Everton consider Benitez for manager role

Benitez is a satisfactory appointment but after the last 4 years of managers coming and going is he the right man to galvanise the club and fans?! His tactics are even more negative than Carlo's

Neigh neigh and thrice neigh. Salute !

Imagine a picture of the Everton manager being unfurled at Mordor every other Saturday. Just wrong on so many levels.
Feel ill just thinking about the possibility.

Leaving the "small club" insult aside for a moment. Isn't Rafa one of those managers who wants the club he manages to sign players he selects? Here's his list of signings when at the RS: Link

Some good ones in there. A bunch I never heard of.

Anyway, my view is that the larger emphasis must be on signing young talent. We go nowhere without it, whoever the manager. Get the talent and it's the manager's job to plan strategy and game tactics according to the talent available.

This signing players yet another manager wants is getting us nowhere but stuck with unmovable contracts.

He let Xabi Alonso leave the RS. Enough said.

Yesterday's man by a long way apart from the obvious connections and small club jibe.

He would have no chance because the fans will not give him any patience including me.

Galtier is the man and the board would be well advised to avoid Benitez, Gerard or anyone else associated with Mordor.

He makes Moyes look flamboyant

I wouldn't disqualify Rafi for his RS association. Or the wisecrack about us. Couldn't care less.

I would disqualify him for the stupidity of zonal marking. Even when the RS were good, they gave up goals on set pieces. We finally got that Silva-installed weakness out of our defense and I don't ever want to see it again.

Having said that, stability may be what we need and he could supply that.

That time of night in North America Mike. A glass of wine and TW? I'm in Canada.

Simon Jordan's (Crystal Palace) viewpoint on Big Dunc being appointed manager: "Duncan Ferguson embodies a certain spirit that you want in your club but you don't want that spirit running the club on a day-to-day basis because it will come unwound. It is a one tricky pony.

"It has a certain way of operating and it should absolutely be utilised.

"I do not think it would do Duncan Ferguson any favour whatsoever to be given that role.

"You need to save him from himself. You would put a club hero into a position, it is like asking a one-legged man to run a 100m in ten seconds and then castigating him for not being able to do it.

"He does not have the toolkit and the skillset to be a manager capable of competing with the six or seven other managers."

No, just no. Not withstanding the fact that even a journeyman like Steve Bruce, nice shap though I'm sure he is, out performed him.

It won't even show that we are 'grown up' and magnanimous, on the contrary, it will only confirm his 'small club' jibe

It will end in even more tears than our other appointments.

Your having a raff. NO Thanks.

Barry, why do you think we require ‘stability’? How long would we need it for?
No, we need a root and branch shake up of our players and progression not a ‘let’s just settle’ period. We’ve had too much of them.

James @4 you got me thinking with that link so I checked out his Toon signings
Link

Some comments from their fans:
FaustinoAsprilla11
Rafa wasted millions, let players go who should have been eased into the team and while scouting missed some absolute gems at clubs he bought poor/average players from, he also missed the chance to sell players for decent money while their stock was high... and he scraped out of the championship with a huge budget and massive squad. then he played awful football and hardly progressed. he’s considered World class. by who ?. not the Chinese

Gammaray1
Rafa bought well to get us promoted, but after that even on a low budget he bought some garbage.

And on the other side of the fence:
Considering the financial constraints that were placed on him, I reckon Rafa did a bloody good job. Dubravka, Schar and Lejeune were his best signings, and, in my opinion, Matz Sels and Achraf Lazaar were his only complete duds - with an honourable mention going to the hapless Joselu.

Rafa done very well in the markets and the absolute bargains far outweigh the amount of duds.
Our keeper and defence was a steal when you take each player at cost v performances.
The biggest regret will always be not giving him the things he needed to do his job to the best of his ability.

As you say James he doesn't come across as a DOF type manager. I'd rather Potter/Gallardo/Galtier/Gasperini(unlikley) than him and that's without is RS affiliation

Oh great we get rid of one yesterdays man who plays ugly football and people are suggesting we replace him with another.

Worst nightmare. Even worse than the one where I wake up sweating after seeing TGT getting a welcome back hug from Kenwright.

Where's that fucking hot dog seller ??????????????

Never ever want Benitez, but in a Hobson’s choice situation, I’ll go with Galtier.

Barry #10, a big hello to you north of the border... and #11 interesting comment on Duncan, with which I wholeheartedly agree.

Jeff #17, how about this guy for a Hobson's choice:

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587974-meet-cleon-hobson-maybe-the-best-football-manager-player-in-the-world

So much for Brands overseeing the search for a new manager if any truth in this. If it’s true he’s in the frame, then I’d say we seem to be looking for someone to just keep things ticking whilst BMD is the priority. Moshiri looking for a safe pair of hands rather than someone ambitious to truly progress the club.

FFS - how much ridicule can we subjected too. I can see why he wants it, a cosy little job with a huge pay packet to boot, he can pop over from the Wirral each day As he speeds up to the top of Everton valley he can look over nostalgically at Mordor and pine for his true love, send a cheery wave at passing Kopites as he engages in his mission to bore Evertonians to death with his mind numbing football. There is always an excuse for us not competing and winning thing because we are of course only a small club.

Anyone but him, even Moyes

Previously and initially this wouldn't have offended me as much as some, although obviously I understand how it would. I've said that before. But given the reflection we've all had these pat few weeks this is not where we need to be going. I now know the options I'd like the club to be pursuing, but I'm not the club.

This one feels like it would also accommodate Duncan remaining in place I reckon.

I'm out with the dogs and have asked them. They seem to agree.

Devisive from the onset.

I'm going to talk to the dogs again. They calm me down.

Initially I'd have been OK with Rafa but now I'm not so sure. He has been out of work for a while and there was a reason he went to China and no big clubs in Europe were or are looking at him to fill their positions.

Seldom do Managers disappear into the wilderness and come back as winners.
Rafa's Glory days are over. I cannot see him bouncing back at his age.
Would prefer someone else.
Please not another 2 Seasons of misery.
This maybe speculation but I'm losing interest fast.
It would be a nice comfortable appointment for him as he lives in the area BUT what happens when someone is comfortable - They lose that edge.

I cannot see what Benitez has done in the last 10 years to even generate a rumour. I'll be disgusted if he's appointed.

If Rafa is in the mix why not consider Roy? He’s unemployed and looking for one last payday as well.

Interesting that the majority of comments on this thread do not reflect the results if the Benitez survey of ToffeeWeb readers elsewhere on this site. Another case of a vocal minority not being reflective of the majority of Evertonians by a long stretch.

