De Boer: The Dutch master to lead Everton's renaissance?

This is someone who can deal with big personalities, will be tactically astute and most importantly utterly hungry to prove himself in England. We seem an almost perfect fit.

The descriptions of Koeman's past here shows that FDB has almost always had the best of him. The sooner this guy is appointed, told to keep our best young players, bring the even younger ones through and given 𧴜m to spend I'd feel very excited about the future.

The only negative for me is that everyone seems to think it unlikely he'll bring Stam and Bergkamp with him. Imagine those players working with Stones and Lukaku. But I'm sure he'll bring in quality assistants. Exciting times indeed.

De Boer is possibly the least tested of the front running candidates having only really managed one dominant team in a poor league. He feels like a risk though maybe a well suited one given his habit of developing great youth players.

He's behind Emery for me.

Frankly, it feels like listening to one of my favourite bands "tricky second albums".

That doesn't mean that where you are taking us with this is going nowhere, or is wrong, but it just doesn't seem to be cutting the cloth by the same measure.

Possibly, I was hoping that your FdB article would leave me in a delicious quandary. It hasn't. Though, I'm feeling right now that's more a case how and what evidence I'm examining, rather than the subject itself.

Maybe you are correct, and if so, then you've alerted me to what I needed to consider. I'll reread, see if that helps.

Part of that is because I don't actually know myself – each carries risks and each could succeed as easily as they could fail but I would be happy with any of Koeman, De Boer or Emery.

For what it's worth, as I just tweeted, I have a good feeling in my water about De Boer. It might be because I respect Dutch managers, particularly disciples of Cruyff who can blend northern European pragmatism with south European flair, but he feels like the best fit.

He's dropped off the radar a bit over the past week but we'll see if he is still being considered.

There is much to be excited about De Boer, certainly he is a massive improvement on old Roberto, yet there are those troubling comparisons; stubbornness, playing people out of position, strict adherence to possession (which isn't washing in the Premier League).

We are all hoping for the perfect appointment after the chance fluffed 3 years ago but in all honesty, every named linked is an improvement.

I have no idea who I want. Sometimes I think, just give it to Rhino.

If FDB gets the job I'll back him to the hilt, I'm not entirely convinced though. I think FDB has more to prove?

Anyways, very interesting Lyndon, could we keep this going on the different favourites until we actually appoint a manager?

Who's next? Pellegrino? Favre? Van Gaal!

I suppose I might have secretly have been hoping/wishing/expecting for a "Top Trumps" like-for-like and I think that I tried to admit that. I will reread Lyndon's FdB piece, because, the failing may well be mine in the reading and interpretation.

The matter of comparing potential managers is FAR more complex than "Top Trumps", I know. And I really like the fact that Lyndon isn't trying to browbeat, or lead us by the nose to accept his "almighty" conclusion, clearly he is not.

And I think that Dan is right, Lyndon, please, provoke more thought with further profiles. Just 'cos I "don't get" the second (yet) quite as fully as the first – doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a third !

So, will the new guy be a self-serving deluded creep allowed to blow smoke up the board's ass a la Martinez or will he take the job on a results NOW basis, as most successful clubs insist on? If it's the latter he'll clearly want pretty much ALL the control to produce the results the board demand, which will be a big ask of the board/Moshiri.

After the deliberate inertia of so many years by Kenwright, board and managers, contrasting with the examples of Leicester, Spurs and other "lesser" clubs (like us) this season, it's now very reasonable for us fans to demand significantly better results within two seasons at the very most.

No pressure there then for Mr Moshiri.........and the new guy/s!

if that shiftless grifter comes back here, then I'm off to Vina de Mar to watch our Chilean Twins!

Vamos Los Oro Y Cielo!

I confess I don't watch many non Everton games and have watched no Dutch league this season, so can't comment on the various plusses of Ajax v PSV or FDB v Cocu. Very little between the teams so most likely very little between them as managers. They were both good players for Holland, so in view of our immediate needs, I say go for the defensive expert.

I was surprised by some of Michael Bell's comments above suggesting FDB was stuck in his ways and resistant to change but pleased to read on to "However, he has always tried to switch things up whether it be tactically or through personnel changes." This was music to my ears. It sounds like FDB will keep trying to find a way, whereas old Roberto tried the same old same old over and over again, even when it was obvious his tactics were not working 'Barkley as left mid, Oviedo as right back etc'. This ticks a massive box for me.

