Theo Walcott shares honest verdict on Sean Dyche decision at Everton

Everton are "reaping the rewards" from keeping faith with Sean Dyche as they prepare to face Newcastle on 5 October, according to Theo Walcott.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (5 October, 2:16pm), the former Toffees winger said that Dyche is the "perfect" manager to handle the club's constantly-changing circumstances both on and off the field.

The Blues take on Newcastle at Goodison Park following their first Premier League win of the season against Crystal Palace last time out, and Walcott backed their good fortunes to continue.

He said: "They've stuck with Sean, which I think is really important to do.

"We talk about managers that are learning to adapt their game – Sean Dyche is the perfect example, he can adapt it, and that's with bags and bags of experience.

"I just think positive energy is starting to come out of Everton, and they're reaping the rewards right now."

Rejuvenated Everton face tough Newcastle United test

While the Toffees' 2-1 win over Palace last time out will have lifted a huge weight of pressure off Dyche's back, it will be reapplied with interest if his side are on the end of a heavy defeat against Newcastle.

The Magpies sit seventh in the table following a deserved 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City last time out, and will be no easy beats for the Blues having produced their best performance of the season.

All four of the Toffees' points may have come in their last two games, showing signs of progression, but that's caveated by their respective opponents, Leicester City and Crystal Palace, both being yet to win themselves.

Another draw against an opponent with high-flying ambitions would certainly not be the worst of results for Dyche's side, but still won't do much to get away from the Premier League's bottom three.

Dan Friedkin's takeover in the background on Merseyside may well steady the ship off-field, but with his job reportedly still on the line [HITC, 21 September], it remains to be seen if Dyche can do the same at Goodison Park.

In other Everton news, one potential replacement for Dyche in the Goodison dugout has already named his top transfer target.

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