Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell has lept to the defence of manager Sean Dyche, saying the Toffees boss “is working under very difficult circumstances” after the club’s worst start to a league season since 1958.

Everton manager Sean Dyche has been explained his cautious approach regarding Jarrad Branthwaite's return from injury

With Moyes among those out of a job, one source calls the prospect of Everton remaining 20th after their upcoming run ‘unthinkable’

Manager Sean Dyche is working under "very difficult circumstances" amid Everton's worst start to a league season in 66 years, says the club's director of Kevin Thelwell.

In this week's Royal Blue column, Chris Beesley highlights the importance of supporter opinion for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell ahead of Everton's trip to Leicester City

Sean Dyche is under fire because Everton have averaged just 40 per cent possession this season and he says Carlo Ancelotti was happy to play the ball long when he was Blues boss

After four matches, Everton are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and yet to pick up a point. The Toffees' have been beaten in their last two league fixtures, despite having two-goal leads in both, and take on Leicester City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell says he and Sean Dyche are doing everything they can to move the club forward, but admits the manager is working under ‘very difficult circumstances’.

Everton’s poor opening to the season has been well documented and pressure has started to build on Sean Dyche. With just one sole win coming in the second round of the EFL Cup against Doncaster, it has been four defeats from four in the league.