Sean Dyche wants to lead Everton out for the first game at their new stadium as he described his job as the hardest in the Premier League.
After years of turmoil, Everton finally received some good news this week when the Friedkin Group agreed to buy the 94.1 per cent controlling stake of Farhad Moshiri. They should become the new owners before the turn of the year.
Manager Dyche has endured a turbulent 21 months in charge, but has not yet had any contact with Dan Friedkin about his plans and does not expect it until the deal is rubber-stamped.
With Dyche’s contract set to expire next summer, there is inevitable speculation about what his future looks like, so it was significant when he said he has no intention of walking away to let someone else reap the benefits of a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
‘Of course I want to be in charge,’ said Dyche. ‘But there is no divine right (for Friedkin) to just go, “Oh well, you are definitely the person to do that”.
Sean Dyche wants to lead Everton out for the first game at their new stadium next season
Everton have endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season under Dyche
Roma owner Dan Friedkin (pictured) is part of an agreement to buy controlling shares in Everton
‘If not, then that is the way it goes. All I can guarantee is my own hard work, working with others, helping others the best I can and trying to balance out a situation.
‘I have learned so much from being in the game, from so many twists and turns.’
A big section of Everton fans have not warmed to Dyche and his popularity has not been helped by a poor start to the season, which sees them in the relegation zone with just one point from five games.
But it is often overlooked what he has to contend with behind the scenes — the constant worry about profit-and-sustainability regulations, selling players to keep the finances ticking over and replenishing the squad without the budget some of his predecessors had.
Everton will move from Goodison Park to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium (pictured)
Many would say Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag has the hardest job in the Premier League, but Dyche believes his challenges are unlike any that his peers are experiencing.
‘Here, you are a bit of a lone voice,’ he said. ‘I’m trying to answer everything as best I can and I am trying to get the team to win some games. It has been a tough job and remains a tough job.
‘Pep (Guardiola) will be sitting there saying, “I’ve got to win three trophies this season”. His version of tough is different.
‘But, yes — this is a very tough job, Everton Football Club, from the minute I walked in and it remains it now. And, yes, the experience will be valid at some point.’