If a high profile manager is an important factor in getting a potential new signing to commit to Everton, I think FDB has the edge due to his stellar career with the Netherlands national team.

You could remove the name 'De Boer' and replace it with 'Martinez' at some places in the article, such as the quote above. De Boer has some strong points but I can't stomach any more rigid possession-based football and it doesn't seem to work in the Premier League. Hope one of the other candidates is chosen.

Over the course of this article, I moved from "for God's sake sign him up now!" all the way down to "wouldn't touch him with a barge pole", and every feeling in between.

Overall, I would be very happy to welcome young Frank (I think).

Off to read the Emery article... I may change my mind again...

I think I want Emery now.

This is actually really difficult.

If we can't convince him to leave Southampton it's a sad state of affairs. One I'd blame Bill for.

I also voted for Cocu - it's so strange that he isn't being considered at all.

I have the same concerns as Sam Hoare about FDB and to a certain extent about most dutch coaches.

Dutch football had its heyday 30-40 years ago and has regressed enormously since which doesnt bode well for its coaches.

You are clearly doing your spadework before presenting these pieces and I'm finding them really interesting.

I cant get to the point where I will make my own personal choice, perhaps because I know it wont make any difference, but I do see the attraction in doing so.

The thing is, whoever comes in has to be a good fit. . and we cant know that until he's actually here

My heart sank when the last manager was named. I felt certain Kenwright had made the wrong choice. I just hope Moshiri makes a more inspired decision

I really hope things are moving at a quicker pace behind the scenes, the longer it drags on, the less time the successful candidate will have to prepare for next season.

In the meantime, keep em coming Lyndon. We may not have a say in the matter, but its nice to have a clearer picture of who's out there

Hopefully, it will get sorted this week too.

If we the fans are not sure it would explain why the hiring process seems so slow, we do not know for sure who wants the post who has or has not been approached and how far down the road we are to an appointment.

Your articles give us an insight to the front runners and look forward to more of them while like most hopeful of a decision in the not to distant future.

The board HAVE to get this right, who ever they decide on. I'm glad I don't have to make the decision. Way too much pressure.

I'm confident De Boer is a far better manager than Martinez. He's still my first choice.

After reading both articles and looking at the stats and other website right ups on both FdB and Emery.

Emery would be my First choice and FdB second. I don't rate Koemen and don't even think he should be in the running his CV is questionable at best.

If we are going to "Buy" a manager out of a club there are Managers out there that are a lot better than Keomen.

Everton needs excitement! And FDB will definitely bring that! Emery is the safer option though.

FDB > Emery - not another Spaniard!

Having now digested both articles with regards to my own two favourites in Emery and De Boer (although John Daley - 10 - makes a good point with regards to Cocu); I think on balance it is Emery for me but I wouldn't be disappointed in De Boer.

Nobody is perfect of course and any appointment is a gamble (even Mourinho at Utd) but I hope those at EFC have taken the quality time expressed in these articles and resultant posts to choose the right person as against the lazy appointment of the last incumbent.

Emery and De Boer would both be good choices for me. Both lack PL experience and therefor have a downward risk, but both have won silverware and seem to be enthusiastic young managers. Emery has won three European trophies in a row and won against our beloved neighbors in fashion. I really like that. His managerial record is excellent, but for his only foreign stint in Moscow... De Boer won the league four times back-to-back and is not easily disturbed by loudmouthed players or upheaval in the board room. But he has no managerial experience outside the Netherlands and his European and cup records are abysmal.

Personally I would love Philip Cocu, as has been mentioned by some others in this thread. He has no experience outside the Netherlands as well, but he has beaten De Boer to the title last two years and he actually did very well in Europe this season, progressing into the knock-out stages of the Champions League (De Boer never managed to do this on six occasions) and only being beaten by Atletico Madrid on penalties. Cocu likes his teams to play fast attacking football, no dithering around but get to the goal as quickly as possible. But if he feels the match asks for it, Cocu is not afraid to park the bus and put emphasis on the defensive side, as has been seen against Atletico. His team scored on average 2,7 goals a match and conceded 0,9 a match in the league over the last two seasons. I like this combination of attacking desire and pragmatism at the back.He is a very likable character and is very innovative as well.

