Sean Dyche’s return to Goodison Park in December could come with an icy reception from some familiar faces, after Everton midfielder James Garner made pointed remarks about his former manager.
Everton have enjoyed a far steadier start to the campaign than Nottingham Forest, with David Moyes restoring calm and consistency under the club’s new Friedkin ownership. The Toffees sit comfortably above Forest in the Premier League table heading into the weekend’s fixtures.
Dyche, meanwhile, recently celebrated his first win as Forest boss — a Europa League triumph over Porto — and has earned praise from pundits such as Tim Sherwood, who believes he now has the strongest squad of his managerial career. Yet not everyone is convinced.
James Garner, who played under Dyche during his Everton tenure, has suggested the former Toffees boss failed to get the best out of his players.
Garner takes a swipe at Dyche
Speaking to FourFourTwo, the 24-year-old reflected on how his role has evolved since Moyes’ arrival.
“Since the new manager came in, he’s really given me freedom,” Garner said. “He wants me to get on the ball and make things happen. Over the last couple of seasons, I didn’t really have that licence — it was just how the team played.”
Garner has flourished this term, impressing both in midfield and when asked to fill in at left-back. Moyes has even urged England boss Thomas Tuchel to consider him for a national team call-up after a strong run of performances.
His form has been so impressive that some Manchester United supporters are reportedly calling for his return to Old Trafford. With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, Everton are eager to tie him down to a new contract.
Comparing Garner’s time under Dyche and Moyes
While Garner’s statistical output under Dyche wasn’t dramatically different from his numbers now, the midfielder’s overall influence has grown under Moyes’ more expansive approach. He’s contributing heavily in build-up play and transitions — aspects that don’t always show on the scoresheet but have been crucial to Everton’s resurgence.
Back in his preferred midfield role, Garner looks rejuvenated and confident — a stark contrast to his more restrained displays under Dyche.
The pair will meet again twice in December when Everton and Nottingham Forest face off — and Garner will no doubt be eager to show his former boss just how much he’s grown since their time together on Merseyside.