Another has been! No thanks his football is as bad as Carlo’s and can you imagine the flak we’ll take of kopites calling him agent Rafa if things aren’t going well, please don’t employ Rafa he is past his sell by date

So Mr. Mosh doesn’t want to disrupt his personal supply of porn from West Ham. I don’t blame him. I’d prioritise porn over taking Moyes back too.

That’s no excuse for considering Rafa Beneathus! Look at the TW poll on this thread! It’s like a mini Brexit vote! It would further divide our fan base. Terrible decision if made.

Options are slim pickings. Don’t agree Duncan hasn’t got the skill set. We wouldn’t know. He probably doesn’t know himself. He’d need the opportunity first.

It’s got to be Brands’ decision. The manager has to work with Brands. Brands is effectively the managers boss. The non-football heads in the boardroom need to back off and concentrate on our poor commercial performances.

Sod it, I’d take Marco Silva back. He was let down by Brands and the board and should be allowed to redeem himself.

Why the deference to Brands? The squad is a mess and that's mostly down to him.

Bin him off and let the new manager do their job.

The next appointed manager has to fit in with the good players that we have in order to keep them, and have the balls to tell the players who don’t have a future that they are being moved on. Benitez isn’t that person for me.

From the poll list it’s Galtiers or Potter, but even then I’m not convinced. We definitely need a strong manager in order to make it clear what is expected of the players especially at home.

Just because he is settled on the Wirral is no reason to offer him a job. He doesn't need to work, he's loaded. If we went down this route we certainly would look like a small club. Does anyone think the RS would have him? No of course not.
After this 18 months of turgid anti-football I couldn't stomach it all over again.
Let's have a hungry coach, full of attacking intent who plays man-for-man marking and gives the kids a chance.

Danny #30. Jury still out on Brands but in fairness he's been unable to do his recruitment job without considerable interference. Being generous, Walsh had that problem too. I'd like to see the DoF left alone to call the shots - and therefore be more accountable for his performance. That's why I like the idea of Ten Hag, Galtier, Potter and even Santo. They seem to coach players assembled for them, not by them.

I see where he is second fav on odds checker, 3/1, with Nuno still fav at 7/4. He is a good manager and did a great job with Valencia back in the day, unfortunately, that day was not in the recent past.

His appointment would be along the lines of Carlo and one would have to ask what Brands function would be with him in charge. He might be thought of as a safe pair of hands this side of our move to BMD.

He would not be my choice, I am in the Galtier corner at this point in time but if he gets the job I will support him and hope that he does a good job and moves us forward.

I made a promise after the City game that I would give the forum a rest until August, then Carlo walks off the stage. I am hoping against hope that the the new manager will be appointed sooner rather than later so that I can take a break until August.

Not easy being a blue.

Gautier, Potter or Ralphy Raggyneck for me. They all seem to play attractive footy, and after what we've endured I want to enjoy watching us again.

I liked (past tense) Carlo as a man but following the disappointment of his departure I have come to realise that he favoured ageing players who seldom got me off my seat after September.

Rafa - there are waiter jobs in West Kirby.

Get someone whose footy gets us excited.

COYB.

I can only hope his interview ends by him being told he's not a big enough man or name for a club with a history like ours, don't ring us as we won't be ringing you!

NOT in a million years.
Would honestly say that if Benitez was installed as manager of Everton I would not and could not support them again until he had gone.
He is an average manager at best, lucky to win the champions league with only an AC Milan team who thought they had already won it and a stand out performance from Gerard to save him and only a poor FA cup win and poor super league win to his name while at Liverpool
FA Cup: 2005–06
FA Community Shield: 2006
UEFA Champions League: 2004–05; runner-up: 2006–07
UEFA Super Cup: 2005
Yes he has won other things ( very few ) around Europe but he is a dull, defensive, average manager who would make our club a bigger laughing stock than it already is.
we must have bigger and better ideas than him.

You do realise this is Everton looking for a manager. It's not man city or another top club. You need to get realistic. It's going to be a Potter, Benitez or Ferguson, Or someone of that ilk. Better get used to it.

So many names, on the whole I'd be happy enough with any of them as long as its not Moyes or Rooney, or any of Luvie Bill's choices.

I do however feel Duncan needs to manage a league 1 or Championship team first before being considered for Everton. It looks like Unsworth obviously wants to stay at U23s for rest of his life. Lee Carsley, Gerrard, Lee Bowyer, Lampard, Rooney, Barton, should be a model for them both, learning the hot seat away from your comfort zone.

I've said this on another thread.

Martinez when the Euros are over. He won't want to destabilise Belgium by linking himself with the job currently.

Just a thought that keeps popping into my head.

Martinez would excite me, despite him completely losing the plot last time after 18 months. He must have learned from that.

Benitez? Jesus weeps.

I think the board are being very clever. There are managers out there and it would be negligent of the board not to consider them. However, I believe that the board has a short list of probables, possibles, and must be seen. I expect Benitez is in the last category.

When the final appoinment is made, the board can then say "We interviewed a number of excellent candidates, before we decided that "Mr X", best suited our needs at this time.

No-one can then say "but "So and so" was available, and we never even gave him an interview".

This appointment, when it happens, will be the "no stone unturned", one.

None of the linked candidates would set Goodison Park alight, well Benitez might force the more ultra Evertonians into committing arson, but seriously not one man seems to stand out from the rest, they all have some assets but all have flaws. For this reason, I'd advise Everton FC to appoint Duncan on a two-year rolling contract, which would help to give the club breathing space and not rush into any mad decisions.

Duncan would be in a position where he isn't just reacting to the club being in trouble and he would be able to start with a clean slate, if he fails, it would put to bed once and for all his suitability for the job, but if he succeeds Goodison would be bouncing.

The club wasn't expecting to be choosing a manager at this point in time, so why not carry on with Duncan at the helm?

Small club. Did he say "SMALL CLUB"?

Why would he want to come manage a SMALL CLUB.

Oh yes, I know why. Load of money…

Oh and no doubt he would take pleasure in getting us relegated.

NEVER EVER BENITEZ.

Benitez has an ego as big as his waistline.

I’d have Moyes, Martinez or even Silva back over him.

Does anyone seriously want mr Duo San Miguel? Calls us a small club then expects to bleed the club dry with a nice retirement salary.

There are far stronger reasons for not having having Benitez as next manager than some comments he made fourteen years ago in the heat of Merseyside rivalry. Benitez like Ancelotti is "old school" in that he would insist upon total control of everything including transfers. The outcome of such an approach can be seen in that we now have a number of ageing players brought in by Ancelotti for quick gains at the expense of long-term development.

