Reports: Everton to approach Derby regarding Rooney

Any adjustment period with Rooney's appointment would be minimal given he's even played alongside a lot of the current squad.

A young British manager would always be most supporters preference especially after the disastrous foreign managerial appointments made of our recent history.

Our most successful spells have always come about with an Evertonian at the helm, a sense of deja-vu but let's hope this is the last time Rooney needs to save the clubs existence.

We already have Dunc that could be put in short term, if no joy, then go in for Rooney, I just do not see the point in trying to rush him or any other Manager in right away, take stock what Dunc can achieve first, surely.

If we weren't at the juncture we are currently at and a new appointment could be afforded the luxury of time to bed in then another approach and appointment might well be the way to go.

Unfortunately time is a luxury we don't have, we're on the precipice so for the here and now Rooney alongside Ferguson may well be the best way to galvanize the team and ensure survival.

Give it to Duncan in the short term, see what pans out and go from there.

If we employ Rooney now, it just feels like Lampard ala Chelsea - too much too soon with too much expectation, it feels like a disaster waiting to happen and would really muddy the waters of his relationship with the club if it goes to tits.

I'm leaning towards Dunc to the end of the season and hopefully, if we're in a better place, we could attract Potter or someone who can implement fresh ideas. My only worry is that, if it goes wrong for Dunc, we could get relegated and lose a club legend in the process.

If whichever manager is appointed can lift the mood of both the players and the supporters then that's all we need for now, the dreams of winning trophies and playing in Europe will have to wait until at least next season, unless of course Everton could make 'Danny's Dream' come true this season.

I think putting Ferguson and Baines in charge for the next couple of games makes perfect sense, they will at least have all the crowd behind them and I would think practically all the players as well. Ferguson brought the feel good factor back to Goodison last time he took over and I think he and Baines will do the same this time. I don't know if he wants the job full time, he said he didnt think he was ready last time to take on the role permanently mind he might now feel he is ready.

Reports seem to suggest that the club will carry out interviews with prospective candidates over the coming weeks, maybe their not sure if Duncan is ready to take the reigns. My choice as it was in the summer was Christophe Galtier from Nice but seeing he has only just moved there it seems unlikely he will leave this summer. Seems a straight choice that if its not Duncan then either Rooney or Lampard will be offered the job. I think I would just very marginally prefer Lampard only because he has had expeirience at managing a Premier league club as well as a Championship club. Also with his connection with Chelsea they seem to produce some great youngsters who he may persuade to come here full time or on loan, and given where we are with FFP that for me just tips the balance in his favour.

He has a 27.7% win ratio at Derby so he’s hardly pulling up trees. That’s a worse win ratio than Benitez had with us. This season alone he’s at 30.7%. If he wasn’t an Evertonian we wouldn’t be giving him a second look.

Has he shown that he can coach elite players to a higher standard? Nope. He’s never managed elite players.

Has he shown he can build a well-balanced squad and integrate transfers into his team? Nope. He hasn’t been able to at Derby.

Has he shown he can instil a winning mentality? No, he has a 30.7% win ratio.

What exactly puts Rooney in the conversation when somebody like Scott Parker fails to get a mention? I’m not suggesting he should be in the mix but the team he built at Fulham is top of the championship table. The team he now manages, Bournemouth, are second. He has experience of managing in the Premier League. He played at the highest level. Why is Wayne Rooney a better option?

So, for those advocating for Rooney to come in, do you get your blue-tinted specs from the same place at Kenwright?

Don't want, don't like. Immature is the nicest thing I can say about him.

We have tried experienced managers and thats not really worked but we cant risk Rooney, he'd be under too much pressure too soon.
I would give Duncan the job if he wants it, he did well when he stepped in before. Ok he's bugger all experience of being in charge himself but I'd take the gamble on him.
Lets be honest theres not much choice out there.
Whoever takes over he has my sympathy because its going to be a struggle.
I know one thing anyone booing the manager or the players this season should be ejected from the ground pronto.

He is doing a remarkable job, (and it is remarkable), at Derby County.

People say - let him finsh the season there and then come to Everton.

Why?

