The catastrophic mistake Everton's new owners must avoid amid latest intriguing manager update
Everton’s new owners are said to be already thinking of a new manager, but they need to be careful.
Gareth Southgate is reportedly the main candidate to replace Everton’s Sean Dyche, should he be sacked amid their poor run of form, with the club’s new owners keen to bring the ex-England manager back to club football. The temptation to appoint Southgate is strong, and discussions are already rumoured to be underway. However, as tempting as the idea may be, there’s a need to tread carefully.
Everton are in a relegation battle, and let's not kid ourselves - even though it's just five games into the season, it’s already clear they are in trouble. They need someone who knows how to fight and keep the team up - former boss David Moyes has been touted as a possible option - before investment can have an impact. Here’s why the talks surrounding Southgate have cooled:
Lack of high-level club experience
Southgate's only major club management experience was with Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009, where he was ultimately sacked after their relegation from the Premier League. Everton need a manager with extensive and crucially, recent experience in handling the day-to-day pressures of a club, particularly one in need of immediate improvement.
Andros Townsend, who was at Everton two seasons ago, told BBC Sport that if there was one manager who could stay calm and assured amidst the chaos, it would be Dyche, because he's "been there and done it." Townsend claimed that, during a relegation battle, Frank Lampard panicked, while Dyche looked the players in the eye and reassured them they would be fine. Last season, despite a points deduction, Everton stayed up comfortably in the end.
Lack of experience in the transfer market
One of the reasons Everton have struggled lately is poor recruitment, including signings like Dele Alli, and the mishandling of the sale of Richarlison. Southgate hasn't been involved in club football for a while, and he may not be the sharpest operator in the transfer market. Everton need a manager with modern transfer dealings expertise, negotiation skills, and an ability to identify players who fit the club's needs in the current Premier League environment.
Tactical issues
Another concern with Southgate is his tactical approach. While he's one of the nicest figures in football and knows how to foster professionalism in players, his style of play has been criticised as too cautious. With England, there were frequent debates about playing with the "handbrake on." Another overly defensive setup could frustrate Everton fans, especially if results don’t follow. If Southgate’s tactics fail to excite the fan base, it could create a toxic atmosphere around the club. A new club-level manager needs to unite everyone, but Southgate's conservative style might divide opinion.
Club football is different to national team football
Managing a club is vastly different from managing a national team. At a club, there are daily operations, constant media scrutiny, and intense pressures to deliver consistent results. A club like Everton, always fighting for survival, requires someone experienced in navigating these day-to-day complexities. Southgate’s experience with the long intervals between international games may not translate well to the fast-paced, relentless nature of the Premier League.
While Southgate has a strong reputation, especially for his stellar work with England, he might not be the right man for Everton at this moment. The club needs a manager with the hands-on experience and tactical acumen to fight through their current challenges, and Southgate's recent history doesn’t suggest he’s the ideal candidate for this particular job.