We have a Director of Football in Brands who should be in control of transfers with an eye on the long-term stability of the club( not sure if he's up to the job because we don't know which transfers were his ideas and which either Ancelotti, Kenwright or Moshri)
Having created this structure the owner should allow it to work i.e Brands should get who he wants as Head Coach and if it doesnt work then he should go.

The logic therefore is to bring in a man with great coaching and man management skills who is comfortable to work within the structure. Can the candidates converse multi-linqually, surely a must in today's football?

Not sure about Galtiers lingual abilities but from what I have read he appears to meet what we need.

Surely this is mischievous paper talk. Journos are now taking the piss if they are pushing this man for the job.

Get Galtier in while he is still available and put us out of our misery. I’m trying to take a break from football, so will you just get on with it!

I have had a lifetime of fun watching the Blues through
great and sometimes not so great times. But If Benitez is appointed It will be pipe and slippers for me. I thought the talk of Moyes was bad enough but I would give him a piggy back ride up to Goodison if it stopped Benitez coming.

Benitez wouldn't work with a DoF. He's a control freak. So he's a No.

Nuno wants all his group huggers with him so Duncan would be forced out. That would be a red line for Boys Pen Billy. He's a No.

Martinez and Ginge the Minge would be seen by Moshiri as Bill's pawns in his fight to regain total control. So he's a No.

Conte would scare the the luvvies shitless. So he's a No.
Dyche has signed a 3-year extension with Burnley. So he's a no.

That, basically, leaves Galtier and Potter. Thank Christ I'm not making the final decision.

John @44, that comment was years ago. EFC was a small club then and is now. Any club which employees a manager for 11 years (Moyes of course), without winning anything, never played even one season in the champion league is nowhere near dining at the top table. As you know Last trophy 1995 (I was in my mid twenties, now 51)

We still have Bill living in the past, like many fans. EFC is not a powerhouse anymore. Personally I'd like any manager at EFC that has a dig at rivals. We as fans haven't been able to dish it out for decades, as we haven't had anything to dish out.

The fact is that we are a small club now. That is Mr Kenwright’s legacy. Non of the top managers want to come to us and the next level down are not exactly straining at the leash. Moshiri is obviously struggling to make progress and I believe we should go for an ambitious young manager if the right one can be found.

Just No. God no. Please hell no

He'd be an awful appointment.

He's arrogant. When results fail he blames not being able to sign X, y z. He plays dull football. He hasn't won anything in years, and hasn't even been at a half decent club in about a decade.

No,no,no

This has been put into the public domain for one reason only imo. I think Moshiri, is going to gauge the fans reaction, (possibly because Bill Kenwright has said it won’t work) before he takes a punt on Rafa Benitez.

I'll get my rope!

I cant believe some Blues have actually voted for him in a poll to be our next manager. I can only assume that none who voted for him live in or around the City. Benitez is a horrible nasty man and for any Blue to dismiss his small club comment has no pride in being a blue. And this isn't because he managed Liverpool there are many who have managed that club that I would have welcomed with open arms and still my preferred choice would be Brendan Rodgers. I would rather Neil Warnock who I hate take over rather than Benitez.

Should Moshiri lose all sense of pride and appoint this obnoxious man then I wont step foot in Goodison till he has left. My Son tells me that on Andy Grays podcast he interviewed Joe Royle who has expressed similar sentiments to mine.

Much as I would welcome Benitez as a proven manager who would steer our inadequate, unbalanced squad through the next couple of years, I don’t think it will happen. In this era owners are all too wary of upsetting a significant proportion of the fan base. It would need only one poor run of results to prompt ‘get out of our club’ chants.

I expect after much agonising by the Board another up and coming managerial talent will be appointed, given a warm welcome amid talk of a new era project, only to fail after eighteen months of up and down results.

I would echo the voices saying that Dunc. needs to get out on his own and gain his managerial experience elsewhere - and rejoin us at a later stage. Same with Unsy..
For now I'd be happy with Hasenhuettl.. though the Saints would probably not want that scenario once more.. Surely there are young and exciting managers out there other than the usual candidates. A bit of stability and plenty of ability for the love of God please.. and soon.

Tony, 53, you are better than Paul McKenna. What’s this Saturday’s lotto numbers?

I'm hoping the Benitez rumour is out there so that whoever is appointed will come as an enormous relief that at least it wasn't Benitez.

Tony @ 53; well for once Bill's read the room to perfection. Not with standing his recent record at Newcastle, where the...lets be fair...Journeyman, Steve Bruce bettered his record.

His main claim to fame was to tinker with Houlliers team and some how win the battle of the negative bottlers; Ancelotti Vs Benitez...I mean jeez, he played the busted flush that was Kewell as a starter.

Then we get to the Small Club jibe - Nah, he and Moshiri, if he signs off in it, can both fuck off.

There are no guarantees with any manager we appointment. It's no wonder the owner and Board are taking their time after the string of disasters we've endured. There's a lot of mercenaries out there who would screw us when it suits them. Ancelotti being a prime example.

We are no longer a top Premiership Club. We don't need a Formula 1 driver. We need a competent manager who is committed to rebuilding a competitive squad. Not another carpet bagger.

I voted disappointed in the poll.

Interesting yerlt again. It's pretty evenly split between satisfied, disappointed.& gutted.

Instinct tells me no on reflection. This will split us more than the Brexit vote did the country.

I voted disappointed in the poll.

Interesting yerlt again. It's pretty evenly split between satisfied, disappointed.& gutted.

Instinct tells me no on reflection. This will split us more than the Brexit vote did the country.

Joe @50
We are not a small club and Never have been.
Yes we haven't won anything for SINCE 1995 ( FA Cup ) yes we have not won the league since 1986, but as a long suffering Everton fan ( 65 ), I still love my team and would hate anyone who calls it a " SMALL CLUB " to manage my team.
It makes no difference to me if he said it yesterday, 11 years ago or 100 years ago. he should never have said it and should never manage my team.
ONCE SAID NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Apologies. I double tapped. I need to be careful and cut back on posting. Just noticed I can no longer post on the Nuno thread as I've apparently exceeded my limit!

I knew this was getting to me. Maybe my wife had a point and the dogs' concern was valid!!

I don't rate him at all his ill conceived lecture about SAF plus his transfer policy bankrupting the shite leading to a monumental sulk when they wouldn't give him more money suggests a very unaware individual.

But I think we should appoint him simply because footy is shite and the resultant indignation and angst would provide some interest.

The french guy looks the most exciting appointment we could make. I'd also have Nuno, Moyes, Martinez or Dunc. BUT if the fat spanish waiter comes in l won't even bother to watch another game. In fact l will leave the UK.

We are not a small club. We have been behaving for one for too long and have a 6th to 10th place average team.

