Ashley Young and his son, Tyler, were on opposing sides in Thursday’s FA Cup clash between Everton and Peterborough United, fueling hopes of a historic father-son matchup on the field. This would have marked the first time a father and son played against each other in the competition. While Ashley Young, a seasoned veteran, entered the game as a substitute in the 73rd minute for Everton, his son, Tyler, remained on Peterborough’s bench for the duration of the match, dashing the hopes of witnessing this unique family encounter.
Peterborough manager, Darren Ferguson, defended his decision to keep Tyler on the bench, emphasizing his responsibility to prioritize the team’s needs over sentimental considerations. With the score at 1-0, Ferguson explained that he felt compelled to introduce an attacking player to try and equalize, rather than substitute Tyler, a younger, less experienced player. Ferguson stressed that he had to make tactical decisions based on the game’s circumstances and that he wasn’t running a charity. He also alluded to an Everton player criticizing him for the decision, which he deemed inappropriate.
Following the match, cameras captured a touching moment between father and son. Ashley Young consoled Tyler, and the pair later acknowledged the fans together, demonstrating a strong bond despite the missed opportunity. The poignant scene resonated with viewers on social media, sparking a mixture of admiration and criticism. Many praised the heartwarming display of family support, while others questioned Ferguson’s decision, labeling it “embarrassing.”
Ashley Young, despite Everton securing a 2-0 victory and advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup, expressed his disappointment on social media the following morning with a simple, yet powerful message: “GUTTED…” This succinctly conveyed the shared disappointment of both father and son at missing out on this potentially historic moment. The goals for Everton came from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, securing their advancement in the competition.
The match also took place amidst managerial upheaval at Everton. Just hours before kickoff, the club announced the dismissal of manager Sean Dyche, along with his coaching staff. This unexpected change placed club captain Seamus Coleman and former defender Leighton Baines in temporary charge of the team for the cup tie. The club immediately began the search for a new permanent manager, adding another layer of intrigue to the already noteworthy fixture.
The speculation surrounding Everton’s new manager intensified with reports of David Moyes being in discussions with the club. Moyes previously managed Everton for over a decade, and his potential return has generated significant buzz amongst fans and pundits. This managerial uncertainty adds another element to Everton’s current narrative, as they navigate the FA Cup and strive for stability in the Premier League. The Young family drama, combined with the managerial change, made the Everton vs. Peterborough match far more compelling than a typical third-round FA Cup tie.