If a virtuoso violin player suddenly comes on the stage and thrills audiences with their skills, people don't say - let him play in a quartet down the leisure centre for a few months. They get them straight into the Philharmonic.

Rooney has done enough as a player and a manager, in my view, to show that he has what it takes and that he has a natural ability as far as football, at all levels is concerned.

So why not give him a chance?

Otherwise he will likely end up at Spurs when Conte inevitably falls out with Levy, at the end of the season.

I just think that Duncan until the end of the end of the season with a review at that stage represents a less risky option.

I suppose Lampard could have a similar effect. Owever, Lampard has tried and failed at Premier League management. Even at Derby, where, unlike Rooney, he had the benefit of resources, he ultimately fell short.

I'd be worried that Ferguson in the interim wouldn't have sufficient clout in the dressing room. Rooney all the way for me. Get him in!

I don't think he's ready for the coaching role here although I'm sure he understands exactly what he'd be inheriting. My head is spinning and I really don't get what the overall method is other than freakout.

Ultimately I'd still give Ferguson a run at it.

We're talking the same thing on about 3 different threads. Lots of repetition and difficult to keep track, so I'll apologise in advance.

I said previously that I was on the fence with Lampard coming in and potentially bringing Rooney as his number 2 but there would be complications given Rooney's stint as a number 1. Lampard would be good for bringing in young players - ours and potentially others. Would Rooney want to take a step down? Unlikely but a thought.

Ironically my fear with Rooney is that there are parallels Lampard and Chelsea only we are not in Chelsea's position so this could go horribly wrong. And we don't destroy a club legend because Rooney never was an Everton one as good as he was in the brief period he spent with us.

At this rate, I'm waking sleeping dogs up to take them out again. Different route, preferably past a pub.

Cons
- Infidelity (apparently)
- Penchant for a bender (apparently).
- Young for any manager / inexperienced
- says “err” a lot.

Pro’s outweigh the cons. Feels like the club don’t want Duncan or Duncan doesn’t really want the job. If there’s ANY doubt, maybe Wayne is worth a go.

At Everton (as it usually is) everything is much more complicated. I've seldom seen a club make it so difficult for any incomer to settle in...because there is no system for them to settle into!

That gives Big Dunc a bit of an advantage at this stage, but he'll need help. Lots of it.

His overall premier league record was….

Played….84
Won…….44
Drew…..17
Lost……..23.
Win %age 48.2. Hardly a failure!

God knows where this death wish comes from. Maybe it is Kenwright after all. Anyone who thinks that Rooney has the experience or the nous to manage at the top level must be from theatreland?

Before long some fans will be muttering on social media about the incumbent not being up to the job and never wanting him in the first place. Others will say he needs to be given time. The players will see the writing on the wall, shrink into their shells and await yet another changing of the guard.

I wish whoever is appointed the best of luck. He will need it.

But, as pointed out here earlier. Immature.
Drunk driving. Cheating on his wife with prostitutes on several occasions.
NOT a good rolemodel at all.

Also, he Just started coaching a year or two ago, and has not
done miracl3s with Derby.

NONONONO

Danny, Chelsea have had 16 managers since 2000, we’ve had 8. Chelsea sacked some decent managers so getting sacked by them is no blot on your CV.

Not sure what you mean about drawing parallels between Lampard at Chelsea and Rooney if Rooney came here. I think we should look at the fact that Lampard got Derby into the playoffs only to lose in the final to Villa. He then gets the job at Chelsea who were under a transfer embargo when he went there, but managed to get Chelsea to 4th in the premier league and lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. The following season Chelsea started really strongly and by December they were top of the league and top of their Champions league group. They then went on a run of just 2 wins in 8 games and Tuchel became available which persuaded Abramovich to jump ship.
Now I know Wayne has been managing under a 21 point deduction at Derby and he has done brilliant to get them where they are now. But when you are given such a massive points deduction then the manager and players can play with a freedom as everyone expects them to be relegated.

So as far as managers Lampard has achieved way more than Rooney and the pressure that managers are under at Chelsea is at a completely different level.

