Everton release incredibly blunt statement confirming Sean Dyche's departure just hours before FA Cup match

Everton have released a statement confirming the departure of Sean Dyche.

With Everton currently 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, the Toffees have taken action.

On Thursday afternoon, just hours before Everton's FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough, it was confirmed that Dyche is no longer in charge.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.

"Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the Club."

It continued: "The process to appoint a new manager is under way and an update will be provided in due course.

"Under-18s Head Coach Leighton Baines and Club Captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis."

Dyche was appointed back in January of 2023 and managed to keep them above the relegation zone with a final-day win over Bournemouth.

There were encouraging results last month after they managed to remain undefeated against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. However, a 1-0 defeat by the Cherries last weekend which signalled the end of Dyche's tenure at Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche has left Everton. Image: Getty

Speaking after the match, the 53-year-old was full of praise for Andoni Iraola's side: "They've had a very good season, they are a very strong side, particularly here. I thought the first half was a close affair, but we weren't where we wanted to be so I made changes for the second half.

"I thought we were stronger in the second half and we got into key areas and, as has been the challenge since I've been at the club, finding that last moment when people pass when they could shoot, or the final cross and the final finish, we don't find that."

Everton will return to Premier League action next week when they take on Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.