LONDON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Everton announced on Thursday that it has sacked coach Sean Dyche as it looks to turn its season around.
"Everton football club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as senior men's first team manager with immediate effect," confirmed the club in a statement, which said Dyche's assistants, Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also departed.
Dyche leaves his job after a 1-0 defeat away to Bournemouth, which leaves Everton 16th in the Premier League, although the timing of the move is surprising, with Everton playing Peterborough in the FA Cup third round the same evening.
Former player Leighton Baines, who currently coaches Everton's under-18 side, has been put in temporary charge, with the club announcing it is starting its search for a permanent replacement.
53-year-old Dyche leaves after just under two seasons in charge after replacing Frank Lampard, with Everton mired in the relegation zone and he led it to safety in the 2022-23 season, with a 15th-place finish last season.
Although Everton has been solid in defense this campaign, it has struggled to score goals, netting just 15 times in 19 league games.
The sacking comes after the Friedkin Group completed its takeover of the club that will move to a new 60,000-seat stadium in the summer. ■
