Everton have confirmed the appointment of Sean Dyche as their new manager, on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
The former Burnley boss returns to the Premier League nine months after being sacked by the Clarets and gets to be Everton’s seventh permanent manager in nearly seven years.
Dyche told the club’s official website: “It’s an honour to become Everton manager. My staff and I are ready and eager to help get this great club back on track.
“I know about Everton’s passionate fanbase and how precious this club is to them. We’re ready to work and ready to give them what they want. That starts with sweat on the shirt, effort and getting back to some of the basic principles of what Everton Football Club has stood for for a long time’’.
“Our aim is to put out a team that works, that fights and wears the badge with pride. The connection with the fans can then grow very quickly because they’re so passionate.’’
Dyche saw off competition from Marcelo Bielsa to be named as Frank Lampard’s successor after spending nine and a half years at Burnley.
He takes over with Everton being second-bottom and his first test comes against League leaders Arsenal on February 4.
Everton former boss Lampard’s last game in charge was a 2-0 defeat at fellow strugglers West Ham on January 21, which kept them second-bottom on 15 points after 20 games – two points below the safety zone.