Dyche confident he leaves Toffees in ‘good shape’

Sean Dyche says he did everything he could to “protect the badge” and is confident he has left Everton on a “stable footing” with a team in “good shape”.

Dyche was sacked by new owners Friedkin Group last week hours before an FA Cup tie with Peterborough United.

He left with Everton 16th in the table, winning just three of 19 Premier League games this season, and was replaced by David Moyes.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Dyche said: “It has been an honor to lead Everton, a football club with a significant heritage and huge following in Liverpool and around the world, through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Despite the challenges we have faced faced, I wanted to ensure that the club’s narrative was focused on a positive direction going forward and that the team could focus on competing in the Premier League in the present.

“I thank all the staff, players and everyone involved who played their part, because it simply could not have been possible without their support and expertise. I also thank the fans who helped us many times when we all needed their support.”

“Great respect” for the return of Moyes

He added: “The time has come for me to leave the club, with the team in good shape. David is a manager I have a lot of respect for and I believe he and his staff will help push the club forward again and build on the stable foundations we have laid over the last two years.

“I wish everyone well going forward, including the new owners, who I hope will take the club to the next level and achieve the success that every Evertonian wants.

“My role as a guardian has been fulfilled and I will forever be proud of it. After going through some extremely difficult situations, I never lost faith in everyone around me and we did everything we could to protect the badge, preserve it and the name of Everton Football Club.”

Moyes managed Everton from 2002 to 2013 and his second spell begins tonight when the Toffees host Aston Villa at Goodison Park.