Ex-England boss favourite to replace Dyche in Everton job

Just yesterday Everton confirmed that Dan Friedkin's group have finally reached a deal with Farhad Moshiri to complete a takeover that seemed dead-in-the-water just two months ago.

This news has provided some much-needed positive vibes for a club and most of all, a supporter-base, which has endured so much dreadful bad luck and mis-management over the last few years.

After a season in 2023-24 that had seen two points deductions and a chaotic situation involving the latest of three attempts by investment groups to take control of Everton, the team finally survived again with games to spare.

777 Partners eight month long takeover saga ended in ignominious failure in the early summer leaving the Blues without any clear future.

Dan Friedkin's group had emerged as the new front-runners out of a number of different potential investors and agreed exclusivity with Moshiri.

Then just as it seemed an end to the terribly de-stabilizing uncertainty around the future ownership might finally be resolved, they withdrew over concerns regarding the Toffees precarious debts.

Another American John Textor looked ready to try and make his attempt but his co-ownership of fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace meant that would be difficult and would in any case take a long time to complete.

Well now Friedkin's group have returned and sealed a deal. We must all hope this saga is finally over at last.

If it is, then the next major question is what will the Friedkin group do as the new owners of Everton FC?

Looking at his time as owner of Roma in Italy, then there will be investment to improve the first-team while the owner himself stays out of the limelight.

One of the things that Friedkin's group have done is move swiftly to remove managers when they deem that necessary.

He brought in Jose Mourinho as a marquee managerial signing - although as so often with the controversial Portuguese - it did not last long.

So, inevitably and after what has been another dreadful start to the new season, speculation over Sean Dyche's future has intensified.

The front-runner to succeed Dyche were he to be sacked by the new owner when he takes over, seems to be former England boss Gareth Southgate.

He is out of work following England's defeat to Spain in the 2024 Euros final, the second straight loss in the competition's final after Southgate's side were beaten by Italy at Wembley three years ago.

Former Aston Villa and England player Southgate has overseen a period of uniquely consistent success with the national team, apart of course from matching Alf Ramsey's World Cup win in 1966.

However, there have been increasing criticism of his caution and overly defensive tactics at times and this came to a head in the last Euros tournament, despite England's run to the final.

The Three Lions laboured badly to perform to anything like the level that the squad's talent promised and struggled to show the sort of flair and attacking football fans were hoping for.

For his part the manager seemed considerably affected by these attacks on him and so might not fare too well in the bear-pit of Premier League football, especially with a struggling side on the pitch.

Those sorts of criticisms have been applied to Dyche and his approach ever since he became Everton manager in January 2023. He appears to have a pretty thick skin though and shrugs it off.

Southgate would represent a step up in terms of results at least, if perhaps not in style or excitement.

To be honest, improved results and Premier League survival once more is more desirable than attractive football, at least until this campaign is done.

If the Blues are to replace Dyche though and go for another man perceived to be a conservative coach to replace him, then David Moyes returning to Goodison Park would have plenty of supporters too.

Moyes has the advantage of being a very experienced top flight manager in England after stints at West Ham and of course, eleven seasons as Everton boss.

The Scot had a good spell on Merseyside and in addition, he appears keen to return - if the opportunity arises.

I do not think a manager coming back ever really works and so while Moyes did well to enable Everton to punch above their weight so often during his tenure, I think the club should look at fresh options if Dyche is to go.

Given his past decisions it appears a good bet that Friedkin might well be considering a high-profile coach to take the reins at his brand new club.