Why is Cocu not considered? Well, probably because he announced his job at PSV is not finished yet. Cocu has no interest in leaving his club right now. I have the feeling that Cocu thinks he can take PSV even further than the last 16 in the Champions League. That is very, very ambitious and it remains to be seen if it is realistic but I give him credit for trying and not leaving PSV after two successful seasons.

Cocu sounds good on what Erick has said, but it's wether he wants to leave PSV just yet.

We must get this appointment right.

Frank de Boer is also impressive. 4 consecutive league titles by a club with so much in house fighting is some going. I wasn't too impressed with the report of his possession based football, although to be fair, it also suggests that his sides get the ball through midfield very quickly. Most managers are stubborn so I think I can forgive him for that. He will have to be adaptable though as the EPL is so unforgiving if you have no plan B as we well know.

To be honest, either or of these 2 managers would suit me. In their own ways both would be a gamble, but both are winners and both excite me. I was so downbeat when we appointed Martinez but this time round its like a sweeping of the decks, a brand new start. Lets hope whoever comes in understands Everton and the fans and finally gives us what we are striving for, winning entertaining football and hopefully a trophy or 2.

Wigan fans seemed to predict how Martinez would fare at Everton (a few games to remember, far too many 4-0 hammerings), and Evertonians seemed to predict how Moyes would fare at United (too uninspiring). If Ajax fans are right about De Boer, than we will have a very competitive manager who after 5 years may run out of ideas. If he can get us in the top 4 within that time, that will do us.

Let's be honest, the majority of us have good knowledge of the Premier League and rely solely on the Internet for info on the other managers we are linked with! I could make myself look like a world beater with selective posting in certain internet sites.

I really hope the delay is because we are waiting for Koeman to have his discussion with the Southampton board. I hope we have made it known to his agent that he is our first choice. This guy is a winner, and unlike FDB we are not taking a chance with this guy, he has a 50% win rate at Southampton. Please don't miss the boat on this one Everton.

I would hope the reports of talks with Pellegrini is a smokescreen, the guy had zillions to spend at City and failed miserably.

“In some ways [he] is stuck in his ways, and over the past few years it's become apparent that Ajax struggle to break down well-organised defences. [They] can be a very frustrating team to watch at times, much like the Dutch national team at the moment. On their day they move the ball quickly and carve teams apart. However when they face a pressing side that has an organised defence they look lost and without clues on how to break them down"

The last thing we need is another manager who cannot break down the very stubborn defences in the Premier League...

There is nothing wrong with possession if it is used properly and my quote from Lyndon's excellent article illustrates why de Boer is the polar opposite of Martinez. In fact it could be describing the great Howard Kendall's mid-1980s teams!

I am not well placed to be as well informed on the likes of the European candidates discussed here, but I am cast iron certain that if Moyes was appointed we would be even more of a laughing stock.

I agree with you we don't want "My way or no way" as per Martinez but he is willing to change formation and style. There always should be a Plan B and C. I think he has good credentials, give him a go.

Look what Klopp has done without a purchase and the Tottenham manager... he couldn't even speak English! Let's move forward, the future is bright.

Apart from that little matter, it could very well be that De Boer is contemplating his options. It seems he is a candidate at Valencia as well. He has lived and played in Spain before so it will have some appeal to him, although I expect him to rate the Premier League and the financial situation of Everton higher than the Primera Division and Valencia's financial status.

For both those reasons I am actually not surprised that nothing has been decided yet. I more or less expect rumours to come out of talks with De Boer somewhere this week or the next one. Things could go fast from there.

.....and it would probably be goodnight from him pretty soon after (so I wouldn't worry too much about it).

Pellegrini 2/1, De Boer 4/1, Emery 4/1, Koeman 5/1, MOYES 7/1, O'Neill 14/1, Stubbs 14/1, Flores 16/1, Giggs 16/1. 25/1 Bar.

Crackers!

Names such as De Boer, Emery and Koeman are extremely welcome to be linked. Any of the three would have the fans on board. Pelligrini is out of a job and is clearly in the frame, but not my choice. The rest can jog on.

And that includes Moyes. All other names listed so far have won trophies. Moyes's CV, after winning nothing with us, has been SACKED twice.

I'm just glad that Moshiri is pulling the strings at our great club as Kenwright would have had Moyes top of that list. Positive news regarding the stadium follows over a decade of fluffed lines under Kenwright. Now it's on the cards and he will also hopefully choose well with the managerial appointment.

