Most of the following musings could apply to Premier League players, but for the purposes of this article the focus is on the modern Premier League manager and, in particular, Mr. Dyche & co.

In the fast-paced world of the Premier League, managerial stability is almost always at the mercy of results. With clubs striving for success and the financiuel rewards of Premier League survival, the decision to sack a manager can come swiftly, sometimes leaving a trail of controversy. One aspect of this dynamic is the contracts that many managers hold, which almost always include a clause that guarantees full payout even in the event of termination. While this practice has its merits, it also raises important questions about the implications for clubs and the sport itself.

One of the most significant benefits of modern contracts is the financial security thery provide to managers. The high-stakes nature of football means job security is a rare commodity. A guaranteed payout can cushion the blow of being dismissed, allowing managers to focus on their performance without the constant fear of financial instability.

Clubs that offer lucrative contracts with full payout clauses will find it easier to attract high-calibre managerial talent. Everton have been guilty of this in the past, offering overly generous contracts to the likes of Ronald Koeman and Carlo Ancelotti. Knowing they will be compensated more than fairly can persuade top managers to join mediocre clubs, meaning the decision to accept is driven by money, rather than the challenge of "the project"

Managers who know they have a safety net, can feel empowered to implement their vision without the pressure of immediate results. This can lead to a more stable environment conducive to developing young talent and fostering a cohesive team philosophy. We have seen this at the likes of Brighton, Bournemouth and even Nottingham Forest. This has obviously not happened at Everton, since the club never seems too far from crisis mode at any one time.

When clubs are aware of the financial implications of sacking a manager, they may be less likely to make knee-jerk decisions based solely on short-term results. Even more so at Everton, when profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) make it difficult to sack a manager and his coaching staff, while having to pay compensation to another club. This could lead to more thoughtful evaluations and a greater emphasis on building a sustainabile team rather than chasing immediate success. Again, this has never really been the case at Everton, with our scattergun approach to player recruitment. Instead we are hamstrung by such contracts, often leaving it until it is almost too late before making a change. In times of poor performance, the obligation to pay a sacked manager in full can hinder a club's ability to reinvest in new talent or make necessary changes. This can perpetuate a cycle of underperformance, as clubs may become reluctant to act decisivety. Sound familiar?

With a guaranteed payout, there is a risk that some managers may become complacent. Knowing they will receive their full contract value regardless of performance might reduce the urgency to deliver results. This can create an environment where mediocrity is tolerated, potentially stunting the club's growth and success. Why would Sean Dyche and team go above and beyond looking for solutions to our abysmal scoring record, when there are no true consequences for failing (apart from reputational damage, of course, although I think Dyche's level has always been Championship)?

The presence of a manager who is financially secure despite poor performance can negatively affect team morale. Players might feel disillusioned if they perceive that their manager is not fully invested in achieving results, leading to a lack of motivation and commitment on the field. In Dyche's case, this is felt even more keenly by those players who are not on his list of "favourites", warming the bench every week while watching their peers underperform.

Managers who are not held accountable for their results due to the financial safety net, will foster a culture where failure is tolerated. This inconsistency can be detrimental to the club's overall culture and standards. This has never been more true than at Everton, where decades of overpaying managers (and sub-standard players) in the pursuit of former glories, has led to a gradual dectine of the club-from top to bottom.

Long gone are the days where a manager resigns on principle, out of respect for themselves, players, fans and their employers. Managers no longer take this decision because it is "the right thing to do" Resignation means admitting the fact they have taken things as far as they can, and have run out of ideas, motivation and time. But it also means leaving millions on the table. Money has bought the conscience of the busted premier league manager. Regrettable, but inevitable


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