Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend moot "sign of desperation" at Everton. Credit: talkSPORT
Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend moot "sign of desperation" at Everton. Credit: talkSPORT

Ally McCoist moots 'Sign of desperation' at Everton live on talkSPORT

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Sean Dyche must avoid throwing Everton academy players into the starting XI in an attempt to turn fortunes around at Goodison Park, Ally McCoist has said.

This came after Toffees fan, Graham, called into talkSPORT to complain about the starting XI selections, mainly pointing out defender Michael Keane as a liability at Goodison Park.

Dyche has come under heavy pressure since the beginning of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with the Blues sitting bottom of the table with zero points, but he has been told not to throw young players into the mix.

Speaking via talkSPORT on Monday (16 September), Andy Townsend said: "A lot of managers wouldn't just throw caution to the wind and start chucking in younger lads in a scenario which is difficult."

In response, McCoist said: "It could kill them, Andy. It's far easier to throw a kid into a good situation when the team is doing well. I know there can be a sign of desperation as well but you can damage the kid."

Sean Dyche pressure mounts as Everton continue to struggle

Dyche has rarely been one to promote youth players to his senior squad during his time at Goodison Park, with veterans such as Keane and Ashley Young keeping their spots in the team.

With the Toffees in a dire predicament, claiming zero points from a possible 12 and suffering back-to-back 3-2 comeback defeats against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, he has now been warned.

Full-back Roman Dixon was given an opportunity to shine in the first team, being called up to face Tottenham, and he is the only argument against Townsend and McCoist's point.

Sean Dyche
Everton manager Sean Dyche [Credit: Imago]

It is clear that something needs to change for Dyche's side to improve their fortunes, though, having scored just four goals and conceded 13 in their first four matches of the league campaign.

While fresh faces could provide the Toffees with more talents, it is unlikely that deploying youngsters will help them escape the dreaded dropzone.

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