Leighton Baines verdict shared as Sean Dyche replacement mooted at Everton
Chris Beesley has offered his verdict on whether or not Leighton Baines could replace Sean Dyche as Everton manager.
The Blues boss has come under pressure from supporters and pundits alike so far this season, particularly after the Toffees’ disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday (2 November).
While Dyche is expected to remain in charge until at least the end of the season [Phil McNulty, 4 November], Liverpool Echo journalist Beesley doesn’t think former Blues great Baines is ready for the step up at this stage.
Speaking on the Royal Blue YouTube channel (6 November, 11:30) he said: “Everyone’s opinion is welcomed and valued.
“I think some of these ideas, Baines is a very young coach learning his way with the Under-18s. I don’t think he’s particularly confident about speaking to the media at this moment in time and at this stage of his coaching career.
“As much as they’re Everton icons as well, Duncan Ferguson and David Unsworth, their managerial CVs should not be anywhere near Everton or any Premier League club. Sorry, no.
“You need saving from yourself if you’re coming out with these as solutions.”
Will Everton sack Sean Dyche amid Goodison Park exit speculation?
Everton fans are well within their rights to believe that the time has come to sack Dyche, but there is little to suggest Baines would be the right man to step into the fold and replace him at Goodison Park.
The left-back was an excellent footballer during his playing days and while he is well thought of in the academy set-up, he doesn’t have the credentials to step in and help guide this team to Premier League safety.
The same can be said of both Ferguson and Unsworth. Yes, Ferguson had a brief stint in charge in and around the Carlo Ancelotti era on Merseyside, but he didn’t exactly tear up trees in difficult stances with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
If these are the options available to the decision-makers at Goodison Park at this stage, they would be better off standing by Dyche and backing him at least until the end of the season.
At least the former Burnley boss has plenty of experience of keeping teams in the Premier League.
In other Everton news, one player the Toffees are interested in is set to exit during the January transfer window
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