But we are not a small club.

No matter how low they got (much lower than we have), Manchester City, Leeds & Newcastle were and are not small clubs.

We just need to start behaving like the big club we are.

I'm going to exceed my limit again. When is it acceptable to have your first drink of the day??

Danny @68
When Rafa and Everton are seriously linked, there is no limit to the acceptable time for you to take your first drink of the day.:)

I always think back to when Man City was taken over by the Abu Dhabi Group. They immediately made a statement by signing Robinho and also signed players that would become integral to the squad (Kompany, de Jong, Wright-Phillips, Given, Zabaleta). It was almost the perfect blue print for buying a club and making a positive impact.

They gave Mark Hughes a chance and he wasn't exactly a 'big name' in football management, albeit he was respected. He was sacked half way through the next season, making way for Mancini. Football is a business and the big clubs are run like a corporate entities. For City it was a case of pay what it takes for success, same for Chelsea, same for PSG, etc.

But I've always felt there's an element of resistance at Everton, too much too soon and there's not a 'big club' mentality. Fast forward to now and we unexpectedly hired one of the best managers in the world. Regardless of Ancelotti's salary, Everton was able to entice a manager of his calibre.

A part of me wants the City approach, a part of me wants another marque manager like Conte. But looking at the failings of the squad, the guys on the pitch have to change their attitudes and up their game. Koeman once said, I can prepare the team, but I have no control over what they do on the pitch. I'm sick of seeing sloppy passing and booting the ball up field, hoping DCL gets his head on it. They spend most of the games chasing the ball to win back possession. The way they play has become predictable. Everton no longer win games comfortably, it's 1-0s, 2-1s.

Some of the names linked to the job are impressive. We know many have EPL experience and others have done well wherever they've managed. But I just want someone who can go back to basics. Get them passing properly, get them to keep possession and stop being so predictable.

Of course, I want the club to sign quality players too, but we need to start doing what Mourinho did at Chelsea. He introduced us to unknown players who stepped up and became world class players. It's not just the manager we need to be up for the job, we need the scouts to step up, we need everyone at the club to see this as a fresh start.

We all had high hopes with Ancelotti, but that's over. Whoever the club hires, we need to get behind him regardless. Get behind the squad too and encourage them. We as fans have played a part in creating a toxicity around the club. I just want this club to stop being a joke, to stop being ignored and underachieving. Every time a pundit talks about the club, they always comment about the level of investment and the lack of results.

Everton used to be respected. We were a difficult team to beat (most of the time) and we were organised. I can't predict who the new manager will be, but whoever it is, he needs to take the club back in order for us to move forward.

If this happens. Then its very clear that the teary one doesnt have as much say as some think he has. I do think he would be like most of us on here and would fuck Benites off...

Will be interesting to see how the new Celtic manager gets on. They took ages getting their man and as a relative unknown has raised eyebrows, but it looks like they have completed thorough due diligence and are confident he’s a good fit.

As for Benitez. Would he be considered if employed elsewhere? I hope the criteria doesn’t include ‘available’ and ‘lives locally’ as both are red herrings. The only plus for me would be he is bloody minded and doesn’t suffer fools. I don’t think he would give a shit about potentially upsetting the RS - the man has shed loads of self belief to the point of being arrogant. In that respect, he’d be a bit like Jorge Jesus with Benfica/Sporting but not as extreme. I think he’d have to launch the biggest charm offensive ever known and he’s too arrogant for that. We need a uniting force. A no for me.

Blue Bill's master plan to bring back Moyes is coming to fruition. By letting the press know that Beneathus is even being considered, it will make the return of Moyes seem almost palatable to most supporters in comparison. All he needs now is a leaked press mention of Allardyce and the deal will be as good as done.

Interesting that Moyes still hasn't signed his verbally agreed 'formality' contract after three weeks. Dithering par excellence. Why risk a potentially short stay at West Ham when you can get away with year upon year upon year of mediocrity with Blue Bill and an appreciative big wad of cash to boot.

After 75 years as an Evertonian, it's beginning to look like the time to draw the blinds down on the horrible mess the Club has become !

New ground or not, nobody but nobody has brought the ridicule that 'Mosh the Dosh'repeatedly provokes - and we said Kenwright was an idiot !

The Benitez link is easy click bait fodder for the rags.

He lives in Liverpool and is out of work. That seems to be the only reason he’s being linked with us

Small potatoes that lottery nowadays Clive, it’s the Everton Managers job that pays the really big bucks!

Nuno has a "large backroom staff"... is that a euphemism?

Derek @ 74, rarely do I agree with you on many subjects, but with this I do, it has become a money fuelled Fred Carno's Circus, that's just Football in general, then there is us! I, like you have lost a lot of interest in the Club itself and I while I still love the majority of fans and their views, we are slowly becoming a secondary or tertiary consideration.

If the unthinkable were to happen and Rafa Beneathus, were to get the job, (I know it's probably journo clickbait, but stranger things have, and do happen) I wonder if they would consider the impact on both Season Ticket and General Ticket Sales. Us 'old arses' would most probably vote with our feet and I don't think we would have to 'crane our necks' too much, to see how many others followed suit.

I'm not convinced this is a good move but he will certainly be motivated to do a good job because he knows he will get shed loads of abuse if we are crap.

Ultimately, I'm a fan of Everton FC whoever the manager is and want them to do well.

Whoever it is I just hope they can get a good tune out of these players and get them fired up.

Really don't see the attraction with Benitez at all!! Aside from the obviously troubling history his recent coaching cv is far from impressive.

Yes he won the CL but that was 16 years ago!! And despite managing some great teams since he has not won a top flight league title since Valencia almost 20 years ago.

He didn't pull up many trees at Chelsea, was fairly mediocre at Real Madrid and Napoli and got Newcastle relegated. Then went to the Chinese wilderness and didn't do that well there either.

He's 61 and unlikely to be burning with hunger to take a club he once called small back to the pinnacle. Really don't understand people calling for him. Steve Bruce would be preferable.

I'm sure Benitez could probably charge us a small fortune to keep us around 10th with some turgid football but we surely need to be a touch braver than that?

The only thing I blame Kenwright for is sell up to Moshiri. A truly terrible owner.

I think he's by far the best candidate. He got that shower of shit (and they really were a dreadful team when he took them over) to two champions league finals. He's also a hard bastard, which is exactly what we need with our underperforming mercenaries. If you look at the fanbases, other than Chelsea for obvious reason, they all really took to BEnitez. The Liverpool fans I know never complain about the style of football. All they talk about is Istanbul. Even now.
There are very few people that could get a club like ours into a top four position, but he is definitely one of them.

