Dyche makes admission over Everton job offer after safety secured with Brentford win

Sean Dyche said he was proud of his players and staff after Everton secured Premier League survival after an extraordinary campaign.

The Blues boss sent out a message of vindication after overcoming a fraught season in which he and his staff and squad have dealt with points deductions, controversial officiating and injuries.

Clearly delighted after three wins in a week confirmed safety with three matches to spare, Dyche pointed to the challenges he had faced and the points tally that is evidence he has overcome them.

Idrissa Gueye’s second half strike was enough to secure the win over Brentford that took Everton beyond the reach of the bottom three. It broke the deadlock in a tame game between two sides that had removed the jeopardy facing them over the past seven days.

For Everton, that came through three wins and three clean sheets in a memorable week that ends any fears of relegation.

Asked how that felt in the post-match press conference, Dyche said: “It feels very good, coming off all the knocks we have had. We have relied on no-one but ourselves this season. The fans have played their part, but no-one outside of the club and the fans has. We haven’t been given anything, no easy ride. I am super proud of everyone involved because the knocks kept coming – including for myself.

“The reason for that is because this job was not the way it got pitched to me, so to focus and refocus on the new job in hand, I have been pleased with that, trying to handle and manage that and make sure the players and the staff stayed focused on the literal job at hand and they have done that.

“They have been terrific. The players, we were stretched again today, but the mentality has grown. It is fair to say that earlier in the season I did say that if we kept consistent it would pay us back, which it has done because we haven’t been as fluid as early season, we haven’t made as many chances, but we have found wins. Over the balance of a season we deserve them wins. Particularly when they take eight points off you. It is a big challenge that.”