Rooney’s doing a good job with a poor Championship team in his first role as manager. I’m not sure that qualifies him for Everton. Though maybe no-one else would touch us?!

Squires

Brian, more from the former player going to the club too soon. But I totally understand why either couldn't or wouldn't turn it down if offered. It's why I used parallels (not similarities or exact same) and then caveated myself at the end. Lampard was a club legend who won the lot with Chelsea.

Rooney wasn't. His achievements were with Manchester United.

My preference is a caretaker until the summer.

There’s no perfect answer even Potter could well struggle mid season. Also thankfully the Roberto Martinez idea has found the long grass. We need the fans on board to get us to 40 points so Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson on the touch line demanding 100% from the players and urging them to fight and attack will get Goodison rocking.

Wayne is a far from perfect character but bringing him in as the no1 until the summer (then review his progress) will change the dynamic and mentality with the players, it’ll get them fired up again and hopefully playing as a team. Duncan is talismanic, but is also a bit part of the failed previous regime. The place needs something different to create a spark.

Whoever comes in I’ll support 100% until June, the club needs it.

Just had the notification from the App.

"Duncan Ferguson appointed Caretaker Manager for upcoming games"

Not manager. Not for the rest of the season. Upcoming games.

The search goes on.

No question they have done well to pick up the deduction points, but I would certainly wait until the end of the season, to see if Derby maintain the run under Rooney.

There's too much of Kenwright's weasely paws all over everything at the moment.

For me I think Duncan/Bainsey until the end of the season rather than Rooney now. That's too risky, and show a little more urgency looking for a competent DoF who can contribute to the manager decision**.

** Shame because we probably already had one if he was allowed to do his job.

I'm with Peter #44.

Rooney will be a disaster and a PR nightmare off the pitch.

These are dark times.

Having said that

I think Rooney is on to something special this season at Derby - if he does manage to keep Derby up, it would be nothing short of miraculous given the circumstances at that football club. I think it is unfair to Rooney as well as the Derby fans to pluck him out from there and deny him (and Derby) the opportunity to see what they might achieve at the end of the season. For that reason alone, I would keep him there until the end of the season. (Maybe help him by offering our best prospect - Dobbin - on loan. No loan fee, no salary payments. It could be a win-win for Derby and Everton).

To address our immediate needs this season, I would give the job 100% to Duncan and Baines until the end of the season. They would have only 1 remit - keep Everton up in the PL, anywhere above 18th will do. Support them with 1-2 key loans/purchases before the window closes. Start the search in earnest for our new Director of Football. Take the time until the end of season to get new guy in, let him develop a strategic plan to rebuild EFC. In the summer, get in Rooney and let him start the rebuilding process.

He is certainly worth keeping an eye on as a promising coach. It really wouldn't surprise me if he becomes our coach in a couple of years (or more).

I don't think Ferguson will last long term. He's a stop gap until summer.

I can't see him ever being trusted to spend the owner's money.

With the probable departure of Mina, Richarlison and maybe DCL in summer (along with a lot of contracts expiring) we will need someone in charge of recruitment.

Like I say, I can't see that being Ferguson.

Rooney's obviously doing an impressive job at Derby, under the circumstances, but as others have pointed out, those same circumstances have effectively stripped any pressure from the job. Having not watched them, I can't speak at all to his tactical nous or man management. Anyone have any insight?

🎶 There are more questions than answers

So he has a lot more experience than Rooney, but has a point to prove. Seems to be an intelligent and personable chap into the bargain.

I would take Rooney over Lampard 7 days a week – get him an old hand to steady the nerves and tell the owner and Chairman to stop buckling under pressure and actually back a manager like Phillip Carter did.

It's about time reality set into Everton and they took control of their own destiny than be 'advised' by all and sundry – Sky analysts included. I would love Duncan to be part of it but would pay whatever it takes to bring Cahill back in an assistant capacity. COYB.

How is that in any way comparable with Rooney, Derby County's predicament and Everton's current squad.

You are comparing apples, oranges and pears(hapd)... anyone could have been successful at Chelsea. Lazy analysis. We need some cold reality here. Not a media lovie with no connection to the club.