Benitez is a football manager, a professional who will do his best regardless of who he manages.
All this nonsense about the fact he managed the dark side so what ?. Do you think he is going to throw matches/run down the club just because of past associations ?.
We must move on and get the best manager available and he will stake his reputation by seeing the results on the pitch.
Football is littered with managers/players who have plied their trade at rival clubs then changed allegiance its nothing new.

Beginning to think we are being played and Moyes is coming back - god help us. Playing WHU with his I'll be signing soon don't worry, act - what he did here, when he already knew the MU job was his.

If he does PROTESTS OUTSIDE GOODISON IMMEDIATELY. SACK THE BOARD !!!

Rafa, probably won't be appointed and I wouldn't be disappointed if he was. I'm not a bitter blue, I enjoyed watching the fantastic Peter Beardsley in an Everton shirt, and we all know the success he had at Liverpool.

Yes it was years ago but Sir Matt Busbys legacy is part of the fabric at Manchester United. All those years ago, it didn't bother the United fans then or now that most of his playing career was as their rivals City.

Martin @ you ask Do you think he is going to throw matches/run down the club just because of past associations ?.My reply is "How would we recognise it, if he did, we have managed to do most of the hard work ourselves or rather the board and managers have.

I think his record at Chelsea wasn’t bad Sam, losing four out of 23 league matches, so getting them to third in the league.

He lost two domestic semi finals, won the Europa League, and this was all done under the backdrop of a fanbase, who absolutely detested him for comments about the plastic flags that the Chelsea fans used to fly.

Im sure this would have stemmed from the arrogance connected to the Liverpool fans, who have always come across as believing they are a superior race, whereas his small club jibe, was probably more personal, because of the stick he regularly took off Evertonians?

He’s won a lot of cups, although it’s also easy to argue that, “and so he should have done” and I also think he won a lot of the Chelsea fans around in the end, because of his sheer will and professionalism, which never once wavered whilst he was getting absolutely destroyed by certain sections of his own crowd every week.

A massive part of me wants a belligerent cold professional in charge of Everton football club, but it’s also a worry appointing Benitez, but more because of his dour football, rather than his Liverpool connections imo, especially because it never done our great team of the eighties any harm, having a couple of ex-kopites in the squad.

If you look at gross turnover of clubs, we are a small club. Kenwright ran the business side down for twenty years then told us “I haven’t got a clue about business”. As if a football club isn’t in a cut throat business. Look at the ridiculous Kitbag deal we did with an internet firm that had no outlets. Moshiri is desperately trying to build it up again.

From the Echo - can anyone explain what all this actually means and what are its implications if any.

Companies House records confirm that Brands has joined the board of Everton Investments Ltd, Everton Finance Ltd and Goodison Park Stadium Ltd, all appointments beginning from June 4.

Brands joins incumbent trio of Bill Kenwright, Denise Barrett-Baxendale and Alexander Ryazantsev on the Everton Investments Ltd and Goodison Park Stadium Ltd board, while he joins Kenwright in coming on to the Everton Finance Ltd board, which had previously had only Barrett-Baxendale and Ryazantsev as confirmed board members.

The Mail (Dominic King) broke this yesterday evening - they are now saying we have spoke with Manuel Pellegrini. Either both are true and we are truly in a mess with this or it’s click bait bollocks

Uncertain what impact this has on the general running of the club, but the Echo reports that Marcel Brands has been appointed onto the boards of Everton Investments Ltd., Goodison Park Stadium Ltd, and Everton Finance Ltd

Brands Triple Appointment

Jack#89
One of the Clickbait sites has just published a very pro-Moyes return article and stated that he & Blue Bill have held "informal" talks.

Brendan - worried of Southport am I. I will be absolutely disgusted if that man ends up managing EFC again.

I can recall the outraged indignation I felt when Rafa labelled Everton a small club, but I will settle for him becoming our next manager before Moyes all day long.
I guess this is a reflection of my advancing years and a growing calmness of demeanour.
Regarding our former manager, we'll 2 key things for me. One, never go back it will not be a success and two, he failed for more than a decade, we know how far he can take us. Do not bother. COYB.

Not exactly over the moon, for obvious reasons, but it's not like we'd be appointing Bill Shankly. A few main cons, in my view: his negative football and his lack of success over recent years, as well as the profile of the clubs he has been in charge of, during the same time. Plus, does he still have it in him? And, of course, would he take a back-seat to Marcel Brands in the transfer market?

No to anyone that Kenwright or Moshiri want. Let Brands do his DoF job.

No to anyone who has managed a relegated side; so no Howe, Martinez, Moyes, Wilder, Dyche, Allardyce.

No to any manager with less than 5 years experience; no Ferguson, Lampard, Gerrard, Arteta, Rooney, Neville. This job is too big and too difficult.

No to any former "Top Player"; No Pirlo, no Koeman.

No to anyone over 60: Sorry, you're just after one last payoff and don't have the energy.

No to anyone who hasn't won anything; No Moyes and most of the above.

No nice guys; No Nuno, Potter?

Personally I'd wave a massive wad of cash at Unai Emery and (reluctantly) Brendan Rodgers. Failing that... Galtier, Ten Hag or (outsider) Conte.

This for me would be just another soul destroying appointment if it happened.

I beginning to have grave concerns about the forthcoming season.

Rafa has got to be worth a go, in my view. What's the worst that could happen? It doesn't take long for the fickle minds of the football fan to change tack, if he was to being a degree of success.

The trouble with winning stuff at the pit is you become forever infected by their virus. When Houlier joined Villa, a historic footballing institution in it's own right, he couldn't help cravenly rolling on his back for tummy rubs from the Anfield faithful.

Villa fans were quite rightly irked here was their manager public demonstrating his heart really lay at shitsville making Villa look a poor second

Benitez would do exactly the same thing. It's gonna be fun

Anybody else feel we are getting played here? This will drag on for a couple more weeks then the club will release a statement, we have exhausted a long protracted recruitment process, here is your new manager David Moyes. BPB will greet him like a returning prodical son. We will all go at least they tried I am becoming more disconnected to the club by the day!!!!!! Moyes still not signing he new extended contract with the Hammers has me worrying

Why have I a scraping the bottom of the barrel feeling?

Let's face it.

Moyes has history for sitting on his employer from a great height.

Everton... anyone!

enough with the speculation already.
Let's talk about fachts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsg0KiLkzHU&t=26s

Enforced few hours away from all this due to work.

The link about Brands has only gone and got me hopeful. He's stepping up to a more prominent board level role. We're going to appoint Rangnick as the manager but also working as DoF with Brands and then Terzic working under him as first team coach.

