Everton legend Leighton Baines has revealed his team for their FA Cup third round tie against Peterborough was picked by Sean Dyche, who was sacked just hours before kick off.
The Toffees confirmed Dyche had been sacked on Thursday afternoon at 4.25pm, ahead of the FA Cup clash kicking off at 7.45pm.
Baines and current captain Seamus Coleman were placed in charge of first-team duties against The Posh.
Speaking ahead of the match, Baines confirmed the team line-up for the match had been selected by Dyche, despite his dismissal.
‘It’s been different. I found out today like everyone else,’ Baines told BBC Sport.
‘The starting XI, I’ve only found out today, that was picked beforehand, and we’ve made a couple of small adjustments.
Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman were placed in charge of Everton’s FA Cup tie
The duo were installed as interim coaches after Sean Dyche was sacked hours before kick-off
Baines, left, revealed Dyche had selected the team to face Peterborough in the FA Cup
‘It’s different, but it’s football, it’s our job. It’s a different type of day, but it’s just the things we do all the time.
‘It’s a cup competition that everyone enjoys. The message to the players will be go and produce a bright performance that’s worthy of Goodison Park.’
Dyche’s ultimately final team selection had seen him make seven changes for the third round tie.
Joao Virginia was handed a rare start in goal, with Nathan Patterson, Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy forming the backline.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Orel Mangala were named in midfielder with Iliman Ndiaye and teenager Harrison Armstrong supporting Beto in attack.
Injuries meant Everton were only able to name eight substitutes instead of the nine allowed, with two of them goalkeepers.
With Dyche’s exit confirmed on Thursday afternoon, the 53-year-old was still featured in the matchday programme.
Dyche had expressed hope Everton could use the FA Cup tie to ‘build some positive momentum’.
Dyche had expressed hope in the programme the FA Cup tie could build positive momentum
Baines and Coleman were applauded by Everton fans ahead of the match at Goodison Park
Dyche leaves the club languishing a point above the relegation zone at the halfway point of their Premier League season.
The Merseyside outfit have collected 17 points from 19 matches so far this season – with the club winning just three of those games too.
The 53-year-old was in the final few months of his Everton contract but the hierarchy have decided to end his tenure now.
In a short statement, the Merseyside outfit wrote: ‘Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as Senior Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect.
‘Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have also left the Club.
‘The process to appoint a new Manager is underway and an update will be provided in due course.
‘Under-18s Head Coach Leighton Baines and Club Captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis.’
Former Everton manager David Moyes is being considered for a shock return to the club
The club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, will now begin the hunt for Dyche’s successor.
David Moyes is being considered for an emotional return to Goodison Park having previously served as manager from February 2002 to May 2013.
More will become clear on Friday, when Moyes is set to meet Everton officials, among whom are expected to be the director of football Kevin Thelwell.
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