Everton manager Sean Dyche has said new Toffees executive chairman Marc Watts is “fully supportive” of him following a “very casual” meeting at the club’s training ground on Friday.
Watts, who has been appointed following the completion of the Friedkin Group’s purchase of the club from Farhad Moshiri on Thursday, met with Dyche and women’s team manager Brian Sorensen, as well as holding a meeting with other staff.
“Other than winning games – which all managers need to do – they have made it quite clear they have nothing but support for me,” said Dyche.
“It was about the format moving forward. They are fully supportive of me, the staff and the team going forward… there is nothing but support and no other thoughts on anything else.
“I haven’t said too much about what I want. They were asking questions about what I have learnt in my time and the overall feel of the club.”
▶️ Sean Dyche confirms he met with our new Executive Chairman Marc Watts today and talks about the positive feeling from yesterday’s takeover announcement 🔵 pic.twitter.com/gK7XcMGMP0
— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2024
Friedkin Group: Everton takeover ‘sorted’
Former Watford and Burnley boss Dyche has been part of a turbulent period at Everton since being appointed in January 2023, starting with steering the club clear of relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
Everton were deducted a total of eight points for breaching Premier League financial rules last season but finished 14 points above the relegation zone.
They are currently three points clear of third-bottom Ipswich Town after winning three of their first 15 league matches, and Dyche would not dwell on whether he expects to be in charge when they move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
▶️ Dwight McNeil is touch and go for this weekend’s game at home to Chelsea after missing last weekend’s draw with a knee injury while James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are on the grass as they continue building their fitness 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Im3X4iRVqI
— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2024
“It is not an immediate change but it would be good if it is a little bit more stable than it has been since I got here,” he said of the takeover.
“The possible change of owners is now sorted. There is no magic wand but it would be nice to know [my] hard work has been for good reason. I hope it brings a positive mood to the team.”
Dyche: Everton finances ‘very important’
“Most of the on-the-pitch stuff, they are supportive of… they are not getting too involved in that side of things,” added Dyche.
“It was very casual, picking each other’s brains and making clear the financial position of the club is very important going forward.”
Chelsea visit Goodison Park on Sunday (2pm BST), when Everton will seek to improve upon a run of one victory in seven matches by winning consecutive home games.