IMO, what Everton need is someone familar with Everton who is a cheat, a lair, lives on the seedy side of life and a gangster who can hoodwink Kenwright and Moshiri.

The fact that Rooney qualifies just happens to be a coincidence. Lampard is a babe to the slaughter in comparison.

A submarine next maybe? There's a yellow one just up the road from Finch Farm.

Rooney is not the answer.

Can we have a proper manager please?

Rooney wouldn't be on my blacklist but it's just too soon, and do we really have to panic and go down that route now? Lampard would be the better bet of the two particularly as he wouldn't be in bed with Kenwright.

For all the mess we're in now, it's still a great gig for someone. We are not going to get relegated and the only direction from here (with the right man) is up.

New stadium on the horizon and money to spend once we've remedied the Financial Fair Play problem. Duncan for the rest of the season, which will give the idiots time to properly assess a full-time appointment.

Rooney, well it’s been said. I don’t want him to even be distracted by the Everton job. Finish the job you have, what are you, Carlo **** Ancelotti? (Insert as many stars as you’d like.

Duncan? Well, it’s confirmed now that he’s getting another shot at it. Passion yes but let’s see how he handles this squad and if he thinks Seamus is past it and tries Patterson. Maybe he will think that Jonjoe has been underused and put him in. He might even think that this Mykolenko kid ain’t that good and needs to settle down a bit so he will move Godfrey back to the left.

Hopefully he also gives some youth a chance… and no not Dobbin or Simms. I want to see Mina and Branthwaite.
And while l’m playing Football Manager, Barkley isn’t playing tonight (maybe injured). We need a number 10. We have not got one. Isn’t that a funny thing.

They basically conclude that it’s difficult to categorise what Derby do as they change their approach dependant on the opposition. Generally, against the stronger teams in the division, they don’t engage very high up the pitch, but against weaker opposition they look to press in the opposition half. They pass more and have more possession against certain teams, but play more direct against others etc.

The conclusions are that Rooney sets his teams up dependant on the opposition. After the last 5 managers following the approach of “it worked in the last game so we might as well do it again”, this would be a refreshing change.

But if you like it please erm like it, and share and whatever…

Take no pleasure in your agreement, but it is going to take a manipulative, underlying bastard to make progress, such is the shower currently at Everton. The only think is he would have to be a Evertonian for Everton, because such a character would completely rip of the Club.

By the way the fact that Rooney is a Croxteth scouser is a redeeming quality in my opinion. Benitez has been always confrontational and Moshiri was prepared to put him in a ready made confrontational situation knowing.

When he came back to the club as a player he was exactly part of the problem. A mercenary past his prime looking for another pay day and step forward tiny tears with the script from National Velvet to offer him just that. And now we apparently want him as manager. I just don’t see any attributes in him which mark him out as suitable for the job. Role model for young players?? Remember he’s the same age as Ronaldo…Remember his reaction to criticism when he was still an England player after several abject displays in tournaments. Motivator? Not in my book. No thanks

But whatever line Rooney is peddling to those players at Derby...and it doesn't really matter - It works, they're fighting, sometimes they're even winning, but I get the feeling its contingent on him being there, in the trench with them.
(IMO)He owns it to Himself and them to sink or swim with them.

Then come to us.

Of course those first 3 names; Martinez, Ferguson and Rooney have Bill's tear stained finger prints all over them.
He told Moshiri - I told you so and I think Moshiri has left him to it...upto a point.
The point being he's a serial meddler, who loves a name and its at toss up which name he might love more on a given moment.
Both are equally famous.

But it maybe a case of what you want Vs what you need.
I happen to think we need a kick arse Scouser rather than a crafty cockney - but I'm biased.

Teary Bill will push for Rooney.
Moshiri? - I don't think he knows until he opens his mouth who he wants.

I'd let Ferguson and the others run with it until May - Then bring in Rooney.

Rooney could be a good professional appointment. If we start hearing stories about blue blood and blue pyjamas we know it’s on.

Paul Swan, very well put. I agree.

Having said that Everton have paid big money to others over the last ten years who have all fallen by the wayside after starting well so what can we supporters expect from anyone who is given the job.