Meanwhile, in the real world, Bill is convincing Moshiri that it has to be Moyes and it will be announced by the end of the week.

I give in. I'm going for that drink. The dogs are looking at me again. I think they're worried.

Jack#89

Confirms that Brands is part of the Everton Establishment. Old Marcel is doing alright no matter what happens.

Simply cannot believe that 46% would find this acceptable. Just goes to prove how many WUMs there are on this site. The only possible explanation.

I’d be happy if Moyes came back. We’ve been terrible since he left despite spending a fortune.
I was too young to remember the glory days in the 80’s and that’s probably why I look fondly on the Moyes tenure.
I think until the ground move happens, we need a period of stability where we are savvy in the transfer market and we get the most out of our players.
I think of all the candidates being discussed, Moyes would be a pretty safe pair of hands...

Barry#91

Is he still known as a Director of Football?

Jerome @108
I think so, nothing in the piece to suggest otherwise.

Be like going back for Gordon Lee after Colin Harvey went.

This madness must be stopped. He wants the job because it's good dough and on his doorstep. Tell him he must beg then Chase him.

Surely the longer this goes on the better become the chances of Duncan getting the job. If an appointment is not made by the end of the month he will step in to take the pre season training. Possession as they say is nine tenths of the law.

As for David Moyes, the hysteria about the guy is disconcerting. He has done a very good job at West Ham and I will be amazed if he is not managing that club when the season kicks off in August.

FFS!

A lot are rightly saying about Rafa and small club, however if you go on YouTube and view the after match thoughts, when Duncan was in charge of the 4 nil Chelsea win, both Carragher and Rafa are in the studio.

You get an insight on tactics and how Everton got both attackers and wingers inside the Chelsea area by playing a 4-4-2, for 3 of the 4 goals.

Both Rafa and Carragher nailed it spot on, with Rafa apologising and saying he was referring to small team at the time and not a small club, Carragher then pushed him on the vacant job last season and would have been up to the challange and his Liverpool ties, would not stand in the way of him trying to achieve success at Everton, well worth a watch.

One things for sure, the Red side would be fuming, if he took the Everton job.

Barry#108

Just occured to me that in coming Managers may no want a Director of Football as part of the their team, though Brands would be involved in Transfers at Board level.

Stephen#108

Raf and Moyes God him us.

Jerome@115

It's no secret that we have a DoF at Everton so why throw your hat into the ring if you don't want to work with one?

Dave # 197 I don't want safe. What's the point then?

Benitez would be a very good choice in the short-term because he would stabilize the club. Having another manager come in does not guarantee he will 'hit the ground running' but Benitez would. He knows the premier league inside/out; has lots of contacts in the football world; knows where to find players that would suit Everton; Benitez made Liverpool FC competitive very season; has a home on Merseyside and has an affection towards all Liverpool people.

Brian # 114, the RS fans I speak to aren't fuming about the Rafa link. It just reinforces their superiority complex - that we would appoint someone they said goodbye to years ago and would never now reappoint. It would simply position us as a laughable Palace size club pretending to be big.

Steavey#118.
Having another manager come in does not guarantee he will 'hit the ground running' but Benitez would.

Steavey, Benitez IS another manager so that doesn't really make sense, and the fact that he's got a house on Merseyside means sweet f.a to be honest.

And surely we don't want any manager who's "managed" to get his team relegated?

Brian, both Klopp and Wenger have a relegation on their CVs.

The new appointment for Brands makes me worry he's moving away from his DOF role and we all know that Moyes / Rafa would never work with one. Sick to the stomach am I. FFS EFC show some balls and leave the past behind. I live in Southport - if living near Goodison is a priority then I must have a chance - nearer to Goodison than either Rafa / Moyes - Giz a job Mr Moshiri. £200,000 pa. Been a blue for 60 plus years - bleed blue.

I believe that we are building up to a catastrophe.

Yes Andrew #121
As part of their early learning curve...FSW's drop only serves to evidence his spiralling downward trajectory.

I do like the 'have spoken to' rumours.

Do they mean substantial negotiations have taken place or does it mean candidate x phoned Marcel Brands and said can I be your manager and was told not a chance.

I rate him highly. I think he's a good man. I wanted him before and I still want him. I don't subscribe to the whole "small club nonsense" argument for not employing him.
He's available.
He'd be better than anything we've had since Kendall.
I could not give a flying proverbial about the Liverpool aspect of his CV at all.
Get the Spaniard in now and he will stabilise us. His best years are not behind him.

Just out of interest, on this subject of ex Shite managers. Brendan Rodgers has a house in Formby, what would be the general reaction if he was to come in to the frame ?

Moyes working without a d.o.f served us well in the past, in fact we have seemed to have gone backwards, since having two different d.o.f at the club.

I am not calling for Moyes as Manager, or even Rafa, but on the whole, they seemed to manage just fine, without a d.o.f.

Too many on here like Brands and he could very well be the one to bring in these players, but at the same time, there could be a very small percentage of chance, that having a d.o.f could be the problem.

Who cares who the manager is ? Most people would be alright with Adolf Hitler in charge if their club were winning games and scoring plenty of goals

Personally John, just as I don't really have too much concern for Rafa's Liverpool connections or his previous comments, I rate Rodgers as a coach.

I know to many this will seem irrelevant from a footballing perspective, but I just don't like the character. Obviously I don't know him personally, but just a gut feeling.

John I would welcome hi m with open arms, he is clever, inventive and by many accounts a great coach, always looking to improve his methods. I heard Danny Murphy on Talkshite last year saying how highly he rates him. Down here at Swansea he is fondly remembered and you could see how the players love him at Leicester. Would he come though?

Christopher @112, my brother in law is a Mackem, If I'd even mantion Moyes to him, he would froth at the mouth.

I have no problem with Duncan, but as I stated earlier I do however feel Duncan needs to manage a league 1 or Championship team first before being considered for Everton. Lee Carsley, Gerrard, Lee Bowyer, Lampard, Rooney, Barton, should be a model for them both (and Unsworth), leaving the hot seat away thier comfort zones.

It's a fair point Brian #128.

The DoF model, like a few modern innovations, seems slow to take off here than elsewhere.

Although, I would say that Ferguson & Wenger sort of morphed into the DoF role over time, albeit were certainly more than just DoF. Moyes was a bit like that for us but also hands on with coaching too, which is partly why the Manure job was too huge for him.

The version of DoF we've adopted with Walsh and Brands has been flawed because of interference from Moshiri, Kenwright and a succession of very short termist managers. Think back to the summer where we bought Sigurdsson, Klaasen, Rooney (was Vlasic that year too?). Madness.

