Reports: Benitez in the frame to become new Everton manager

Unreal...

This would be a nightmare appointment that would drive a massive wedge through our entire fan base and make our club a laughing stock that we might never recover from – as well as ensuring our long trophy drought continues for years to come.

I am dreading this season already.

I'm going for a lie down...

It's time to bring a blue home.

It's said the club has some old-fashioned traits that do not serve us best. Separation from and dismissal of things Liverpool are not among them. I don't care if he's the best candidate - no RedShite. And he's nowhere near the best candidate.

Footy is a funny old game as someone once said.

He is very experienced and has won more trophies than any of the other candidates and he may well be a good fit.

I have had a very controversial thought for a number of years, which I have been loath to express, for obvious reasons. However, now may be the time. Nothing causes so much anger and hurt for Evertonians, as the Benitez 'small club' remark, and the Moyes 'knife to a gunfight' quote.

Could it just possibly be; that those 2 remarks cause so much pain and anger, because at the time they were said, they were true?

Well, I'd better resign from TW before the tsunami of anger engulfs me!

No thanks.

If this is true, then Moshiri needs to sell up and fuck off.

I 100 % guarantee that Ferguson will be foisted onto the new manager. But I'll be delighted to be wrong

Is there a reason for this?

Watch this space – I hope!

Still time for a few surprises, like seeing who is available after the euros.

Failing that I think Graham Potter would be the best of the 'rising stars' if we can't get a Mancini.

I would seriously consider jibbing going if he was in post.

Can we please have some pride?

Hiring this man who's managed them and also insulted us publicly would be an all time low.

We'd go from historical, respected Club that does things right, to a bunch of whores.

No fucking way! Fuck this guy off immediately. Even talking to him smacks of filthiness and prostitution.

Please.

God.

No.

It would be embarrassing to hire him.

I'm sure most incoming managers will believe (or be told) Dunc is “Bill's boy”.

In any management situation if you have a subordinate member of your team with unfettered access to senior management it creates trust issues in the chain of command.

Once things start going sideways then the “spy in the camp” issue becomes even more malignant.

Mike #23, yes, there's a reason. Mancini is happy as a clam managing Italy, and they're ecstatic with him. 74% winning percentage and a ridiculous 28 straight games undefeated, 23 wins and 5 draws, over the past three years. Right now they're on a streak of nine straight clean sheets with a goal ratio of 28-0. So no, he's not leaving his own national team machine right before the World Cup to come to Everton.

Dave #26, no, it won't be Conte either.

It's not about where a person has worked previously. It's all about being the right person at the right time at the right club. There was a time when Benitez ticked the boxes, but I fear no longer. Like Carlo, I suspect the real hunger just is no longer there.

I keep on coming back to the two guys called Philip I've mentioned before: Cocu is a thinking coach who works well with a DoF and the fact that it's Brands with whom he had a productive relationship at PSV is an added bonus. Lahm with Rangnick to mentor him would be my wild card. If and when this fellow goes into coaching he will be as innovative as the likes of Cruyff and Guardiola. Get him now before someone else does?

I want Nuno. I've made that clear on other posts.

I read above in one of the posts (Mike Keating 23) that there's some names being thrown around returning to the Premier League.

I'd take Roberto Martinez back in a second. We fucking ran that guy out of town too quickly. He tried to play good football, he was an extremely amicable man who represented Everton wonderfully, and in my opinion things unravelled when Rom was on his way out.

It was the best football played by an Everton team that I personally have witnessed (15 years now).

I don't give a flying fuck if we leak 3 goals a game. Bring back excitement and entertaining football. Try to win 4-3. My soul has been starved for an Everton that is a joy to watch.

Roberto in a New York minute for me.

Won't happen, but there, I said it.

And for anyone who castigates the above, yet actually wants Rafa here?

Please just shut the fuck up.

Funny thing is people were citing Ancelotti's "busted flush" moment as his tenure at Bayern (based on debunked rumors about training) even though he won the double. By comparison, Benitez got relegated with Newcastle then spent three years presiding over the Harlem globetrotters in China. If Carlo was a "busted flush" I'd suggest Benitez is something worse, perhaps a cracked pot, or a rotting outhouse.

I also object to the notion that Carragher and Co can dictate to us to take on their failed boss as some sort of charity case. We've got an abundance of our own charity cases, we don't need one of theirs coming along and being serenaded by the Kop during the derby.

