Everton journalist shares update on claim club don’t want Sean Dyche quizzed on John Textor
Everton did not tell Giulia Bould she could not ask Sean Dyche questions about the potential John Textor takeover.
The BBC Sport journalist responded via X on 12 September to the claim that the Toffees don’t want the manager quizzed about the prospective new owner.
The Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas reported a typed statement attributed to Colin Chong was handed out five minutes before Dyche was set to arrive to his pre-match press conference ahead of the return to action against Aston Villa
The statement delayed the start [Echo, 12 September] and seemingly delivered a pre-emptive response to Textor’s public comments about his proposed takeover, given to Sky Sports on 11 September and then in a press conference at Lyon the same day [Le Progres].
However, to the suggestion Everton don’t want Dyche asked about his possible new boss Bould wrote: “I wasn’t told I couldn’t for reference”.
Farhad Moshiri in exclusive Everton takeover talks
Chong’s move to come out and play down how advanced a Textor takeover is has led to some fears among fans that the deal could collapse, as Dan Friedkin’s did before him, but Sky Sports’ Alan Myers, who conducted the recent interview, has claimed it shouldn’t.
Everton can often be criticised for their handling of all manner of issues but putting out a club statement on the takeover rather than leaving Dyche to deal with it all is arguably one of their better moves.
Textor’s enthusiasm in discussing his attempts to buy the club is unusual but probably welcome for fans who have often been left in the dark through four other exclusivity agreements over the past couple of years.
He believes he can do within a month according to The Guardian on 10 September but is expected to take a lot longer to complete if he does seal a deal with Farhad Moshiri.
While Dyche’s opinion on the situation will be wanted either way, not least when his job has been discussed, it makes no sense for him to be expected to field all enquiries about something that is going on above his head.
After the 777 Partners debacle the club need to provide as much transparency as is possible, so preventing questions being asked would be a terrible move.
Textor’s eagerness to speak to the media might help lead some to believe he isn’t a serious candidate to end up in charge [Paul Brown, 29 August], but if it forces the club to provide more insight from their side it is likely a positive.
Until he sells his 45% Crystal Palace share there will be major doubts that he can see this through, but clearly he is confident even if others aren’t yet.
In other Everton news, a finance expert has advised a Chelsea chief to now step in and takeover the Toffees.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.