Everton's Sean Dyche fires message to critics over Premier League record - 'More than Pep'

Sean Dyche is up to 14th in the list of games managed in the Premier League and the Everton manager explains why he's proud of his accomplishment despite his critics

Sean Dyche insists he’s proud to be rising up the list of the Premier League’s most experienced managers - and believes it silences those who give him stick.

The Everton boss has moved up to 14th in the list of the most games managed in England’s top tier since 1992. He’s recently overtaken Tony Pulis with 323 games and closing in on Jurgen Klopp on 334 while even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is in his rear-view mirror.

Dyche joked about being ahead of Guardiola but he was serious when he believes it shows his critics are wrong about him. The former Burnley manager said: “Absolutely it is a source of pride. I didn’t know about it, someone sent it to me and said, ‘Did you know this?’ I didn’t.

“In front of Brendan [Rodgers], in front of Pep, he joked! You witnessed it. You know what happens: 'Dyche said he was bigger than Pep!' No I didn’t, I just had a bit of fun about being in the Premier League longer.

“I had never thought about it, but, you know what, I should be proud about it. People give me a bit of stick and I go well I am still here, still in the Premier League, my stats are right there in front of you. Someone wants me to keep doing the job, whoever it may be.

“That speaks for itself in my world. It ain’t easy to get that many. We have have seen people saying we are going to play this way and that way … bye. We have all seen it.”

Dyche’s references were clearly pointed to the new obsession with young coaches from abroad coming into the Premier League. The Toffees boss has managed to keep the Blues in the Premier League in the last two seasons after taking Burnley up twice and bringing them into Europe.

Dyche does have the lowest number of wins - 92 - but his record at Everton is quite impressive ahead of Saturday’s visit to Southampton. Since he took charge of the Toffees in January 2022, they have accumulated 78 points across 65 games.

Brentford, managed by Manchester United-linked Thomas Frank, have won 81 while former Everton boss Marco Silva and Fulham have 79. Yet Dyche still faces accusations about his style of play despite his record.

He added: “But you have got to win. On days when we are not magical but on the days when we are good I think ‘fair play’, we deserve the pats on the back we get.

“Whether that is tactically good or just good. And on the days when we are not I will hold my hands up, I’ll try and go ‘OK’.”

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