I just want it sorted and please, Mr Moshiri, with a cherry on the top... NO MOYES!

This would be a massive kick in the bollocks, if these rumours aren't bollocks. Please god – no more of the ginger one.

Interestingly when watching a poece about LVG he used the wird 'philosophy' 20 times in his first Utd interview. RM was fond of this term. Shall we have it as part of the new manager's contract that he will be fired if he uses this word?

As for qho I woukd like - Emery all day long, who has a very consistent excellent managerial record, often with no money (Valencia)

Giggs on the bookies list...purely to make cash. Who next, Bryan Robson?

Moyes is an absolute No!!! for so many reasons, amongst which is his genocide of ambition.
Fat Sam for his pumpkin head and terrifying football.
Mark Hughes, smaller cranial dimensions, but as above.
Alan Stubbs, delighted that his side won the Scottish Cup, but no, maybe in the future, should his CV pan out.
Big Joe & Rhino, love these guys deeply, but no thanks.

Mr Daley however, has aroused my interest in Cocu. I am going to do my homework.

I see Lucien Favre isn't in the betting. I am a bit disappointed about that. I like what I have read about him.

It's great this!

I would guess the deadline for making this appointment is before the Euro's start on June the 10th, so we don't have long to wait. Pellegrini doesn't inspire me for some reason, but that's probably just down to laid back media persona rather than anything else. Can only see us appointing one of Koeman, FdB, Pellegrini or Emery. Martinez has got more chance of being reinstated than Moyes becoming our next manager.

New owner. New Manager. New Chair. New Stadium. Some New Players. New CEO. It had got that bad.

May the new owner oversee a successful new beginning and have the luck to choose the right manager for our present needs. Out with the old in with the new. It's the only way to truly take the majority of fans with him and leave our recent past behind.

As long as Bill 'what a manager' Kenwrong is still around, I'm seriously getting more worried as each day passes that OFFM starts to seem more likely. Why doesn't Moshiri take over and give some leadership or has he also fallen under Bill's luvvie spell?

I'm starting to wonder if this new dawn is another false one and we'll continue drifting along for another twenty years.

I'd take any of the De Boer, Umery or Pellegrini before Moyes for all of the reason mentioned many many times already for the last month or so.

I'd love our club to make just a little statement to the people they are harvesting season ticket money from with a view to what they might actually be subjected to in the coming season.

Have to agree with Kevin @ 70, not all people invited to interview are genuine contenders. Alan Stubbs, for instance, could have the makings of a fantastic manager, but is probably not quite ready yet. But you still want him in the process and who knows what happens in 3-4 years. Moyes has earned our respect and also deserves to be part of the process, if not a genuine contender. I like De Boer, he looks every inch a winner and won't be overawed by our young guns. Flattery ain't going to work.

Although Emery looks fantastic, it would probably be more of a cultural leap for him. And he probably thinks of himself as deserving a shot at bigger clubs than Everton.

He's hardly then going to sit back and let Kenwright choose the next manager. If they want Koeman or Emery but can't get them, they'll then turn to De Boer and Pellegrini who are both out of work and want the job.

No way Moyes is coming back ahead of them.

As Lyndon said, the board at Ajax are a bit like Newcastle and didn't help De Boer, and after winning 4 titles, he wants to go on to a bigger and better club, with money to spend, to match his ambitions, and I think we are that club.

I suspect it's going to come down to a choice between De Boer and Pellegrini, unless the bookies and media are way off (very likely!) and have missed a primes candidate (Favre, Cocu or Tuchel perhaps).

I'd probably just about opt for De Boer over Pellegrini though the latter is arguably the safer option as he is settled in the area and knows the league pretty well by now. Either look like a step up in class from Martinez and a move in the right direction for our club.

Additionally what I like is that at times he has had to operate under financial adversity, which many of the so called great managers (give me a break) Jose and Pep have not.

Get your money on now folks.

'Proven' to good extent with Southampton from a threadbare starting point - so served his Premier League apprenticeship.

Plays football the right way and looks like a guy who the players would respect/respond to.

He could possibly bring Fraser Forster with him (re-building starts with a sound keeper for me, then build forwards from that solid foundation).

