'Inevitable' - Henry Winter shares Dyche & Thelwell verdict after Everton takeover

Henry Winter believes The Friedkin Group’s “inevitable” focus on Everton will be deciding on the futures of Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell.

The Friedkin Group completed the long-awaited takeover of the Toffees on Thursday [19 December], with Sean Dyche under pressure at Goodison Park.

However, Dyche’s future is yet to be decided alongside Thelwell’s, but Winter believes the supporters will have clarity soon.

In a post via X [19 December], the respected journalist put the future of the Everton pair under the microscope.

He said: “Understandable relief and excitement amongst Everton fans at The Friedkin Group takeover. One of English football’s most historic and famous clubs needs some stability, ambition and investment.

“Fans deserve hope for the future after all the chaos and uncertainty. Their passion a major attraction to the buyers, who see how deeply people care about their Club. It’s the backing in the darkest times that mark the best supports out.

“Inevitable focus now on futures of Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell (whose contracts expire next summer). Friedkins’ record at Roma shows a turnover of coaches/execs.

“Dyche’s football doesn’t excite Everton fans but he deserves credit for keeping them up despite points deductions and a shoestring budget. Last six windows have shown how the club have reined in spending after poor recruitment previously and PSR scares.

“In the summer 2022 window, Everton spent £83.1m (inc £39.0 on Amadou Onana, £17m McNeil, £11.8m Maupay, £10.4m Garner) received £58m (for Richarlison) and were down £25.1m. Spent nothing in January 23, but received £45.6m (for Gordon). Summer 23: spent £40.5m (inc £25m on Beto), received £82.8m (for Kean, Iwobi, Gray) net balance £42.3m. January 2024: didn’t spend or sell. Last summer, Everton spent £50.2m (inc £19.5m for O’Brien, £18m Ndiaye, £10.7m Iroegbunam), received £83.7m (inc £59.4m for Onana, £12m Godfrey and £11.8m Dobbin) so were up £33.5m. Since 2022/23 Everton paid £173.8m in transfer fees, received £270.1m, net balance of +£96.3m. No other PL club comes close.

“How many recent signings have been inspired? Definitely Ndiaye. Squad needs strengthening, especially another goalscorer. Fans will want more expansive football, but staying up, keeping Everton heading to Bramley Moore Dock with Premier League status intact is Dyche’s main remit. Dyche may well go but he should go with thanks and understanding of the financial strictures he worked under.”

TFG to decide on Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell at Everton

While Everton supporters will rejoice that the Merseyside outfit is now in capable hands, the real work for Dyche to prove he can remain the leader at Goodison Park begins now.

The Blues boss is coming back off an impressive 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates [14 December], but his side remains far from safe in the Premier League with only a six-point gap to the relegation zone.

Furthermore, he will welcome Premier League high-flyers Chelsea to Merseyside on Sunday [22 December] before clashes against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest before the New Year.

Everton will not be expected to pick up many points from the fixtures ahead but if Dyche can end 2024 with a bang, he will undoubtedly be in good stead with Dan Friedkin.

However, Thelwell has not been void of criticism this season; despite the financial constraints placed upon him by former majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, his summer exploits have fallen flat.

Iliman Ndiaye is the sole summer recruit who can be considered a success at Goodison Park, albeit Orel Mangala has produced some impressive performances for the Blues, but Jake O’Brien has struggled for minutes since his arrival, and the less said about Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison, the better.

TFG are set to exact change on Merseyside with the fortune to match – whether Dyche and Thelwell will be allowed to continue in their current roles remains to be seen, but if history is anything to by, the prospect of one and/or both staying put is doubtful.

In other Everton news, the Blues takeover is already in action as a transfer bid is readied for an Arsenal player.

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