next managerial appointment in a bid to secure their Premier League status.