And if anyone from the club's hierarchy is reading this: a big 'NO' to Moysie. Been there, done that...

Koeman is 1st choice but we are waiting a Yes/No as to whether he is interested. Otherwise, Emery will be the target and we will go all out to get him

De Boer yet to be interviewed...

He is a self serving cretin of the highest order, who shouldn't even have been interviewed.

You've had your chance, now take your knife and fall on it you slimy bastard.

I hope your information is correct. I don't want Pellegrini.

As for Moyes, once bitten, no thanks.

Off topic a bit but has anyone seen that Great Howard street, A565, by the Costco is shutting for 7 months to get a new dual carriageway? It's not far from the new docklands site, does anyone think it's looking more and more possible?

And I don't think that Emery will consider us when he has Champions League football to look forward to (but maybe he will give us £60 million for our want-away Champions League-seeking centre-forward).

As for David Moyes, that would be simply a massive step back for our club and if your information is correct, I am astounded that we have even interviewed David Moyes for the job.

I'll stake my colours to the mast: it's De Boer for me. I would be happy enough to see the man at Everton and the sooner the better. Like today at 4pm will do.

Read the title and thought YES!!! ........then spotted the question mark at the end.........

Sorry mate but this has been planned for a while now and has nothing to do with the possible EFC project.

Let's hope we have Emery in this week as the other headline said we are talking to him within 72 hours, that's now up.

We might as well just get Benitez in. He has got to be the crown prince of micro-management.

If these prospects excite you then you need your head read after the dross we have been subjected to for over a decade.

After the way he treated this club, he will never have the respect of the majority at Everton, the man is a self centred, egotistical, arrogant under achiever, and should never ever be on anyone's list for a return to our club.

"Ronald, do you see Everton as a long term project, or as a stepping stone to a bigger job?"

"Unai, you didn't win an away game all season in the league all season, please explain?"

"Manuel, you spent 㿝m on Raheem Sterling, please explain?"

"Frank, you've finished second in the league for the last two seasons, please explain?"

"David, you talk to Bill whilst I consider the other 4 candidates"

Easy.

"Moyes has earned our respect and also deserves to be part of the process."

Are you taking the piss?

"Moyes has earned our respect and also deserves to be part of the process."

Are you taking the piss?

Best odds available :-
Pellegini Ladbrokes 2-1 ; Koeman Ladbrokes 5-1,
BRUCE PP 6-1; de Boer PP 6-1,
Emery PP 6-1 ; MOYES Victor 10-1,
Flores Sky Bet 16-1; O'Neill SkyBet 20-1,
Stubbs SkyBet 22-1. 25-1 Bar

Next time Lyndon writes a piece like this, just say thank you and leave it at that.

Which is why I sought the opinion of people who are based in Holland, do support Ajax or are viewers of the league (more than were quoted above) in addition to the other Googled sources (also avid followers of the Dutch game) whose assessment of FdB all followed a similar theme.

People's expectations amaze me sometimes. Someone should tell the majority of the media that the Internet isn't a valid tool for research!

Pretty much pointless, but I'd rather discuss anything other than David Moyes right now, so I'll bite.

Firstly, who said they were basing their preference for Cocu solely on the run in to this seasons league campaign? Secondly, De Boer never won his four titles going toe to toe with Cocu, whereas Cocu has won both of his in direct competition with De Boer. He's done so playing thoroughly entertaining, attacking football, altering tactics to suit different situations and opposition and made a good fist of his very first go in the Champions League, going further than any other Dutch team had for nearly a decade.

On the other hand, De Boer's more inflexible defensive style and stale tactics didn't even sit well with his own teams support, both in the end and for some time before that, and he regularly failed to get to grips with the Champions League, not once guiding his team out of the group stage and generally unravelling quicker than Pazuzu's serpentine schlong when he was busting for a slash.

As for the board "not helping De Boer". Maybe not, but really they acted no differently to how any other Dutch club does when a sizeable wad of notes is wafted under their nose. It's just financial reality for any manager over there to have to replace their finest players with younger cheaper recruits, or by promoting their clubs own talented prospects, whenever more wealthy clubs come calling.

If you want to point to the fact Ajax sold some of their better players, then it should also be said Cocu had to cope with the loss of the two leading goalscorers from his first title winning season when PSV chose to grab the cash. He still went on to retain the title (Cool as you like, probably whilst puffing on a Belmont Extra Suave and casually sloshing some 23 year old Pappy Van Winkle round a bourbon glass engraved with a picture of a big old pair of dogs bollocks and the word 'ME' written right below the beastly bastards).

