David Moyes is the frontrunner to take over from Sean Dyche at Everton. The Merseyside club are contemplating a reunion with their former boss after new owners, The Friedkin Group, decided to part ways with Dyche.
Negotiations are set to commence on Friday with sit-down formal talks with the former Toffees boss, who blossomed in reputation during his days at Goodison Park.
The decision to sack Dyche was officially announced just three hours and 11 minutes before Everton’s FA Cup third round clash against Peterborough, with further discussions planned with Moyes on Friday. It is understood Moyes is ready and willing to return as manager, on the condition that the agreement doesn’t simply run until the end of the current season.
Dyche, 53, had been informed earlier in the week that his position was precarious, culminating in decisive talks on Thursday afternoon.
The Toffees have managed only one victory in their last 11 games and sit precariously above the relegation zone following losses to Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
Despite overseeing training in the morning, Dyche’s fate had been sealed in the preceding days. He had engaged in talks with TFG, during which he suggested that he had taken the club as far as possible.
This prompted the US firm to start looking for a replacement and initiate compensation discussions with Dyche, believing he had effectively resigned. However, when Dyche reiterated his sentiments in a meeting on Thursday afternoon, the decision was made to relieve him of his duties ahead of the Peterborough match.
His coaching team, including Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer, were also let go. It is understood that a compensation agreement has been reached.
Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman promptly stood in as joint acting first team coaches for the Peterborough Cup tie.
The players were stationed at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool city centre when they were informed of the managerial change just prior to an official statement being released by the club. It remains unclear whether Dyche himself broke the news or if he had already left the hotel.
Dyche, who took over from Frank Lampard in January 2023, successfully steered the Toffees clear of relegation that season and the next. Now, TFG is shifting its focus towards finding a successor, with Moyes slated for a swift appointment.
Insiders believe he could be a suitable fit, possibly on a temporary basis initially. Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed by TFG as Roma boss last year, is not being considered.
Moyes, 61, served as Everton boss from March 2002 until June 2013, managing over 500 games and leading the club to a top-four finish in 2004-05. Despite stumbling in the Champions League qualifiers, it remains their highest Premier League finish.
The Scot has been jobless since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, and his availability without the need for compensation is another draw for TFG.
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