Everton have just sacked manager Sean Dyche ahead of their FA Cup clash against Peterborough United.
The Friedkin Group were hoping to not make a change in the dugout so soon into their reign but a run of five games without a win, with just one goal scored, has forced them to take action.
A club statement 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.”
Everton added that the process to identify Dyche’s replacement is underway whilst confirming the two men who’ll be taking interim charge.
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Everton confirm Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman will take interim charge
With Everton playing host to Peterborough United this evening, the club had to act quickly in appointing an interim manager to take charge of the FA Cup third-round tie.
They’ve done just that and have already put Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in post, as the former steps up from the under-18s set-up.
“Under-18s Head Coach Leighton Baines and Club Captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis,” Everton confirmed.
Many would’ve predicted Baines to be the interim boss but the announcement of Coleman, who’s a current first-team player, has come as quite the shock.
The veteran full-back is still very much an integral part of the squad but it appears, for now, he’ll be stepping away from his playing commitments.
Could Jose Mourinho replace Dyche?
Jose Mourinho has been mooted to replace Dyche this week and he will be the obvious front-runner for many.
The Fenerbahce boss has revealed his desire to return to England on a number of occasions and the lure of Everton under new ownership would likely appeal to him.
Though, there will be some obvious concerns around his style of play, which is traditionally quite pragmatic.
Dyche’s defensive tactics have angered fans, so Mourinho might not be the best fit.
However, some Everton supporters have already warmed to the idea of Mourinho.
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