The Friedkin Group, Everton's new American ownership, has made their first major move by dismissing Sean Dyche from his managerial position, following a concerning stretch that has left the historic club teetering on the edge of relegation. The 53-year-old manager's departure comes after a mere three-week period under the new ownership, with the team currently positioned in 16th place, barely maintaining Premier League status by a single point.
The decision was catalyzed by a particularly disappointing 1-0 loss at Bournemouth, where the team's offensive impotence was laid bare, failing to produce even one shot on target. The broader picture this season has been equally concerning, with just three victories in 19 league matches and a meager total of 15 goals - with the team drawing blanks in 11 of those contests.
Dyche's tenure wasn't without its bright spots. He successfully navigated the club through relegation threats in consecutive seasons, including a dramatic final-day survival against Bournemouth. Perhaps his crowning achievement came last April with a stunning 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Goodison Park, a result that significantly impacted the title race.
However, the team's offensive struggles have become impossible to ignore. Star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to struggle in front of goal as his contract winds down, while the $38 million investment in Beto from Udinese has yet to pay dividends. Adding to the offensive woes, Chelsea loanee Armando Broja has battled persistent fitness issues.
In what perhaps best illustrates the team's scoring difficulties, Wolves defender Craig Dawson ironically became Everton's leading scorer over a ten-game period through two own goals in a rare 4-0 victory at Goodison Park.
The search for Dyche's replacement is already underway, with former Everton manager David Moyes emerging as a leading candidate. Moyes, who spent 11 successful years with the club before his Manchester United move in 2013, could provide the steady hand needed in this crisis, though some supporters view his potential return as lacking ambition.
For The Friedkin Group, who also own AS Roma, the stakes couldn't be higher. With construction of a state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ongoing, maintaining Premier League status is crucial to their vision of Everton's future. The ownership group's ambitious plans certainly don't include Championship football in their new premier venue.
Other potential candidates include Paulo Fonseca, fresh from his AC Milan departure, though such an appointment would represent a significant risk given the club's current predicament.
This managerial decision marks a critical juncture for Everton's new ownership. Their choice for Dyche's successor will likely have far-reaching implications, potentially determining not just this season's outcome but the club's trajectory for years to come.
