Former Everton star Andros Townsend has warned that Sean Dyche's brutal sacking is a 'major red flag' for the new owners.
The Toffees confirmed Dyche had been dismissed at 4.25pm on Thursday afternoon, ahead of their FA Cup tie with Peterborough, which started at 7.45pm.
As a result, Baines and current captain Seamus Coleman were put in charge of first-team duties against The Posh.
The duo managed to lead Everton to a 2-0 victory that evening – thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye – but Townsend had stern words afterwards. He said: “I think this is a major red flag for this property.
“I think over the last decade Evertonians have had an idiosyncratic owner who made decisions on a whim, who ignored advice and didn't really think about the short-term plan or the long-term plan. And by the end, the fans were desperate to get him out.
“There's a new group coming in, there's all this positivity. Fans say they are going to get their club back and then they have to make a decision like this. Whether it's a good decision or a bad one, it's three hours before kick-off of an FA Cup match.
“He's a guy who has saved you from relegation for the last two years – a year with points deducted, but who has somehow managed to keep them going and that's how you treat him.
“For me, a right or wrong decision is a big long-term warning sign for this new ownership group.”
After Dyche's departure was confirmed on Thursday afternoon, the 53-year-old continued to feature on the matchday programme.
Dyche had expressed hope that Everton could use the FA Cup tie to 'build positive momentum'.
Dyche leaves the club languishing one point above the relegation zone halfway through the Premier League season.
The Merseyside team has collected 17 points from 19 games so far this season, with the club also winning just three of those games.
The 53-year-old was in the final few months of his contract with Everton, but the hierarchy have decided to end his tenure now.
In a short statement, the Merseyside team 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 ongoing 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.'
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