Friedkin Group “has nothing but support for me,” says Dyche

Everton manager Sean Dyche has said new Toffees chief executive Marc Watts has his “full support” after 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 Dyche and women’s team manager Brian Sorensen, as well as holding a meeting with other members of the staff

“Apart from winning games, which all managers have to do, they’ve made it very clear that they have nothing but support for me,” Dyche said.

“It was about the format moving forward. I’m fully supported, the staff and the team going forward… nothing but support and no second thoughts about anything else.

“I haven’t said too much about what I want. They were asking questions about what I’ve learned in my time and the general feel of the club.”

▶️ Sean Dyche confirms he met with our new Chief Executive Marc Watts today and talks about the positive feeling from yesterday’s acquisition announcement 🔵 pic.twitter.com/gK7XcMGMP0

— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2024

Friedkin Group: Everton takeover ‘tidy’

Former Watford and Burnley manager Dyche has been part of a turbulent period at Everton since being appointed in January 2023, starting with the club avoiding relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 season.

Everton were deducted a total of eight points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules last season but finished 14 points above the relegation zone.

They are currently three points adrift of third-placed Ipswich Town, having won three of their opening 15 league games, and there will be no stopping Dyche if they hope to be on top when they move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium in 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 tie with a knee injury while James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are on the turf as they continue building your fitness 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Im3X4iRVqI

— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2024

“It’s not an immediate change, but it would be nice if it was a little more stable than it’s been since I got here,” he said of the acquisition.

“The possible change of owners is now resolved. There is no magic wand, but it would be nice to know (my) hard work has been for a good reason. I hope he brings a positive mood to the team.”

Dyche: Everton finance ‘very important’

“Most things on the pitch support them … they don’t get too involved in that side of things,” Dyche added.

“It was very serendipitous, picking other people’s brains and making the club’s financial position clear is very important for the future.”

Chelsea visit Goodison Park on Sunday (14:00 BST), when Everton will look to improve a seven-game winning streak by winning back-to-back home games.