Personally, I see our best chance of developing is by hiring a coach to coach the players and a DoF to handle the recruitment & academy.

Galtier and (?) Campos have done this to v good effect at Lille and its the model that brought Seville success too.

But, it's not the only way to do things successfully. However we do it, we need to stop the interference and misalignment of objectives that's causing all the problems. The specialists need to be trusted to get on with their jobs.

Robert. Nail, head as they say.

The DoF model has worked for years elsewhere because the board bring in someone and empower them with procurement. But with empowerment comes Responsibility. We are more used to a model where the manager does everything.

For the DoF model to work, like in any profession or walk of life, everyone is empowered and responsible at their own level to make the system operate effectively.

Yes there needs to be scrutiny and accountability but you touch on a very good point, there should not be interference. Let people do their job and judge them on that; but let them do it, don't try to do it for them.

The board should let the DoF do their job and yes, hold them accountable for that. Hold them accountable, but let them do it.

The DoF should hold the manager accountable for managing what the tools he has provided them with.

The manager should hold the coaches responsible for implementing his principles.

The coaches should hold the players responsible for carrying out the instructions given to them.

The players are responsible for delivery on the pitch based on those instructions.

Responsibility is key. At all layers. But there has to be delegation of responsibilty for it to work.

But let people do their job and judge them on performance.

Interference leads to confusion and incoherence.

I think I need another drink already.

Andrew#121.
And I wouldn't want either of those!

If we take the "small club" out of this and view his career from the perspective of say Leicester if they were in the market for a new manager, I feel sure that they would come to the conclusion he's winding down and his current form (over the last 5 years) shows he's tailing off.

I might of actually swallowed pride for the Benitez before he joined Newcastle, if I thought he could do something with us, but at Newcastle he wasn't exactly the "bees knee" or the "dog's danglies" was he?

He just seems like another Carlo to me and there's a chance he'll bore us to death like Carlo, but there won't be any Real to take him away and we'll be stuck with him.

I'll be optimistic and go with the energy and drive of the Dunc, Potter or the French guy.

Bloody hell
The hate brigade went into melt down before Ancelotti signed because of his age
Benitez is roughly the same age, won less, has the RS and “small club” connection, they’d be apoplectic!
Mind you a couple of them might find it so distasteful, they’d withdraw their support for the Club and never post here again!
Come on down, Rafa!

If age is the issue then Terim is the answer? According to Fotospor, via Billy Meyers at HITC, Everton has made an offer to Fatih Terim, after Marcel Brands held a meeting with the Galatasaray boss.

The elections for Galatasaray’s new President are on the horizon, and it’s believed that the 67-year-old will be sacked unless Burak Elmas wins. As a result, some offers have come in for Terim. One is from Lille, while the other is from Qatar.

However, Everton have also made an offer to Terim.

Fotospor write that Everton’s offer was even discussed on Persian-language TV channel Manoto, owned by Nazenin – the wife of Farhad Moshiri.

On the show, Manoto claimed that Moshiri had asked Everton’s Director of Football, Marcel Brands, to meet with Terim. Now, an offer has been sent to the Turk.

You can argue it all went downhill when we introduced a director of football.

I can 100% honestly say I don't know what Marcel Brands brings to the table in any shape or form to EFC.

Hindsight is wonderful when signing a player but its hard not to admit that Brands very much cost Silva his job in the Window where we wanted Zaha & Zouma but saddled him with with Iwobi and Gbamin.

He seems to have a senior position but what's the point if the key decisions such as the manager are made by Moshiri spinning the wheel of fortune. If Marcel Brands left tomorrow I do think it would genuinely have fuck all impact on the club.

I am getting a headache thinking about this and all the fake news.

I just want the club to decide and make an announcement.

How hard can iy be ToffeeWeb has established a shortlist of pretty good candidates in less than a week.

The best coaches are noted in the football world so how hard can it be to interview a shortlist and decide on the right one.

It is concerning me that apparently Moshiri, Bill and BRands are all interviewing people separately but that could also be fake news.

Martin@124
Cmon Martin, what happened to the old positive Martin?
Where has this doom laden mood come from?
I personally always get stupidly, unrealistically, over the top optimistic about how our new manager can turn us upside down!! I mean what is the point of supporting Everton?
It's the hope that keeps us alive!!

Barry #139 at age 67 he would only be an interim manager. Wouldn't have much faith in that.

But Pat @143
Fatih is an anagram of Faith. :)

Taking the Everton-Liverpool out of it, asked a very close friend on his views on Benitez. He's from the North East and is a Newcastle season ticket holder. His response and view:

"Benitez will be back at Newcastle if they win arbitration case and takeover can go ahead I reckon. But if he goes to Everton you know what you’ll get, disciplined formation and a genuine plan for each game. Players tend to say he’s strict and not the best man manager but he doesn’t care, they’re there to work!"

He also despises Steve Bruce.

Just, no.

Well, here's a new one!!!!

http://sportwitness.co.uk/belief-everton-made-offer-manager-farhad-moshiri-requested-brands-meeting/

No for Agent Benitez and No for Gerrard.

Is the worlds list of football managers so small we have t o lower ourselves to appoint an ex red. No fucking way move on.

If we appoint Pellegrini then I'm sorry but jesus christ Marcel Brands should just resign.

Daniel, if I was Marcel Brands I would resign. He's brought in to do a job and isn't being allowed to do it due to factions behind the scenes. If this club gets dragged down it won't be his doing.

To keep things nice and fresh, perhaps Moshiri could appoint a manager for each month of the year, he could then produce a glossy calendar to help raise money for Eitc, there you go everyone's a winner!

"If Marcel Brands left tomorrow I do think it would genuinely have fuck all impact on the club."

Daniel, I agree. I can't see anything in our performance as a team or club in the last few years that can be directly attributed to the presence alone of a DOF, that couldn't have happened without them. Nor any promising changes in structure or direction.

EDIT: Andrew, 149. Do we have any evidence that Brands is being actively prevented from operating, and by whom, and why?

Fatih Terim, the galatasaray manager linked!!

Yeah Rob@142 see my post @139
I wonder if Mosh's wife looks anything like Jim White?

Rob, he's hardly a young Turk

Sorry Barry, never saw your post. Can't be arsed scrolling through all these threads about a new manager. 😟😟

67 years old, Pat. This site will explode at the thought of a 67 year old taking over.

I doubt it's serious Rob. Maybe just a rumour to boost his chances of staying on.

If Wayne was still here, he'd show an interest in somebody of that age, a bit young for him mind.

2024 pub quiz question;

"Who is the only Premier League millionaire Director of Football who was never allowed to direct his club's football?"

