Sean Dyche says he did everything he could to “protect the brand” and is confident he left Everton on a “firm footing” and with the team in “good shape”.
Dietz was sacked last week by new owners the Friedkin Group just hours before their FA Cup clash with Peterborough United.
He left with Everton 16th in the table, having won just three of 19 Premier League games this season, and was replaced by David Moyes.
In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Dyche said: “It has been an honor to manage Everton, a football club with a significant heritage and huge following in Liverpool and around the world, during one of the most difficult periods in its history. . . Despite the challenges we faced, I wanted to ensure that the club’s narrative was focused on the positive direction it would take in the future and that the team could focus on being competitive in the Premier League in the present.
“Thank you to my staff, the players and everyone involved who played their part as it simply could not have been possible without their support and expertise. I also thank the fans who came to us many times when we all needed their support.”
“Great respect” for Moyes’ return
He added: “The time has come for me to leave the club, with the team in good shape. David is a manager I have a lot of respect for and I believe he and his staff will help take the club forward again and build on the solid foundation we have put in place over the last two years.
“I wish everyone well, including the new owners, who I hope will take the club to the next level and bring the success that every Evertonian wants.
“My role as a custodian has been played and I will forever be very proud of that. After going through some extremely difficult situations, I never lost faith in everyone around me and we did everything we could to protect the brand, protecting it and the Everton football club name.”
Moyes managed Everton from 2002 to 2013 and his second spell begins tonight when the Toffees host Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