One has to admire the kind of intensity that Potter gets from his squad and he would be my choice along with Dyche but as I said we have no guarantees that the quality of players here will be good enough no matter who is the gaffer.

Duncan was a no-nonsense player who gave it everything albeit too much on occasions but I am sure he has matured now after a stormy career on the field.

Every game is becoming a cup-tie and wouldn't it be nice to put one over on Slippy 'G's Villa as a starter.

Almost the full squad is available again so we just need a big improvement defensively to give them a chance.

At least by then any properly run football club would have the chance to think about a structure and strategy sustainable for the future!

It may not be all his doing but Derby County is facing relegation from the Championship with a record of
Only 8 wins, 11 defeats & 7 draws with 14 points from 26 matches 🤷🏼‍♂️😳🙄🥲

Derby were already under a transfer embargo that prevented Rooney from strengthening the side, when they were hit with a 12 point deduction in September for entering administration. The owner (who had previously misled Rooney about the financial situation facing the club at the time of offering him the job) subsequently bailed, saying that he’d basically flushed £200m down the bog.

The 12 point deduction resulted in Derby sinking straight to the bottom of the table and they were further rooted there when the EFL decided in November to hit them with another 9 point deduction for breaching accountancy rules.

The club have had no choice but to continually let players leave in an attempt to balance the books, with the most recent enforced sale bringing in just £30,000 for a regular first-team starter. They’re unable to buy or register new players, or renew existing contracts, and are currently operating under the threat of liquidation, with the EFL reportedly considering kicking them out the league unless they can demonstrate proof of funds to take them through to the end of the season.

Despite the huge points deduction, the constant day-to-day disruption, the disappearance of any decent player not nailed down and having both hands tied behind his back, Rooney has…against all odds…managed to get them off the bottom of the table, reduce the gap to safety to single digits and give long suffering Rams supporters something resembling hope that they might just survive

Embarrassingly I was unaware of those facts.

My desire is to have Everton find the very best gaffer.
I loved Rooney when he wore blue but could somewhat understand why he left. IMHO, when he was with Everton he was clearly a better player when he played with the national team with better teammates. At the time our squad was poor and he needed to progress with better teammates.

Again, I apologize for my under informed earlier comments.

I had to explain to her what "administration" was. "Bankruptcy, honey, bankruptcy."

It's a minor miracle what Rooney is doing at Derby. If he keeps them up, it might be the single most impressive managerial feat I've ever seen!

Say what you want about Rooney, but he's pulling fish and loaves out of 12 baskets right now.

My only real issue with signing Rooney right now is this: if he leaves Derby to come to us, how incredibly shitty is that of him to leave that Club high and dry? It speaks to character, and I'm not sure I'd want a manager who'd do such a thing, never mind our Club to snatch him away as it's a crappy thing to do.

WE'RE DOOMED ALL DOOMED.

Kenwright can't leave otherwise people on TW won't have anyone to blame for every ill that ails Everton.

"Kenwright can't leave otherwise people on TW won't have anyone to blame for every ill that ails Everton."

I think I am one of many that would cheerfully embrace such a situation! Don't worry either, many TW'ers would find something else to have a beef about. :-)

I'm sure they are all raring to go after hearing our Dear Leader in action.

Why are the club putting in contracts to pay up the 100% remainder of the deals.

Who else was going to give Rafa a job at £7M a season in a city he loves?

Surely if you are sacked in the first 6-12 or even 18 months, you should get less of a payout, because you've failed?

The system is broken when managers earn more from failing than winning. Only a few can win, so how can a system reward for being inept.

He has football brain up with the best. (Barkley would be Zidane with a quarter the mouse... well actually any nouse.)

I can overlook many excesses and faults (let he who is without sin etc); food, tobacco, sex, alcohol. But not leaving your comrades in the lurch. It is, without mincing words, what is, or was, called locally – a cunt's trick.

Meyer's Law – whenever you are confronted with an emotionally difficult decision, the alternative that is the most difficult to do is the alternative that is the right thing to do.

Stay till May, Wazzer.

