And Then There Were Three?

Let's hope you're right, Lyndon, and Moyes's recommendation is listened to, just as Walter Smith's was in the appointment of Moyes!

After that he's weighing up/ talking to a range of European and out of contract options with an initial list of 8 or so apparently being whittled down to 3 or 4. I think that Martinez experience makes him an obvious favourite on one hand, but the fact that experience has been mainly in the lower echelons of the league should count strongly against him. Winning one of the tin pots is a great achievement but I for one wouldn't be happy with a day at Wembley if it meant a relegation scrap or prospect of loosing premier league status.

For me the German is the most attractive choice. Champions League semi final is much more where I'd like Everton to be in a few years, he's also won a few cups in Germany (equivalent of FA and League), some decent league positions and seems to have done well at a variety of clubs, including those who are a similar position to Everton in that league (i.e. not nec consistent top 4). It's also fair to say that 'ze German model' is looking pretty strong now, in terms of the way clubs are sustainably run, the development of youth and obviously performance on the pitch in Europe.

Sure, the fact he resigned due to exhaustion is a concern (he also left Hoffenheim after successive promotions when they sold a player without his knowledge but that displays Moyes-esque character/principals) but if he gets Everton to a position where they can whip Inter 7-3 in the CL and then fancies a break I'd give him that!

In fact the more I think about this, the more excited I get. German football is certainly a lot closer to FPL in terms of physicality, directness and competitiveness than the Portuguese league, he plays attacking football and a decent win record (higher than Moyes on average). Come on Bill, let's crack out some weiss bier and the sauerkraut and give Ralf a go!

What baffles me away from us is Stoke, they have very decent resources and end up hiring Mark Hughes. Decent stadium due to be expanded to 43k, decent transfer budget and a good chairman. Mark Hughes...., I mean could they not have aimed a bit higher, Brian Little, Dave Basset, John Gregory, would all be a step up on this disaster case.

I agree, Chris, The Chuurrman seems like a good choice.

So glad Moyes is gone. At least it's interesting again. It's been Groundhog Day around Goodison for 11 years.

Rangnick - I've never heard of before this morning - but his CV appears impressive - and given the current healthy state of German football I would think he could only be a good addition.

Ian Bennett 430

Agree with you with regard to Hughes(what has he ever done to command these jobs? I'm baffled) but where do you get 43k at Stoke? From what I'm led to believe they were filling in a corner of the stadium to take the capacity to just over 30k

I too take comfort that the chairman is taking time in picking the right man for the job.

Not a fan of RM however should be take the position, ill be backing him to the hilt.

German guy +1

One thing I'm interested in is this idea that as Moyes had so much control of things, that it's possibly something we'd move away from? I know it's been said that he won't get the same kind of control at Man U, but I think there's going to be a transition period, especially whilst Taggart is around for a couple of years to help.

The talk of Moyes having total control goes against what other posters have said about him not bothering with the youth teams etc. but, in any event, I don't think we have the set up to change it and the new man will be Moyes II unless he wants to change it? It's not just a case of changing job titles - people in these posts have to be either experienced or able to pick it up quickly.

Yes I would take Portugal or Germany before Spain.

How about Rangnick as director of football, pereira as manager with Stubbs as no 2?

Very surprised (but happy) we are looking abroad, trying to get some added value by appointing a tactical genius, rather than a tried & tested, football by numbers British manager from the lower Leagues. I agree this must on the recommendation of the outgoing manager - this doesn't fit with Bill's M.O. at all.

I would still plump for Martinez after hearing what people inside the game have to say about him. I have read a lot of articles describing his character, and most importantly, all the players say they would pull their tripe out for him. This can trump any tactical master plan, if the players really take to your personality.

He is not a volatile character, whereas the other two candidates may be prone to throwing a strop, something we cannot afford. Martinez has served his time in the lower Leagues with Swansea, his 4 years in the Prem have given him the valuable experience the others do not have. He knows the opposition, and how they play.

Would not be unhappy with any of the above though - just please do not give the job to any current reserve coaches / ex players. Not enough experience, and a good chance they have not earned the respect of the first team to be manager.

Martinez is far from inspiring but certainly a huge improvement on some of the other names that were mentioned and favoured by the bookies in the early stages.

