Nottingham Forest fans need to know these three things about Sean Dyche’s time at Everton
Former Everton boss Sean Dyche looks set to become the new Nottingham Forest manager.
Dyche was sacked by Everton in January, but he may return to the Premier League, just nine months after his Merseyside exit.
Dyche has verbally agreed to take over after Ange Postecoglou was sacked on 18 October after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, per Sky Sports.
He will join a Forest side that sits 18th in the top-flight, with just five points from their opening eight matches.
Here, Goodison News looks at everything that Forest fans need to know about his time at Goodison Park.
Get used to hearing about the hard yards – and other Everton catchphrases
Dyche’s management style was often derided in his time at Everton, but he will get the players at the City Ground back to the basics.
He constantly emphasises phrases such as “the hard yards”, “putting a shift in” and “creating the culture” to try and get his message across.
That message is one of hard work and commitment, getting the fundamental aspects of the game right, teamwork and defensive stability, rather than focusing on flair and individual brilliance.
That was central to his approach when he guided Everton to safety on multiple occasions, before he was dismissed.
His side will be rigid defensively and direct – with a particular focus on set pieces
Dyche sets his side up to be defensive and direct, and there is no suggestion that will change if he takes over at the City Ground.
He will utilise Chris Wood’s presence up front as an outlet, after his side have defended resolutely to keep themselves in the game.
There will be a focus on set-pieces at both ends. Forest will be more dangerous in attacking situations and solid from defensive ones.
The Sofascore graphic below shows that Dyche’s side were exactly that.
Dyche can actually play expansive football – although he never really with Everton
Dyche is associated with negative, defensive football, but he can play an expansive, attacking style once his side have got the basics down.
Everton supporters were provided a glimpse of that in his first game in charge in February 2023 when they beat Arsenal 1-0.
There were further examples where the Blues created a huge amount of expected goals but could not convert their chances in his second season in charge.
However, it was not a regular feature in L4 due to the circumstances, as the Toffees were constantly in relegation battles.
His initial focus will be securing a solid foundation, given the position that Forest are in right, but then he may start to utilise the attacking talent at his disposal, if they rise up the table.
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