The Friedkin Group completed their Everton takeover in December 2024.
Only a few weeks into their tenure, the American investors made the bold decision to sack Sean Dyche.
It was a heavily scrutinised decision among the neutral crowd, but Everton fans felt it was the right time for Dyche to go.
Everton showing an interest in Jacob Murphy… does that inspire you Toffees fans? 🤔
The Friedkins replaced him with David Moyes, and it turned out to be a very good appointment, as the Toffees stayed up with ease and pushed for Europe the following year.
But it could’ve been so different, as they were considering two other managers before they went for Moyes.
Everton could’ve appointed Graham Potter or Lee Carsley in January 2025
According to Sky Sports, Everton were competing with West Ham United for the appointment of Graham Potter before Moyes returned to the club.
Potter was most recently Chelsea manager at that time and was still held in high regard by most Premier League supporters, despite being sacked by Todd Boehly.
Potter was in talks with the Friedkins, but he ended up joining West Ham, who sacked him nine months later.
Looking back, Everton got away with one, as he probably wouldn’t have been a good fit for the group of players at Finch Farm.
As well as Potter, Lee Carsley was also being linked to Goodison Park after impressing with England’s under-21s and first team.
Carsley, who made 198 appearances for the club as a player, would’ve implemented a possession-based style of play and looked to bring front-footed football.
That would’ve been a risky approach in the relegation battle, but at this stage of the project, it may have worked really well.
Anyhow, the Friedkins made the correct decision in bringing back Moyes, but he must now guide the club back into Europe if he is to get a new contract.
The 63-year-old’s current deal expires next summer, so this may be his final season on Merseyside depending on how successful he is.
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