The jury is certainly still out for Everton’s boss at the minute, despite his work in dragging the club towards a position of relative safety.
Such is the fickle nature of modern football, an impossibly poor run of 13 Premier League games without a win has seen some fans turn on Sean Dyche, likely forgetting how, were it not for him, the Toffees would surely be dead and buried by now.
The former Burnley boss inherited a mess, and has stabilised what little departments he can whilst improving others tenfold.
And yet, despite that progress, a ten-point deduction, later reduced to six, paints a far harsher picture on the actual table.
That has even led to some calling for his head, even during Tuesday night’s match at St James’ Park.
Alan Stubbs issues Sean Dyche sacking verdict
Although the Toffees would eventually snatch a late draw, well-earned after a much-improved second half, Alan Stubbs was swift to react as his side fell behind.
Having failed to lay a glove on the hosts, it was insanely frustrating to see Everton once again enforce the same tactics that have failed for months now, unsurprisingly with little success.
It was only when he took a risk, making a triple change and altering the formation, that they began playing properly.
However, Stubbs’ reaction had come way before that, when replying to a fan’s question on X. Having been asked about his thoughts on potentially sacking Dyche, he offered his verdict: ‘Not sure if it’s too late now but something’s got to change on the pitch for sure ( and off it also ) as we seem well of it and devoid of ideas, direction and belief!!’
Everton could do no better than Sean Dyche right now
There are a few outstanding issues with potentially sacking Dyche.
Not only is there nobody actually at the top of the club ready and able to dismiss the manager, but also there are precious few funds free as well, given Farhad Moshiri’s anonymity.
With the Iranian having seemingly completely pulled the plug on all finances, the unsustainable mess he has forged is unsurprisingly collapsing.
And yet, he is content just waltzing off, blissfully unaware, or unbothered, with the chaos he is set to leave in Merseyside.
Such is the tumultuous nature of the job, and the two aforementioned and rather glaring issues with sacking Dyche, who could they possibly get?
Even if they could tempt a decent improvement for the dugout, how are Everton going to first pay off the rest of their current managers contract, and then employ a new gaffer likely on higher wages?
These are factors many fail to consider when reacting emotionally, without rationale or forethought. This club is a poisoned chalice, and at this current moment in time can do no better than Dyche.
Like it or not, he is here to either keep Everton up or take Everton down. There will be no saviour from anywhere other than within this team now.