Everton facing decision time with Dyche 'on borrowed time'
- Published
The sight of Everton manager Sean Dyche applauding a virtually empty visitors' section at the end of 4-0 thrashing at Manchester United told another sorry tale at a club locked in endless crisis.
Dyche and Everton's fans seem locked in a loveless relationship, his style and approach heavily criticised. And the manager himself seems on borrowed time while American billionaire Dan Friedkin awaits approval for his takeover.
Everton lie 15th in the table, have won only two out of 13 league games and have not scored in their past four games. They have been painful viewing, the feeling among supporters crossing between anger and apathy.
Dyche deserves respect for keeping Everton in the Premier League in the face of a total points reduction of eight last season, a financial crisis and an elongated takeover process which now finally seems to be reaching a conclusion with the departure of Farhad Moshiri and the arrival of Friedkin.
This season, however, has seen the mood turn sour and speculation is growing as to how long Dyche can survive after the Old Trafford humiliation, which leads into a set of daunting fixtures.
The ideal scenario for Friedkin would arguably have been for Dyche to see Everton safe this season then depart for the new owner's chosen replacement when his contract expires in the summer.
Recent events, however, have increased the sense of nervousness around Goodison Park as the idea of entering the magnificent new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in the Championship at the start of next season is unthinkable.
After Everton play fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Wednesday (19:30 GMT), they face a Merseyside derby against rampant Premier League leaders Liverpool at Goodison Park before a visit to Arsenal then a home date with Chelsea.
Everton could be in very deep trouble after that and emergency action may be the only option.
The club is trapped in a vacuum, with Moshiri effectively owner in name only as he waits to get out. Friedkin is an owner in waiting, so it is hard to see how any significant decisions such as a change of manager can be made even if this was the desired option.
What is clear is that the next few days and weeks will bring decision time even closer and Dyche needs results fast - starting against Wolves.