I firmly believe the leaking of the granny shagging video (as in him in the reception of the brothel – I haven't been scouring "the fappening" for anything more graphic!) was part of the orchestrated campaign to get him away from Everton.

The fact that he was with a youth player from the other lot barely got a mention. Ultimately he was always going to leave.

Another couple of years and another £20-30m would've been nice, but Teary's need for cash was immediate.

He won everything as a player. If he'd spent his career with us, he'd have won a few Player of the Month, and maybe a Goal of the Season awards.

That is an interesting suggestion. I admit that I had to look him up, sounds like a really progressive, up and coming coach. How's his English?

I would love to see us do something left field like that, someone young, hungry and progressive. What system does he play?

Last time we plucked a young up and coming manager (not counting Silva as he had already been around a bit) it was Davey Moyes, didn't work out too bad in my opinion. Other, entitled fans with delusions of grandeur will disagree with me on that.

Thanks for posting what is actually happening at Derby and Rooney's role. I remember talking to some Derby supporters and they very much reminded me of Evertonians. As a matter of fact, they gave me their thorough view of the Championship teams, which quite frankly proved very true of all promoted teams that played in the Premier League.

I doubt Rooney would leave Derby mid/season. But I could see Everton not employing a new manager till the end of the season, so the Rooney situation and reputation could develop. Moshiri is a busted flush as far as management selection is concerned, so Kenwright and the Luvies are to the fore at the moment.

I've just said on another thread that this is the sort of up-and-coming type we want – not one of the many overrated managers who are routinely sacked after 18 months.

However, we'd need to give such a guy a chance – with a DoF or similar to deliver players for him to coach.

All of that side is a total mess.

Anyway, I think the Frank Lampard option is a more rational one. I would be pretty confident of seeing a big improvement would him at the helm. Rooney is only being considered because of his connections to Everton.

I acknowledge that you constantly inform us that we don't have the players to compete at the very top of the football pyramid and I agree with you, it's nigh on impossible for Everton to purchase the best players available because we haven't got that sort of money.

People don't boo or show their displeasure because the team aren't winning every game or even a third of the matches, it is because the side doesn't and hasn't had a gameplan for what seems like a lifetime. The crowd will forgive the odd mistake, the player who is limited but tries, but it shouldn't and won't forgive a lack of effort.

There's no way that we should have to witness, week-in & week-out, any Everton team being bullied out of a game, or lacking the determination to impose itself on a match.

Other clubs get a tune out of their less-than-stellar players, there is no reason on earth why we should just accept that our players should not be expected to be able to perform to a reasonable level.

If I honestly believed that the players at Everton are so poor as to be unable to play the game, I'd have to question why on earth we all get so worked up about the fate of our team? We may as well accept that the club will be in the Championship for a long period of time to come.

Realistic expectations are fine, outright defeatism is questionable.

Poor squad but not as bad as his results suggest. Away support was mainly lost at the Brentford game but, on the whole, the support for the team during play has been there.

Blame the manager, players, board... but ridiculous to blame the fans.

Duncan Ferguson it is to step in again and get us on a roll. If he gets 6+ points from the next 4 games, the job has to be his until the end of the season. If he then wants it full time then why not appoint him?

We will still have plenty to shout about. The team will take years of restructuring to get to the top, but a well structured and cohesive management team to deal with the dysfunctional approach we have endured under Mr Kenwright would go a long way.

I agree with your comments regards Rooney, however finding honourable, principled people who would do the right thing in the world of football would be a hard task in my opinion.

I don't think Rooney will be offered the job for now, but if he was, you can bet this Evertonian would be looking for big bucks.

So if you want a Derby manager that got them to the play-offs when they had no money, then Nigel Clough – I can remember their fans chanting “It's just like watching Brazil” due to the style of football. He then did an incredible job at Burton with no money and is now pulling up trees at Mansfield – not that I am suggeting him as our next manager... just trying to put things in perspective. Also, I don't believe Potter will not be able to replicate what he is doing here, it's far too big a job.

We need someone in with at least 6 games left so they can see the dross they have inherited first hand and then see who has to go and who they can get a tune out of. I do know one man that can rebuild and leave a legacy and who I am pretty certain will be available at the end of the season: Bielsa.