As for Rangnick, as Lyndon suggests, this has Davey's recommendation all over it. I don't know much about the man but Shalke suddenly appeared on everyone's radar a few years ago as a strong european team. If he's the man responsible then he has my backing.

Then there's Pereira. Probably the highest risk of the three. But after years of playing it safe, theres something quite tempting about taking a risk!!

If any of these three come in I'll be happy to keep buying a ticket, in fact I'll be excited to see how we play! Something that feels long overdue.

Pereira doesn't speak English so maybe getting his ideas, methods and philosophy across might be a problem.

However of late the German model seems to be exciting,strong and reliable with a good work ethic[ which we have]

Renee was first team coach at Man U. for years ,he has just left after being offered the lower position of youth coach by DM. The style and the way that they have played football at United over the last six or seven years speaks for itself. He obviously knows his stuff.

With Ralf at the helm and Renee on the bridge beside him to introduce him to the premier league and guide him. Could the "S.S. EVERTON" go places.

It's just a thought.

Rangnick can put his experience to good effect and it wouldn't be as stressful as a manager's role. Pereira is regarded by many in Portugal as a great tactician.

I have seen a good few comments suggesting Pereira is a big risk. That he may not be another Mourinho or AVB. Well he may well not be another Mourinho. But he could well be better than AVB:

He was assistant to AVB at Porto (when he was regarded by some as the tactical mastermind behind their success). Since then AVB has come to the Premier League. His time at Chelsea was a bit inconclusive and his position in the league with Spurs is much inflated by the influence of Gareth Bale.

Porto have gone on to win the league twice more under Pereira, having sold some of their big names. So I am reckoning Pereira does have very sound tactical acumen, a proven winner on a season-long basis!

I too take comfort that the chairman is taking time in picking the right man for the job.

Not a fan of RM however should be take the position, ill be backing him to the hilt.

German guy +1

As he already knew he wasn't signing a new contract, was it all a clever ploy to influence BK's thinking toward a German coach?

Very interesting mien herr.

This is the 2nd biggest decision in the Club's history since 1892 and he's already fucked up the KD

1) What Gavin as pointed out. It is key if you are going to try and compare the Wigan managers
2) don't ignore the fact that over the last 6-7 years the Premier League has changed considerably. Bigger clubs have entered the league. Southampton, Stoke, Birmingham, Wolves, QPR, Newcastle. This has squeezed Wigan considerably. They have often started a League season having lost their best players and still with smaller budgets than the promoted teams.

My choice would be Martinez. Concerned about Keegan style resignations of Rangnick, and sadly, the very fact he quit his last managerial post over exhaustion ( obviously don't want to speculate on someones health too much)

Pereira. Proper unknown quantity. The biggest risk for me. Can't see him being here for the long haul whether he is successful or unsuccessful either. I think this is an issue, whereas Martinez I can.

Overall I would support any of them. Choice would be Martinez though. Not a great deal between any of them though

That said, I would be way more enthused by a relatively unknown overseas quantity who actually has experience of being at the top-end of a league, rather than a relegation scrapper.

Roberto's made a big leap, and put his cards on the table, but a step-up is now needed.

There never any safe options ever, I am pleased that all three of the front runners have a expansive approach to the game. I just don't want an internal appointment. I see Alan Irvines gone to Man U as well. I think Utd have taken a far bigger gamble with Moyes.

Listening to Bill's responses over the past few days; taking account of the 3 candidates who now appear to be in the frame; and given the fact that the announcement is imminent my initial nervousness has all but disappeared.

I would be happy, to varying degrees, with any of the candidates being mentioned. For me the overriding satisfaction is that none of a whole bunch of frightening possibilities now looks to be likely!

The sudden entrance of Rangnick in to the mix (a man who was probably not on many supporters’ radar) proves that we as supporters can never simply put names forward and the club will select from our shortlist. And he certainly looks like a Moyes’ suggestion! But I don’t think it’s presumptuous to believe in some small way Evertonians and, in particular ToffeeWeb and its contributors, acting both collectively individually, have played some small part in influencing the outcome.

I reckon this has probably worked more from the point of view of letting it be known which individuals or type of manager (including an internal first timer!) we didn’t want at any price. It’s pretty obvious that Stoke supporters didn’t have the same debate and make the same effort that Everton supporters did!