Is it just possible that Marcel has by now realised that the easy-street giving so many Blue Bill acolytes a well-paid job for next to nowt in return is just looking more than comfortable for him too?

Off-topic but I don't care...

All US Blues, read this: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/10/everton-premier-league-usa-links?utm_term=f5370a696221e44a3ca5d8e0093de302&utm_campaign=TheFiver&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=fiver_email

Unsy will be made up
no chicken and pasta. Kebabs only at Finch Farm

The dismissive opening made me leave Mike but I'll check it out later.

Funny how the deserters and quitters judge everyone by their own standards.

Not a US blue Mile Gaynes, but as I have a house over there and have been to 30 of the States, I felt qualified to give it a read!

Interesting stuff. Reachng out to the US fan base by being Everton. Engaging and connecting.

Very interesting. Thanks for that link.

I'm afraid with this board we'll end up choosing between him and Mark Hughes!!!

Don#159

That exactly it. He is part of the Establishment and has been since elected to the Board. He has realised how Gerard's two empires works at Everton and is playing along. Doing real well as a result He will distance himself from the Manager, may take part in transfers at board level. Loans out will be delegated. I agreed that I would prefer Kia as advisor to Moshiri rather than Kenwright. No so sure about Brands either. Three Promotions with a squad of less value, a midtable finish and the Club losing money.

No, no, no, no, no.

No.

Are you sure Anthony?!!

Haha. We need a coach who is desperate to prove himself. Moyes did great as a younger man with relatively progressive methods and a fierce desire to prove himself.

Could Brands find the next surprise manager? Maybe.

Benitez is safe, irritating, pragmatic.

He won't take enough risks.

Best person for the job, probably not. But he's experienced in the Premier league and won a fewer trophies.

I always start with, are they better than Moyes. For me he's a similar level to Moyes

Certainly could do worse. Different styles and approaches but he's a top ten manager and could do a decent enough job for a few years.

Is that what we want, not me. Aim high, sign some quality players that are aligned to the style of football manager you want to bring in and that allows for continuity.

But if it's experience and a high profile we want, Wenger could certainly bring respect. Better than Rafa and Moyes.

Whoever is appointed must be supported by the fans.
There is nothing worse than a Cub in anarchy with fan protests etc. What will it achieve?
The Board will not remove a Manager if the fans protest and it will surely destroy any chance of the Team performing well and discourage quality players joining.
I would prefer younger Managers but will still support whoever comes in.
I can voice my opinion at the game after everyone has been given time, money and opportunity to turn this sows ear of a Team into a silk purse.

From another Blues page, Evertonians who don't want Benitez are wet wipes who don't want what's best for the club.

And people wonder why this club is not going anywhere.

I'm quite happy for the last red who turned blue to remain someone else.

Gags aside...

Can you honestly see 'Beneathus' taking charge of the final game at Goodison Park?

It'd be like appointing John Major to be the Unite union rep for the city...

Danny #164, I consider you an honorary Yank.

Not sure if that's a compliment, mind you !

Wenger!?!
Pffffff

For the last 5 hours, l've Googled 'Everton' and the first thing that l see is the Spanish Waiter's big fat face. For fuck's sake, hurry up, Moshiri, you're killing me.

Benitez is probably too old now to have an impact anyway, regardless of his previous with the other lot. Galtier I know nothing about but I suspect we would be looking for another manager pretty soon if he is appointed.

Graham Potter is a Moyes-type appointment: stability for few years, no flair and no wins when it matters.

The fact is, whoever we end up with, it's going to be years before we see any change on the pitch.

A good start would be to sign some young, pacey midfielders capable of taking the ball on the half-turn and moving forward with it, as opposed to just passing it back from where it came.

And somebody needs to tell Richarlison to stop throwing himself on the floor whilst screaming, and instead actually start pulling his weight as a forward.

I wonder what goes on at Finch Farm, do none of the staff tell him to get up or fuck off when he does all that play-acting?

It matters not who the next manager is.. The players lost all those home games last season..

No wonder Carlo fucked off...

A compliment Mike, although I have to be considered an honorary American.

My regional States side allegiances lie in Maryland, North Carolina and Florida from my military days. Since stepping into the commercial world, I'm a converted Texan. I have a huge Texas flag; well it would have to be wouldn't it?!!

Dennis @181
I think you're giving our leaders too much credit, they aren't capable of being machiavellian they're just plain incompetant. IF the Nuno appointment has fallen down due to his demands to appoint his own backroom staff, then everybody and his dog knew that last week following the Crystal Palace debacle.

I notice that Fonseca only got a two-year deal with Spurs - which perhaps is what Everton is hoping to try with whichever manager they are interested in, but Spurs have a better squad overall than Everton and it will take a new Everton manager realistically at least one season to build a team to compete with the other clubs eyeing the European spots.

I think Benitez would take a two-year deal, and I think the club would be content to have him as the boss, the fans are a different matter, but it would seem whoever is appointed won't satisfy a large proportion of the fanbase.

The Nuno saga reminds me of Allardyce. They seemed set to appoint him, got cold feet then he started mouthing off, they panicked and appointed him anyway. If we are not convinced by him, move on. It seems as if they’re thinking “well he will do but let’s see if we can get someone better.” The classic compromise appointment like Steve MacLaren for England. If there is someone better then go all out and get him. In the mean time the only people knocking on our door seem to be the agents of the usual suspects.

I’m with you Matthew, how can he even be considered for the job, I’d honestly sooner have Allardyce than Rafa, please Moshiri let’s get this next appointment right cos these last 4 years have been an absolute shit show

News from @EvertonNewsFeed on Twitter:

🗞Rafa Benitez is said to be getting cold feet regarding the Everton Managers job due to protests from fans. People close to Benitez have advised him to reject the job.Benitez was offered the job Wednesday and was expected to be appointed on Thursday (source: @footyinsider247)

Yay, there might still be some hope! We can chase off the pepper grinder gringo!

Some reports are saying Spurs are now coming in for Nuno.

Mark #127 I'm not sure why you think Rafa would be the best manager since Kendall. His CV doesn't match up to Carlo's and he's not done much since he left Chelsea 8 years ago.

All this speculation made me even think Lennon (on the radio toaday and sounding very impressive) would be a dream appointment!

Augustus Caesar (guising as our present day Moshiri re Everton), asks "Who in Judea can I put in charge of child welfare?" Hmm? Err, hmm? bumble-bumble-bumble??? - "I know, that great bloke, Herod Antipas!"

And the rest is history.

Ruinous to Augustus Caesar eventually.

All views respected is right, and it’s the Circus Maximus, pending at Goodison Park.

Some serious genuine and honest agreement to be drawn up soon, as this season is in jeopardy.