If he comes, I will turn into a complete hypocrite and follow Darren's path in opposition from Day One. I'd sooner have no-one and frankly the way the team play it often appears there is no management anyway so we could save a few quid.

I am not at all convinced that Nuno is the answer. His insistence on his complete entourage joining him suggests a worrying level of intransigence.

The idea of Big Dunc becoming manager is a recipe for disaster. He simply doesn't have enough experience to take the job permanently. He has not even been an actual assistant manager; his position under Ancelotti was “joint assistant” with Ancelotti's son (draw your own conclusions), whilst Silva's assistant manager at the time of his sacking was Boa Morte.

Colin Harvey was a genuine no 2 to HK and is rightly credited for his achievement in helping Howard to turn a failing team into the best in Europe, but sadly Colin was not a success once he stepped up as manager.
The days of an Evertonian in charge are long gone.

A very relevant question.

Nuno's Backroom team:

Rui Pedro Silva (assistant)
Ian Cathro (first-team coach)
Julio Figueroa (first-team coach)
Rui Barbosa (goalkeeper coach)
Antonio Dias (fitness coach)
Joao Lapa (rehab coach)

I don't see this is any bigger than Ancelotti's but Nuno could be insisting on changes in positions, more accountability and immediate command. This was the mistake that Ancelotti made, not insisting on similar. Ancelotti was, as Lyndon said 'laissez-faire' in his management of players, whilst Nuno, if reports are correct, is more disciplined, will insist his orders are carried out, and he will want a backroom team that is consistently the same in dealing with players.

I think Benitez would be favoured by Bill Kenwright. Benitez will say anything they want to hear to get the job. And will not make the mistake of asking for a big transfer pot, like he did at Juve. I bet that Moshiri and mates are working hard to get a big name alternative. That is if the Nuno situation is true.

I thought that Nuno was a good compromise candidate between the two camps, but it was originally reported that Everton were looking for a big name candidate that wasn't going to insist on radical change at the club.

I now want Nuno because he appears to know that radical change is a must from the start. This would be a real stumbling block at good old status quo Everton.

I live just down the road from him and you've given me ideas!

And Carragher is dictating?

I just Fedexed a parcel to you with your assignment. Read it carefully as it will self destruct in 10 seconds.

Maybe Mancini? The self-delusional Martinez? Or for a proper laugh, our Gaz when the FA sack him? Let's face it, we're already a laughing stock.

Yes he did.

Based on the track record, I get the impression that "Football Insider" is a 12-year-old kid basing his claims on his own experience from Championship Manager

Andy #42, I think in this case some sort of terrorist action might be justified. Check with Jamie for weapons. He's got extras.

Ian #50, Conte is 51, in the prime of his career. He's been one of the world's highest-paid managers for a decade. His last four jobs were Juventus, Italy, Chelsea and Inter. He's got his pick of jobs anywhere in the world.

For those comparing him with Carlo, also please bear in mind Carlo's win percentage at Everton was up there with the most successful managers we have had.

Personally, I would like Galtier but it is being reported he was discounted because he doesn't speak English, which I am surprised at.

Conte would be a one-season dream but, hey, in these days of short-termism, let's go for it.

The board need to realise with this squad there is no miracle cure and we will need to back the manager 100%.

If Nuno is holding out because he doesn't want Dunc forced on him, then kudos to the man.

I did also like Martinez and believe we hounded him out. However Lukaku was still here for Koeman. The reason l would give is that he wasn't given the money. Especially in defence, where we were too slow in replacing an ageing backline. Distin hit a brick wall. It was a fun first season with him and a young core of players that unfortunately broke away.

Glad we are being linked to players, meaning perhaps Brands might want a manager to adapt a certain style that suits the squad? Well, we can only hope...

Apparently, the board has spoken to John Conteh to ask him if he'd take on Duncan as there's nobody at the club who can ask the Scotsman to leave without fearing for their lives. :)

I think we are getting a view as to why Carlo left

I got the feeling Rom wanted out at the tail end of Roberto's reign. I thought he was frustrated with not breaking into the Champions League.

He wasn't the same after around April of that year, by my memory.

And yes, Martinez with actual money to spend would be worth the price of admission surely!

"Let's feed the fuckers a Rafa rumour and they'll be BEGGING us to bring in Nuno and his 5,000 assistants!"

Only a tenner, I hope...

Conte doesn't have a wide choice of clubs at present. He turned down Spurs allegedly over spending and probably because Kane is set on leaving.

If we don't think big, we are never going to be big again.

