Former Everton star Andros Townsend has warned that Sean Dyche's brutal sacking is a “big red flag” for the new owners.
The Toffees confirmed Dyche had been sacked on Thursday afternoon at 4.25pm, ahead of the FA Cup clash with Peterborough, which kicked off at 7.45pm.
As a result, Baines and current captain Seamus Coleman were left in charge of first team duties against The Posh.
The duo managed to lead Everton to a 2-0 victory that night, thanks to goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, but Townsend had stern words afterwards. He said: “I think it's a big red flag for this property.”
“I think Evertonians over the last decade have had a maverick owner who made decisions on a whim, who ignored advice, who didn't really think about the short-term plan or the long-term plan. And in the end, the fans were desperate to get it out.
'You've got this new group coming, there's all this positivity. The fans say they are going to get their club back and then they have to make a decision like this. Whether it's a right or wrong decision, there are three hours until kick-off of an FA Cup match.
Sean Dyche has been sacked as Everton manager and the club faces another relegation fight
The Friedkin Group completed its acquisition of Farhad Moshiri on December 19 last year.
Former Toffees star Andros Townsend warned it could be a 'red flag' for owners
“He's a man who has saved you from relegation the last two years, one with a points deduction, but somehow he managed to keep them that way and that's how you treat him.”
“To me, a right or wrong decision is a major long-term red flag for this new ownership group.”
With Dyche's departure confirmed on Thursday afternoon, the 53-year-old was still on the matchday programme.
Dyche had expressed hope that Everton could use the FA Cup tie to “generate positive momentum”.
Dyche leaves the club languishing one point above the relegation zone midway through the Premier League season.
The Merseyside side have collected 17 points from 19 matches so far this season, with the club winning just three of those games.
The 53-year-old was in the final months of his contract with Everton, but the hierarchy has decided to end his tenure now.
The 53-year-old was sacked ahead of Thursday's FA Cup third-round match against Peterborough United.
In a brief statement, the Merseyside team wrote: “Everton Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as manager of the senior men's first team with immediate effect.
'Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer also left the Club.
'The process to appoint a new Manager is underway and an update will be provided in due course.
“U18 head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge of first team affairs on an interim basis.”