Simon Jordan believes Burnley boss Sean Dyche would have been a sensible appointment for an Everton side who instead opted to hand Frank Lampard a second Premier League chance, speaking to talkSPORT (31 January, 10.50am).
On one hand, you’ve got an ambitious, up-and-coming tactician, bright-eyed and brimming with potential.
Someone who, in admittedly short spells at Derby County and Chelsea, has already built up a reputation as a coach capable of helping talented young players – Mason Mount, Reece James, Harry Wilson and more – realise their full potential while playing an exciting brand of forward-thinking football.
On the other, you’ve got Dyche; Burnley’s goateed, gravel-swilling gaffer. A man who’s trusty black waterproof reflects his attitude and approach to top-level football.
Criticism, like raindrops, just bounces off his back.
But what Dyche lacks in ‘razzmatazz’, he more than makes up for with a proven track record in the Premier League. Yes, Burnley are bottom of the table.
But their current predicament should not distract from the achievements of the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. A living legend immortalised in brick and mortar.
“I just think you never bet against Sean Dyche,” says Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman.
“Because Sean Dyche knows his way around. He’s a level-headed guy, and one of those guys that, as much as it might not be a particularly popular point of view because he doesn’t have razzmatazz attached to him, probably could have come in and done the Everton job.
“(Dyche) probably should be in those sort of conversations.”
Should Everton have looked at Sean Dyche before Frank Lampard?
Everton handed Lampard a two-and-a-half year deal following the acrimonious sacking of Rafa Benitez. And while the Chelsea legend will introduce a more front-foot, stylish brand of football, he has not a jot of experience when it comes to guiding a club clear of the relegation zone.
The same cannot be said of Dyche.
Can Burnley survive?
Burnley gave their survival prospects a major shot in the arm on deadline day, snapping up the prolific Wolfsburg talisman Wout Weghorst for a bargain £12 million.
But that deal – while undeniably eye-catching – has done little to calm Jordan’s fears about the club’s future under their American owners.
“If you’re taking £25 million (Chris Wood) in for one player, and you’re spending £12 million on another player, it doesn’t necessarily negate the argument that I put forward that people should be slightly concerned about the financing model in place if they were to drop out of the Premier League,” Jordan adds.
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