Everton has parted ways with men’s first-team manager Sean Dyche. The decision has come as a shock to the football world, as Dyche is known for helping teams regain their Premier League status.

It marks the first major decision of Everton’s new owners, the Friedkin Group.

The club announced in a statement: “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.”

The assistant coaches were also dismissed. The club added: “Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer have also left the Club.”

The 53-year-old had helped the Toffees avoid relegation for two consecutive seasons. In 2023, he guided them to safety on the final day of the season, and last season, he retained their Premier League status despite a massive points deduction.

Everton are currently 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. However, that does not tell the full story, as Dyche managed to secure results against three of the league’s biggest teams: Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

Former Everton player Andros Townsend criticized the Friedkin Group’s decision to sack Dyche. Speaking to the BBC, Townsend said:

“I think Evertonians, over this past decade, have had a maverick owner who made decisions on a whim, who ignored advice, and didn’t really think about the short-term or long-term plan. By the end of it, the fans were desperate to get him out.”

“You’ve got this new group coming in, there’s all this positivity. Fans are saying they’re going to get their club back, and then they make a decision like this.”

“Whether it’s the right or wrong decision, it’s three hours before kick-off in an FA Cup game. It’s a man who has saved you from relegation the last two years—one with a points deduction—yet somehow managed to keep them up, and this is how you treat him.”

“For me, right or wrong decision, it’s major, major red flags long-term for this new ownership group.”

The Friedkin Group aims to appoint a new manager before Everton’s next Premier League fixture. They see former head coach David Moyes as a potential replacement for Dyche.