In an exclusive interview with BettingSites.co.uk, former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew gave his prediction on where Everton will finish in the Premier League and revealed he believes boss Sean Dyche is the best manager for the job.
Interview highlights:
- Prediction: Everton will finish 12th in Premier League table
- Sean Dyche is the right man for the job
- Farshad Moshiri doesn’t deserve criticism
- I would have made 11 substitutions against Aston Villa
- Ancelotti arriving was like Al Pacino turning up in Coronation Street
Prediction: No PL relegation dogfight for Toffees this season
Bellew is optimistic about his beloved Everton’s season, despite losing their first three Premier League matches without scoring a goal. He has predicted them to finish in 12th place;
Tony Bellew: “I’m still optimistic that Everton will finish 12th this season. That’s what Everton Football Club has done to me. Ultimately I think we’ll be alright.”
Everton must keep faith in Sean Dyche despite rocky start
Sean Dyche earned his first win of the new season with a hard fought victory over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup and Bellew has no doubt that he is the right man for the Goodison Park hotseat;
Tony Bellew: “I think Sean Dyche is the right guy right now, yes I do. I don’t think he’s doing a bad job. I think he’s been playing the hand he’s been dealt and it’s a really tough hand at the minute.”
Club owner Farshad Moshiri has invested heavily – I won’t knock him
Everton fans have often given Moshiri flack but Bellew believes it is undeserved as the British-Iranian businessman has spent millions on the club in recent years;
Tony Bellew: “You can’t knock what Farhad Moshiri has put in. He’s spent huge amounts of money. I can’t knock the chairman because floated our club for a good 12 to 15 years and that was amazing.”
Entire Everton team deserved to be subbed vs Aston Villa
Bellew was in the stands as Everton capitulated 4-0 away to Aston Villa and he was far from satisfied from his team’s display on the day;
Tony Bellew: “I was away at Villa and the lads really let themselves down. Heads went down, they lost it and if you could’ve made 11 substitutions that day you would have.”
Disbelief over Carlo Ancelotti being appointed boss in 2019
Legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti surprised the football world by becoming Everton manager three years ago and Bellew recalled the period fondly;
Tony Bellew: “When Carlo Ancelotti came through our door I was just amazed. It was like Al Pacino turning up in Coronation Street. I just thought wow! How is he here?”
Born on November 30, 1982, in Liverpool, England, Anthony "Tony" Bellew discovered his affinity for boxing at a young age. Bellew's career reached its pinnacle in the cruiserweight division. He captured the British and Commonwealth titles, firmly establishing his presence in the boxing world. One of the defining moments of Bellew's career was his rivalry with former world champion David Haye. Their two high-profile clashes captured the attention of fans worldwide. Bellew's victory over Haye in their first bout, despite being the underdog. In May 2016, Bellew realized a lifelong dream by clinching the WBC Cruiserweight World Title with a win over Ilunga Makabu. Bellew's leap to the heavyweight division saw him challenging the dominant Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed cruiserweight title. Since retirement in 2018 Bellew transitioned to the world of acting with notable roles in films like "Creed" and "Creed II." Bellew has also embraced a role as a sports commentator, providing insightful analysis and commentary on various platforms.
