David Moyes is reportedly open to returning to Everton following the dismissal of Sean Dyche just hours before the club’s FA Cup third-round match against Peterborough, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
The Toffees made the surprising decision to part ways with Dyche on the day of the game, leaving club captain Seamus Coleman and former defender Leighton Baines to take charge of the team.
However, the decision to dismiss Dyche had been under consideration for several days. Everton’s owners, The Friedkin Group, are now moving swiftly to secure a new manager as they aim to secure their Premier League status and transition into their new stadium.
Sources: Dyche Held Talks with TFG
GIVEMESPORT has learned that The Friedkin Group deliberated over a potential managerial change earlier in the week after Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Dyche met with the board during this period and expressed his belief that he had taken the team as far as he could. This sentiment was shared by the ownership, leading to the decision to make an immediate change.
Although Dyche has been respected for his efforts over the past two years, the new American owners deemed a managerial switch necessary given the current circumstances.
Difficult negotiations ensued regarding a compensation package, as Dyche refused to resign.
Sources confirmed that a settlement was eventually reached, though it fell short of the full amount owed under his contract, which was set to expire in the summer.
Succession planning had already begun ahead of Dyche’s contract expiration, but The Friedkin Group now feels ready to accelerate the process.
A rapid appointment is expected as the club looks to stabilize its situation. Meanwhile, Everton players were reportedly unaware of Dyche’s departure until the day of the Peterborough game, though several members of his backroom staff bid farewell to other non-playing employees prior to the match.
Sources: Moyes Open to Everton Return
With the search for a replacement underway, David Moyes has emerged as a key candidate. The former Everton manager, who is currently a free agent, is said to be open to a return to the club where he spent 11 successful years.
While recent reports suggested that Graham Potter was also under consideration, GIVEMESPORT sources have denied that he was approached. Potter instead signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with West Ham earlier this week.
Additionally, Jose Mourinho’s name was floated as a potential option, but sources confirm he is not being considered due to his prior relationship with The Friedkin Group at AS Roma, which ended poorly.
Gareth Southgate has also been linked to the role, though he has made it clear he is not interested in taking on a mid-season job. Meanwhile, former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca is believed to be interested in the position after departing Milan last week.