But let's face it, fans are too impatient and Moshiri too trigger happy that we won't give anyone long enough to build anything. If we still had Allardyce here, we would probably be playing Europa League football and with a much-improved playing style than we have seen from Benitez.

You would expect Rooney's and Potter's to be low because of their squads. For fuck's sake, Brighton played Chelsea off the park last night and have done that to many teams this season, but miss a genuine goalscorer.

Rooney only had 6 players a week before the season started. It's not all black and white, they are both doing fantastic jobs and I would love either one here but, for me, it's got to be a Blue… so Dunc or Rooney will do for me.

You're right, I do get somewhat repetitive about the reasons for our lack of success. I firmly lay it at the door of player quality, I do apologise when I repeat it again though.

I can only wish our next manager all the best, whoever it is, because he's going to need plenty of good fortune.

I don't think the squad is too bad, there's some excellent players in there and we've lost the Icelander which does not help the cause.

I suppose it depends what the expectations are because, all things considered, I'd say with the players we started the season with, I expected we would finish 10th to 12th.

We can still do that if we can miss the injuries that have blighted us in the first half of the season.

I would guess his english is good, but I don't really know.
But most Norwegians his (my) age are doing fine with the english language.

He just signed a new contract with Bodø Glimt, however, I guess he can go if a bigger club from abroad comes with an offer.

I can not see Kenwright or Mosh looking to Norway for a new coach, but in this case, they should.

Also, RIP Nils Arne Eggen, who died last night, 80 yr old. The best Norwegian coach ever.

Now that we have identified the issues, we can plan a clear path forward.

There's a lot to be said with having an ex-Everton player for me because they get the club and understand what the fans want. Kendall Mk 2 and Mk 3 and others show it doesn't always work but it's worth a gamble.

Goodness knows we've thrown away money on young up-and-coming coaches, old ones with trophies on their CV, the only type we've not entrusted yet are ex-Blues. But give them time!

Big Dunc until the end of the season, unless the wheels come off completely before then, and then Rooney as permanent saviour. I have absolutely no idea if this would be in the best interests of Everton FC but, in my opinion, there are other young managers who have better credentials than Rooney.

Potter won't come but what about Scott Parker at Bournemouth? Steve Cooper at Forest? I am sure there must be others Let's give someone like that a chance rather than make a decision based on whether someone is an ex-Evertonian. The best manager in the world would struggle to get a tune out of this squad without major changes.

We definitely need a centre back as Keane just isn't good enough, possibly two as I expect Mina to go in the summer; two midfield players and a striker as I also think Richarlison will be gone. This is just replacing players, however – not increasing squad depth which is imperative to be successful in the Premier League

Whoever is appointed, I wish them good luck… They are going to need it!!

In any event, there are very strong indications that Derby County might not survive past the next few weeks due to their financial plight.

It would be a shame therefore if, having decided he was the best candidate, we didn't offer him the job or he turned down our offer of the job, out of deference to Derby County, only for Rooney to find himself out of work a week or two after we have appointed someone else.

What next

Canapeas !!!

The narrative from the club was that he agitated for the move and we all saw him as a Judas. The real culprit here is Kenwright how the hell is he still there? I would like to apologise to Wayne Rooney for not seeing what was obvious and I would welcome him back as our manager if this happens.

Despite not being the most articulate of people, many who know Wayne says there's a sharp football brain there and shouldn't be underestimated.

One manager who rarely gets a mention is the Brentford manager, Thomas Franck. I think he's done a superb job and is tactically astute. Just putting it out there.

I would be happy with that too, the romantic in me would love it. If it happens, I wouldn't be offering silly contracts out though, 2 years with the option of a 3rd.

I would use savings on some of the ridiculous wages we have paid out to managers instead to find a sensible and progressive DOF (who could work with Rooney and Dunc) and a top (and I mean top) coach, a Steve Round type back in his day.

Lee Carsley is highly thought of in the game and would hopefully bring steel to our defence.

Rooney reflects on a year in charge of The Rams