He also had a pretty big rebuilding job himself when he first took the reigns and PSV were on a barren run of 8 years without bringing home the league trophy. Ajax were way out ahead and reaping the rewards of their famed academy. Cocu came in and revolutionised the place, promoting young players he knew and trusted, transforming the teams style of play and reducing the average age of a previously lethargic squad to around 22/23. It took him all of one season to sort that shit out.

As I said earlier though, I don't have anything against De Boer (err, despite everything I just said) and I still think he'd be a decent enough appointment. He's just more 'Cock meh' than 'Cock Ooooh' is all.

Well my number one choice is going to Utd, my second choice has not even been mentioned - Simone , so don't hold much hope there.

Probably Koeman would be next for me for the simple reason I think he could get us going quicker given he has experience of the premier league.

Can I ask is this De Boer your choice Lyndon ?

How can people be sure Kenwright's not the one who came up with a list containing names like Emery and De Boer and Moshiri's not on the other end of the blower saying:

"I know the answer to this one. It's on the tip of my tongue, Bill. It's on the tip of my tongue and just about to roll right off. Are you ready for this?....... Steve Bruce!! Yes, that's the one. He's the man. Saw him giving a pre-match interview once with a massive shiner. Love him. Absolutely love him. Give him a bell, Bill. Might even be able to bag us Nicholas Bendtner. He's the sort of modest lad we need to replace that big head Lukaku. Might cost us a bit more in wages mind".

The man's mates with Michael Crawford for God's sake.

I believe we are holding out for Koeman who has come right down in the betting.

My personal preference is Emery and I would not want Moyes, Van Gaal or Pellegrini.

I don't envy the board on this one and hope that Bill's influence is diminishing.

Could you do similar pieces about David Moyes and Martin O' Neill. I reckon you would get a mighty response. For what it's worth, I believe the admirable O Neill has a big success story to come.

Eugene has made the very pertinent point that, well, there is no formula, that it can all depend on just somehow hitting on the right thing. I have a hunch that MON is it.

AND, to emphasis the point Eugene makes, he could relegate us. We are about to roll the dice.

"The season ended for Everton FC on the 15th May 2016, the new one will begin in early August, what's the rush?"

Disagree. Surely you see there is prepatory work to be done made even more difficult in that it will be a manager who does not know the club.

Lyndon, as you're work is not seen as being valid, surely you could have travelled to Holland and observed training and matches? ;) :D

Steve Bruce...the bookies will do anything to make money. If anybody has put money on him surely they deserve 'stupidest person ever' title. Good grief.

Jay:

"Moyes has been invited to interview on Bill's recommendation but Moshiri isn't keen."

Source?

If true, BK is a disgrace. He needs to go to, no progress made under him. 80's we were bugger than Arsenal, now look at the difference.

Moyes shouldn't even get the 'kit man's' job. He disrespected us, goodbye.

I wouldn't mind either of them after the way you describe Cocu, but there is a big difference in working for a club, when everyone is pulling in the same direction.

I might be wrong on that score, but PSV, have always struck me as being a very well run club?

But for an open goal miss (nothing to do with the manager) and a goal wrongly disallowed for offside (again nothing to do with the manager) Ajax would have reclaimed their title and made it 5 out of 6 under De Boer. You could just as easily argue that PSV only won it the year before because they had the better players. (Depay, etc)

We can analyse every bit of info we get until we are bluer in the face than the player shirts. But in reality all we can do is wait and hope Mr Moshiri makes the right choice.

*They had a harder group....every single year without fail.

*They missed an open goal and had an offside decision go against them.... in one game.

*The other team had an unfair advantage because they had way better players.... who just appeared magically out of the blue like Jeff Bridges in Star Man...whilst Ajax had to make do with Alf, from the tv show Alf. 
They had that dead good Depay for one, who first got his start when that clarty Cocu promoted him to the senior squad during his spell as caretaker, when no one knew else even who he was. What's that all about? Unfair advantage if ever there was one. 

*That other team just kept on hunting our heroic runaway leaders down, closing in on their prey, like utter ruthless bustards. That's just evil and unjust in my book. If it was to be a fair fight then Elmer Fudd should have been barking orders on the frontline for them, things would have been totally different then, I'm telling ya".

