Alan Shearer and Micah Richards baffled by ‘Bizarre’ Everton news, ‘Crazy’
Alan Shearer could not believe Sean Dyche was sacked just hours before the FA Cup clash between Everton and Peterborough United on Thursday.
The Toffees announced the decision to part ways with the 53-year-old three hours before kick-off at Goodison Park on 9 January, leaving Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in charge.
Dyche has been under immense pressure for several months, with his side sitting 16th in the Premier League table, only above the relegation zone by one point.
Speaking via The Rest is Football podcast [10 January], Shearer said: “As soon as a takeover happens, new owners look for a new manager and a change in direction.
“I know football is crazy sometimes but to sack someone 2/3 hours before kick-off, given he probably named his lineup to the team, and then finds himself sacked. It’s a bizarre situation. It’s a massive gamble.
“Say what you want about the football – it wasn’t a good watch and they didn’t score very many goals – but there’s no doubt in my mind is the most important thing for Everton is staying up. He [Dyche] would have guaranteed that. Now, I think it’s a huge gamble.”
Micah Richards added: “I feel it’s a mistake letting Dyche go because he’s the best-equipped to keep them in the Premier League. I would understand if it was done at the end of the season but I agree with Alan that it’s a massive gamble now.”
Everton taking a gamble to sack Sean Dyche?
Dyche has been backed ever since being sacked by The Friedkin Group on Thursday, which seems strange following the amount of criticism he has received over the last few months.
Having led the Toffees to just one point above the Premier League’s relegation zone, the mounting pressure on Dyche is absolutely deserved and it was only a matter of time before he was let go.
The former Burnley man has been linked with an exit for several weeks, suggesting that TFG gave him the chance to turn things around, but there have been signs of anything changing at Goodison Park.
Of course, Dyche accomplished many things during his short spell on Merseyside, seeing him become a favourite figure at Goodison Park last season, but football is all about results.
Had the Toffees continued living in the past, one of TFG’s first challenges with their new club would have been to get them out of the Championship following their exile from the top division.
In other Everton news, Joey Barton reacted to a “disgraceful” post following controversy versus Peterborough United.
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