I hope me and others are not in any way tempting fate, with our optimistic responses to Lyndon’s fairly upbeat article but it’s great to be able to say that this morning I’m a happy Evertonian!

There has clearly been money for him, has anyone heard anything North of the border?

If you think the new badge caused uproar, imagine him holding an Everton scarf aloft on Monday!!

I think BK will be pretty clear that Evertonians don't want him!

Speculating about Lennon (without clarifying whether it was Neil or John) being in the frame made me think about the merits of appointing the ex-Beatle:

1) He is an immense talent on the world stage

2) He is Scouse so fits the home grown

3) Very unconventional so would not be tagged with the 'boring' label

4) In his time he did have a good shot (sorry!!)

5) He is dead so would not answer back to the chairman and he would also be more communicative in interviews than Sir Alex Ferguson as well as making a lot more sense than Ian Holloway (NB though that being deceased may make some supporters place him in the boring category)

So who did Moyes recommend then?

"Just checkin' yer knees, we've had trouble with this sort of thing before y'know!'

Moyes's departure has brought about a Keystroke Fest which has been both frustrating and enjoyable at the same time. What the hell shall we find to write about when it`s all over?

Like everyone else in these columns, I have not a clue who the new man will be and we can only pray that BK has the wisdom to make the right choice. What I do know, however, is that whoever gets the job, he has big boots to follow and whatever stick he may be in for, maintaining `seventhish` will be a massive ask!

With the current domination by the Germans and the rise of the Bundesliga, this is the best time for a German coach to take the helm. Good to see that Bill is looking to Continental style managers, but he might still go in house, but I admit he is doing it the right way.

I'm excited by the 3 potential manager's. Trouble is - the final 3 are probably Stubbsy, Weir and King Kenny.

Regarding Martinez, I agree in hindsight that my comparison with Jewell and Bruce didn't take into account their different budgets and the manner in which the Premier League has changed over the last few years. My reservations about him remain, though.

Richard (572), I'm not sure where you got the idea I said Martinez had the 'disadvantage' of having managed in the Premier League. On the contrary; that's his one big advantage over the other two.

It's hard to be as prejudicial about the other two as we know less about them but where Rangnick is concerned there do appear to be question marks over his ability to handle the stress of a big spotlight. That's why a director of football setup might make more sense which is an aspect I didn't get time to address. Not sure it's likely, anyway, but it's interesting.

It presumably stems from the fact that the final three who now appear to be in the final frame are more than acceptable to the majority.

Then every tenth post or so, along comes a really negative 'it'll be Stubbs or Weir' or some other unwanted internal. I assume they're written purely for a bit of a laugh and to keep the tension cranked up and the debate running.

I can't believe anyone really imagines, that after interviewing the external candidates that we know of for definite, including the ‘favoured three’, BK will announce an internal appointment as the main man.

Last week, I may have thought the internal appointment a possibility, but with all that’s happened since, including BK’s own statements, in my view there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell of this doomsday scenario happening.

Does anyone seriously think there might be and if so what odds are you offering?

That said I feel that most blues feel that the board lack that fundamental management skill...succession planning. Surely they knew Moyes would not stay forever and would need to identify talent to replace. That said from experience this lack of management ability is not only exhibited in football.

But yes you're right if he were to get the managers job I, and I suspect many, others will be massively disappointed and angry! Sorry but that is just the way I feel !

I suppose if you want a justification I would say we have no idea how he would manage in the premiership and I could list many such appointments that have failed - in fact to be honest can't think of any successes! Close to home you have only to consider the excellent Alan Irwin!

"As we prepare ourselves for the big announcement, which hopefully will come tomorrow, there’s a definite air of positivity creeping in.

It presumably stems from the fact that the final three who now appear to be in the final frame are more than acceptable to the majority."

Totally agree. That, along with the little filip that Round is off to Man Utd for an extra added boost has now got me altogether feeling, well, the tiniest sensation deep in my guts that something almost half decent could happen. COYB!

The sun is shiiining..... the birds are siiiinging...... :)

Now, read this. You may think I have finally lost it, but Van Gaal says he would carry on his career if he recieves an "attractive" offer from a PL club.
Now, all of the top 5 jobs will be taken, so that leaves us as a top option for him.

