Sean Dyche is being linekd with a return to management following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s departure from Leicester City
Sean Dyche before the match between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on December 29, 2024
Sean Dyche before the match between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on December 29, 2024
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
Former Everton manager Sean Dyche has no interest in becoming the new head coach of Leicester City following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s departure. The Foxes confirmed on Friday morning that the former Manchester United forward had left the club via mutual consent.
Dyche was instantly named as the favourite for the role by the bookies; however, the ECHO understands that as things stand, the 53-year-old has no interest in making his return to management at the King Power. Dyche left Everton back in January with the Blues sitting 16th in the table and having won just three of the 19 Premier League games they had played.
The former Blues boss was asked during an appearance on The Overlap podcast back in May whether he was looking to return to management.
“Not at the moment,” he replied. “The timing is wrong anyway. Not my timing, but clubs are going to have this time to see what they’re doing and all that sort of stuff.
“I got offered a couple of things straight away and I just said: ‘No, that’s not for me now.’ Then I wait and see what comes. You never say never.
“It’s like with the Everton thing. I was going on alright, living my life, enjoying having a break from it, doing a few media bits and quite enjoying charity bits and things that I do. Then the Everton one comes up and you feel that bug.
“Or you don’t. You either get that taste in your mouth or you go: ‘That’s not for me.’ It’s not an exact moment in time.”
Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper in November and managed to collect four points from his first two games in charge, but that was as good as it got, as a run of 15 defeats from their next 16 matches sealed their fate and a return to the second-tier.
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Reflecting on his time at the King Power, Van Nistelrooy said: “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future.”
While a Leicester club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club and Ruud van Nistelrooy have mutually agreed that Ruud’s contract with the club as first team manager will terminate with immediate effect.
“Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the club. From his appointment in November 2024, he approached the role with professionalism, integrity and a clear commitment to our aims, including through the integration of several promising players from the club’s academy into our first team environment.
“Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the football club for his dedication and hard work, and with our very best wishes for the future.
“Preparation for the EFL Championship season will continue with the planned start of pre-season on Monday, June 30.
“First team coaching staff will oversee the delivery of those plans until a new manager is appointed.
“There will be no further comment until this process has been completed.”