Kieran, agreed, Benitez did get relegated with Newcastle, think he took on a team already in trouble. However, he did get them promoted back to the Premier League...

To be fair, he also only spent about 18 months in China before returning to the UK, not the 3 years you mentioned.

Jay Harris, Benitez has won the Italian Cup and the Europa League more recently than 2005.

Am not suggesting I am a great fan of Rafa Benitez, but we might as well give some credit where it's due...

The tippy tappy stuff confused the hell out of our players and Martinez was simply too pig-headed, or too stupid, to realise he was putting square pegs into round holes. He got found out by January in his first season.

The second time we played teams, they were waiting for us. (Fulham worked us out after 25 minutes and turfed us out of the League Cup.)

I don't want a managerial spent force, whether or not he is the fat Spanish waiter from across the park either. The French guy, Galtier, looks like a good call and we could be the right fit for him. But whoever it is. We need to move soon so we can recruit in the right way.

As for Conte, there's every chance we've already approached him. I'd expect to be rebuffed for similar reasons he publicly rebuffed Spurs. He's an elite manager now - and the prospect of rebuilding a club off the back of 12th and 10th place finishes looks way below him unfortunately, especially when we simply cannot compete in the transfer market.

Santo - it wouldn't surprise me if this is all sorted with a bit of formality left to resolve before the announcement. It might seem like ages to us but in reality it's been no time at all to sort out a senior hire with notice of the vacancy.

And did I mention I don't want Benitez.

The manager of a team that includes De Bruyne, Lukaku, Courtois and a host of other world beaters does not need to be any good. His tactics can simply be to show them which way to face at kick-off and let them get on with it.

Mike Walker could manage Belgium and look vaguely competent.

We also have Baines in some coaching capacity? Next it'll be Seamus... The museum is expanding.

By the way, Walker couldn't!

Benitez would undoubtedly steady the ship, wants to be in the area and, who knows, might just build something.

It wouldn't surprise me if, after the Euros, Martinez came back.

He won't want to destabilise Belgium ATM, just a hunch, Benitez may be just lazy journalism.

moved away from Real Madrid in 1995, but management spells at Real Valladolid and Osasuna were short-lived and unsuccessful. He guided Segunda División side Extremadura back to the Primera División in his first season in 1997, but the team was relegated the following season. He left the club, and coached Tenerife in 2000, winning promotion in his only season.

Benítez was appointed coach of Valencia and won La Liga in the 2001–02 season. In 2004, another La Liga league title and a UEFA Cup victory were added building on the foundation laid by Héctor Cúper who had taken Valencia to two consecutive Champions League finals; in 2000 against Real Madrid, and in 2001 against Bayern Munich. After leaving Valencia, Benitez moved to English club Liverpool of the Premier League, guiding the club to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 2005. For the second consecutive season, he was named UEFA Manager of the Year. He also won the FA Cup in 2006 and reached the 2007 Champions League Final, but was unable to win the Premier League, with Liverpool's best league performance under Benítez a second-place finish in 2008–09.

After leaving Liverpool in June 2010, Benítez was appointed manager of treble-winning side Inter Milan. His reign at the club was a short one and he was dismissed midway through the 2010–11 season. In November 2012, he was appointed interim manager of Chelsea for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League. He returned to Italy in 2013 to coach Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. He then left Napoli and became coach of Real Madrid in June 2015 on an initial three-year contract. It was another short-lived appointment and on 4 January 2016, he was dismissed following a 2–2 draw against his old club, Valencia.

On 11 March 2016, Benítez was announced as the manager of Newcastle United in an attempt to save the club from relegation. He was unable to avoid relegation, but earned promotion back to the Premier League the following year, winning the Championship. He left the club in June 2019. In July 2019 he was appointed manager of Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional. On 23 January 2021 Benítez announced that he had left the club by mutual consent.

Martin #67, it takes more than talent to craft a top international side. Look at Argentina's struggles. Look at Spain. Roberto hasn't just collected a bunch of stars, he's developed a system they can thrive in and has made good in-game coaching decisions. And he has kept everybody happy, which ain't easy. He deserves full credit.

HOWEVER... all he has to do is coach the team, he doesn't have to manage it as a club. I think it was his lack of organizational skills that caught up with him at Everton, and before that at Wigan. He doesn't have to worry about that at Belgium. He doesn't have to scout and buy players or negotiate contracts. Or manage a budget.

But again, he is never coming back to Everton. Especially, Dave #72, right before a World Cup that he will be favored to win. Sorry, no way.