My suggestion: In house- interim, 1 season, then go for Van Gaal in the summer. Now, I expect the criticism.

"Everyone needs to work together to achieve a common goal. Preparing your tactical formation is essential. Each player needs to know where he has to be, and that is why there needs to be mutual understanding because you need absolute discipline. This is a sport played by 22 men, and there are 11 opponents out there playing as a team. Each individual needs to know who he has to beat and be there to support his team-mates."

Not bad, eh?

That one season that you seem happy to dismiss could result in a 14th place finish and the loss of Baines, Fellaini, Pienaar...etc

This next appointment should be carefully thought about and designed for the next 5-6 years.

You don't win anything with interim managers ;)

Van Gaal is never going to happen, so what's the point in discussing it? I don't think you'd actually be happy to sit and wait a year while our most profitable players are sold on. Your just after a pointless debate. Ross you've actually touted some good scenario's for managerial appointments in the past like Bielsa and De Boer. So please can you get back to reality and TUNE IN TO SANITY FM!

The Cruyff suggestion is one straight from the Ross stable - and he has now repented!

You've really got to appreciate that adding in new people at this stage of the game is counter productive and to be honest a waste of all of our time!

We now need a decision on one the three in the frame so we can get on and get organised including transfers in and out!

If I hear another name being introduced at this late juncture I will be sending the boys round to the individual concerned!

I'd love Rangnick, did very well at Hoffenheim and Schalke and hopefully his problems with stress are behind him.

I fear Kenwright et al may choose the easy option though.

I definitely hope it is not Martinez although I have an awful feeling he has been lined up for months.

The reason I don't rate Martinez is he has flirted with relegation every season he has managed in the Prem.

Now I could acknowledge one season may be bad luck or underfunding but to have 4 years to build your own team and get relegated with record goals against smacks too much of a bad manager(nice guy though).

I know its frustrating waiting and not knowing but this is just another piece to a jigsaw of what makes football great.

Im constantly glued to ssn, here and os for news. One thing that did cheer me up was the Suarez news. Brought a smile to my face!

Bk was right to 'interview' the internals but more likely with a view to canvassing opinion, discussing their future prospects at the club etc. It's done none of them any harm to have been 'considered' for the role, but the conversations will not have gone near a contract.

Martinez -underwhelming I agree, but more likely to stick around for a few years. Let's just get it done.

I know sarcasm doesn't always translate onto the pages of ToffeeWeb - but I'd have thought the suggestion of Johan Cruyff as our next manager may just be enough to tip the balance of anyone's sense of humour.

Source: A former Everton and Wigan left back!

The other 2 are exciting options, in keeping with our current position in the game and would send a message that we are serious about progressing rather than resting on our laurels (assuming we get them back again).

And you are also right, we can speculate on many things about the appointment but never really know about the real happenings that are going on behind the scenes. Rumour and hearsay is too often taken as fact and forthright opinions are sometimes given on that basis only. Understandable in a way, as this is a forum of opinions but that doesn't make it right!

An intelligent, progressive, overseas manager from a top league and with a command of the language. Almost sounds too good to be true!

I then wake up and realise Bill was just pulling off his latest act and he's appointed Stubbs and Neville and we have just lost to Hull at home.

I was writing that I could see the negatives in all of the candidates: a relegated manager with a poor win rate; the German Kevin Keegan and er, um, yeah Pereira...

If I was being cruel, he looks a little seedy – but I can't see anything career-wise that would make him an unwise choice.

Don't get me wrong: the point of my post was really to say I'd fully support any of these managers.

For once, I don't think Bill can be blamed in his handling of this situation and I think it's unfair to suppose it's a done deal. It doesn't really matter anyway as, given how many "done deal" candidates have been touted, somebody will be patting themselves on the back.

I've said before about being pleased about the Juventus appointment, but I'm also very pleased to see Stoke sign Mark "it's all about me" Hughes... what a perfect platform to whine on about himself than at his unveiling. I'm surprised he didn't talk about himself in the third person. I bet the Stoke fans are thrilled. Cock.

Anyway, back to Bill's choice, I'm pleased about the caliber of those being discussed and now for me it's "that Porto fella".