So say's Grant Rorrison in shock 'Ajax are the new redshite' claim.

Personally I like FdB but accept he's not 'perfect', whatever that means... but who is, you, me? If he was the epitome of perfection the realist in me would suggest he wouldn't join EFC as there are more prominent clubs seeking a manager at the moment.

Whoever it is, we should all get behind him after the last 3 years (assuming not Moyes!), and support the club in what could be an amazing time both on and off pitch!

Researching deeper into the next "Dutch Master" I find that he said last year in a Liverpool Echo article that he would be interested in the Liverpool Job if offered it. “They are fantastic clubs. Liverpool and Newcastle – with supporters behind them – it is a fantastic environment to coach but this year it is important for me to do well at Ajax and then we will see.” In the same article, he also said that manging in the EPL was getting closer every year.

He seems desperate to get into the EPL, like a stray dog with its nose pressed to the butcher's window, but not able to get inside to the chops. I worry about how genuine and really dedicated he would be in his interest for Everton.

http://www.fourfourtwo.com/au/features/guardiola-enrique-cocu-how-psvs-chief-caught-cream-barcas-crop#:JBc_yGXQONoOiA

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2478985-phillip-cocu-why-psv-eindhovens-boss-is-the-coming-man-of-european-management

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/07/30/tactical-philosophy-philip-cocu/

Based on a quick read my take is:

1. His teams defend deep like Atletico and rely on quick counter attacks favouring a high tempo style of play.

2. Not afraid to give youth a chance - eg Depay

3. Prefers a calm approach i.e not emotional

4. Not sure about tactical flexibility

5. Viewed as a Barca legend and an outside bet to take over one day (although I think that was also said about Bobby Brown Shoes at one stage...!)

My personal conclusion – Worthy of consideration especially since Emery now seems to be staying at Seville.

What about De Boer as coach and Jap Stam as his assistant (or Berkamp) but the new position of Director of Football going to Pellegrini? Surely a winning combination of a young ambitious coach and a wise elder to steer the club into a more successful future.

Interesting thought.... But please no more talk of Moyes... another Kendall situation in the making!!!

Frank 142, Common Sense. I can't wait to put the ball away for a few weeks, if only they'd let me!

When he was playing, he put the fear of god in any defence he came up against and I do think that Rooney would return to play under him... So, Why not a couple of proven ex-players?

I would add just a few comments (not corrections, just my own meanderings)

Rhino/Royle: ADORE these two Royal Blues and can only see Everton benefit from their drive and passion. Haven't seen the slightest indication that they hold any immediate desire. However, like most Blues, I'd love our future managers to be well schooled Blue Bloods.
Would LOVE Big Joe to be part of the managerial appointment process.

Stubbs: Great at Hibs, and that can only be encouraging. Keep on keeping on Stubbsy, compel us to appoint you. Very, very early yet though.

Also, until we announce who we have appointed, I expect absolutely fuckall noise. For all Billyboys blather, he still adheres to the sheer class that is Everton in these matters.
We'll tell you when we want to tell you.

Would really like to get Frank de Boer. He is a born winner and has had great management experience. He will obviously know a lot of talented young stars that are coming through, which would be great.

Massive positive for me is the goal difference that Ajax finished with last year; 81 goals scored and 21 conceded! +60 goal diff. WOW!

But, on the other hand, in 5 1/2 years Ajax never won a cup and wasn't successful in Europe.

Still think he would be a huge success with us.
COYBB

Favre took the job at Nice and commented that he wasn't prepared to wait around for Everton to make a decision. A clear indication he was on the list, but he wasn't top of the list. So he wasn't eager to get the job and wait around, which is fair enough.

However, in comparison we have De Boer and Pellegrini who seem interested. Neither have been rumoured to be in discussions with other clubs, even though they are both unemployed. De Boer's representatives have indicated he is keen, Pellegrini wants to stay in the Northwest. I suppose Everton is convenient and an appealing option to him, but surely he isn't short of other options.

I just wonder if Koeman is really keen on the job. Is it a matter of diplomacy and red tape that is delaying a final decision because if he's not keen, then I say move on. Lukaku has made it clear he wants out and the fans are paying for his taxi. I want a manager who wants to manage the club.