As Everton prepare to embark on a new era in their illustrious history with the construction of their new stadium nearing completion, is current boss Sean Dyche the ideal architect of their future success?
The Everton boss is currently contracted until June 2025 at the club, but could see his contract extended to take Everton forward and into their new stadium on the Bramley-Moore Docks.
Despite recent woes including prolonged takeover proceedings, points deductions, and financial struggles, Everton’s horizon has been brightened by Dyche who has steered the team to Premier League survival, offering a glimmer of hope for fans amidst the gloom.
The Toffees’ boss has had to manage during an incredibly difficult time, becoming the first Premier League manager to survive a points deduction without relegation. Dyche has managed to unlock the potential of the fortress that is Goodison Park, with his side winning five consecutive home matches to earn their survival, including a 2-0 win in his first Merseyside derby at home to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Dyche thanked the fans for their impact on keeping Everton in the Premier League after defeating Sheffield United last week:
With the elation surrounding Everton right now, it may be easy to forget the calls for Dyche to lose his job that came not long ago after a 6-0 defeat to Chelsea. Social media has seen ‘#DycheOut’ trending amongst sections of the fanbase on multiple occasions this season, with the Toffees struggling with long droughts without wins at times.
After that defeat to Chelsea however, Dyche threw out his shirt and tie in exchange for an Everton tracksuit, and with his change of style came a change in results. The Toffees have won four out of five games since the outfit swap, dropping only two points in a 1-1 draw against Luton Town away from home.
The ex-Burnley boss might not play the most attractive football Goodison Park has ever seen, but it cannot be denied that Dyche has brought consistency to performances and a sense of stoutness to the football club.
No, Dyche is not immune from criticism, and has made mistakes during his time at Everton so far. However, with uncertainty circulating Everton off the pitch, the current boss can continue to provide stability on the pitch. Permanence in leadership may be exactly what the Toffees need as they look to move home in the near future.
Comparison with former Everton Managers
Evidence of Everton’s improvements under Dyche as opposed to Frank Lampard and Rafael Benitez are clear to see, particularly as the current Blues’ boss has managed to complete the entirety of a Premier League season without being replaced.
The Toffees may not yet be competing higher up the table, but without a points deduction this season they would have finished 12th in the Premier League. Regardless of the points deduction, Dyche has guided Everton comfortably clear of the relegation zone, and with progress generally made in steps rather than leaps in football, it’s clear to see the steady improvement since his appointment.
It’s also worth noting that Dyche is working within the limitations of a thin squad, lacking the talent and capability of those that came before. Under previous bosses, Everton had the financial power to attract stars such as Tim Cahill, Romelu Lukaku and Richarlison, but this is a luxury Dyche has been unable to utilise.
So, with Dyche’s restrictions in mind, how has he compared with those who came before him so far?
Winning matches is crucial in football, but over the course of the season it is also important to ensure that when you fail to win, you still manage to pick up points. Dyche has ticked both boxes during his time at Everton so far, with the Everton boss performing well in both points per game and win percentage.
Dyche is clearly a significant improvement on Lampard and Benitez but falls short of other former Everton managers with his success rate. As previously mentioned, however, this could be due to working with a thin squad.
Crucially, the charts show a lack of permanence at Everton in recent years, with Roberto Martinez the last manager to take charge for more than two entire seasons. If given this time and security in his role to continue to improve the Toffees, Sean Dyche may yet rise above his predecessors.
Are there other options?
Though Dyche’s job is currently secure, if things were to change next season, here are some managers the Toffees could turn to:
David Moyes
The former Everton boss is still the only man to achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League with Everton. The Scotsman is available after recently departing from his role at West Ham.
Roberto Martinez
Another former Everton boss, Martinez achieved Everton’s highest Premier League points tally with 72 points back in 2013/14. The Spaniard is currently in preparation for the UEFA European Championships with Portugal but could be swayed by an Everton offer in the future.
Marcelo Bielsa
The Argentine football philosopher emerged as one of Everton’s first choices before they hired Dyche last season. Despite currently managing the Uruguay national team, Bielsa could be approached in the future.
Wayne Rooney
The two-time Everton star has stepped into management with limited success so far, but has been strongly linked with the Everton job before, and with his strong ties to the club would no doubt make the shortlist once again.
Davide Ancelotti
Everton fans have much love for Davide, son of former boss Carlo, from his time as assistant manager at the club. If the Italian were to step-up into a lead management role himself, Everton could be the perfect place to begin with his strong ties to the club.
What do the fans think?
As can be seen in the poll below, it seems that the majority of fans believe Dyche should have his contract extended at the Toffees:
Matt Smith (@TacticallyMatt on X), writer and podcaster for Everton fan channel ‘A View From The Bullens’, said:
“I think for now it is just let Dyche ride the wave with us, ride the wave with the fans and the uncertain ownership and hopefully in a couple of years he’s steadied the ship where we can look to move on and to progress.”
Listen to the full interview here:
(Featured image used in agreement with Alamy Images)
