As the footballing world was questioning why Sean Dyche had not been confirmed as the new Everton manager, he was already busy at work. Each member of the first team squad received a sheet of paper. On it was a set of questions – the same questions for every player. It was a questionnaire featuring a selection of short but open queries. Dyche hoped they would be filled in but stressed he did not want names on the responses. This was an opportunity for personal thoughts on what had gone wrong at Everton to be shared with his management team.
Sean Dyche said: “I am not going to say what it was, it is nothing too deep. It was just feedback on where it is all at, what is your opinion of it and just trying to be as open ended as possible because by giving a question you can sometimes guide people to a place. It wasn’t about that, it was dead short, as simple as possible, and they have an option as well. You don’t have to fill it in, you are not under any obligation and I definitely don’t want your names on it. I just want feedback, honest feedback, anything you want that you think is relevant. Often, I have done this before, similar themes come back and I said ‘right that is what we have to look at’. If you are telling them to me, then they are things we definitely have to look at.”
Dyche was pleased with the response. He would not reveal what the precise questions were, nor the themes that emerged within the answers. But all but two squad members offered responses. He does not know who decided not to – he stressed anonymity was key to the process. But the answers gave him a detailed insight into the mood of the dressing room and he has already had a feedback session with the players. He is planning a similar Q&A with staff at Finch Farm and said he would be prepared to do another with the players later into his reign. Dyche does not want to dig too deep into the issues at Finch Farm before his arrival. He made clear he has utter respect for Lampard but does not feel the need to explore his experience at this early stage in the role. Has he spoken to the manager who saved Everton from relegation last season?
Sean Dyche explained: “No – not that I wouldn’t.”I just don’t think it is appropriate to do so. He has come out of here and I will leave him for his private time.”
The job he has taken on is substantial and requires him to learn quickly so, for Dyche, what matters is looking forward. It certainly is not focusing on other managers and he was quick to dismiss the comments he made after beating Lampard’s Everton side last season, playing them down as having been misinterpreted. The attention those claims – that Everton had forgotten how to win – did lead to a call to Lampard, he said.
Sean Dyche added: “I can only work in my way. There is not even a question of other managers. You would do well to find me questioning other managers down the years. I mean really question them, not a spin on it, you would do really well to find that, I don’t do it… it is a really hard job. So it is not for me to question people I can assure you. All I can tell you is what I plan on doing going forward. Not question anyone else.”
