Everton manager Sean Dyche said the Toffees’ new chief executive Marc Watts was “fully supportive” after a “very casual” meeting at the club’s training ground on Friday.
Watts, appointed after Friedkin Group completed its purchase of the club from Farhad Moshiri on Thursday, met with Dyche and women’s team manager Brian Sorensen and held a meeting with other staff.
“Aside from winning games – which all managers have to do – they have made it clear they have nothing but support for me,” Dyche said.
“It was about pushing the format forward. They fully support me, the employees and the team in the future. There is nothing but support and no other thoughts about anything else.
“I haven’t said too much about what I want. They asked questions about what I had learned in my time and the overall feel of the club.”
▶️ Sean Dyche confirms he met with our new CEO 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 “clarified”
Former Watford and Burnley manager Dyche has been part of a tumultuous period at Everton since his appointment in January 2023, starting with saving the club from relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
Everton were deducted a total of eight points last season for breaching Premier League financial rules 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 games and Dyche would not elaborate on whether he expects to take charge when they move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley. Moore Dock moving next season.
▶️ Dwight McNeil is ready to play for this weekend’s home game against Chelsea after missing last weekend’s tie with a knee injury, while James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam are on the pitch continuing to improve their fitness 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Im3X4iRVqI
– Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2024
“It’s not an immediate change, but it would be good if it was a little more stable than it has been since I arrived,” he said of the takeover.
“The possible change of ownership has now been clarified. There is no magic wand, but it would be nice to know that (my) hard work is for a good reason. I hope it brings a positive atmosphere to the team.”
Dyche: Everton’s finances are ‘very important’
“Most things on the pitch support them… they don’t get too involved in those things,” Dyche added.
“It was very informal to question each other and clarify the club’s financial situation, which is very important for the future.”
Chelsea visit Goodison Park on Sunday (2pm BST) where Everton will look to improve their one-win streak in seven games by winning consecutive home games.