If I thought Benitez was top class, great, but he ain't. Nuno seems ok but not great.

I don't understand why we don't go for someone with an identity of how to play which fits in with our school of science ethos or an up and coming manager. All these names (which may be horseshit to be fair) all appear safe and average - bit like our team.

I think I'd rather have Nuno than Benitez, so sorry Duncan, but if that means “Ya gotta go, then ya gotta go”!

"Everton put eight or nine men behind the ball and defended deep 'but that's what small clubs do.'

Is Benítez wrong about what small clubs do?

"When a team comes to Anfield and only want a point what else can you call them but a small club?"

Did he imply Everton were a small club because when under Moyes Everton were fighting for just a draw and not a win?

Could you call Everton a small club for a team steeped in history to fight for a point instead of a win?

If there was less than a few shots at Anfield by Everton, would this not cause the red shite manager frustration?

Benítez continues:

"I was really disappointed because one team wanted to win the game and one team didn't want to lose it."

Reference: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-next-everton-manager-24232898

I'm not sure that's an argument you're going to win. The meaning in context was very clear: Everton played like a small club... although ironically it seems every club plays that way nowadays!

But I agree with your intent (or my perception of it): the jibe was true at the time, and sensitive Evertonians reacted with predictable wounded pride. Our football at times from the Ginger Minge was simply horrible. But that was plucky little Everton. [Of course it's okay if we say it!]

Thank you, David Moyes.

Harry said.. but they are trying the problem is they are crap footballers who can not do any better..

I think Carlo realized the same about our squad..

Who ever comes in as the new manager will still have a squad of players only capeable of mid table finish..

Raffa aint coming and Martinez haha Jamie your as deluded as the man himself who once blamed sticky grass for a poot result..

how the hell is he going to answer that one. Whereas Nuno didn't just get Wolves promoted, he actually won the thing.

Whether Benitez's comments were lost in translation or not, Moyes's attitude to away games at what was then known as the “big four” clubs was certainly smalltime.

Maybe they'll win the Euros, maybe not. Maybe they'll win the WC, maybe not. But they'll never regret appointing Bobby.

We sure as hell should, however. You and I agree on that one.

Martinez is a good International Manager, but not a good League manager.

Horses for Courses.

Just think back to the faces of Lukaku and Mirallas as it was announced when they were coming out.
If they ever needed a video clip to define the dictionary definition of "what the absolute fuck" then that was it.

It has been said and disputed on here about people saying No to this one or that, without offering an alternative.

But Ifeel its ok to know what you don't want, much harder to know what you do want (Or need, as the stones tell us - you don't always get what you want, but you get what you need).
And,
Once you've decided what you do want . or need.

It's even harder to be right.

Jack Ellam (iirc) nailed the 5 stages of recognition (want Vs need etc.)

Who is Jack Ellam?
Try Jack Ellam.
Get me Jack Ellam.
I want a 'Jack Ellam' type.
Who is Jack Ellam.

I want a 'Bielsa Type', a kick arse, off the wall nutter.
*wishes for the moon.
A modern day Clough - who if the stories are true, we very briefly flirted with then ran off with our apron over our face, like a scandalised kitchen maid with the vapours.

No Moyes
No FSW,
No Martinez.

I can just about live with Nuno as he did decent stuff with Wolves and its all a gamble.

But Martinez ( he got luck twice with Lukaku, once in the League and once internationally - he won't get lucky a third time) is firmly in my 'fool me once etc' category.

No, just no.

All at once: Barry, Luka, McCarthy, and DelBoy. Fantastic. Look past them and his signings range from meh to shit to Tarashaj.

2013

Arouna Kone
Antolin Alcaraz
Joel Robles
James McCarthy
Romelu Lukaku
Gareth Barry
Gerard Deulofeu

2014

Aiden McGeady
Jindrich Stanek
Sam Byrne
Samuel Eto'o
Muhamed Besic
Brendan Galloway
Connor Hunt

2015

Leandro Rodriguez
Tom Cleverley
Mason Holgate
Aaron Lennon
David Henen
Funes Mori

2016

Niasse
Shani Tarashaj
Matthew Foulds

Lot of things said about Kenwright/Walsh/Koeman that they had coming to them. Let's just not forget that the slide of the last 5 years was started by Martinez.

Bring him back? He didn't even consider important getting his players into 90 minutes of fitness. The most basic of basics.

We have had the Hollywood managers Ancelotti and Koeman, the young pretender Silva and the self proclaimed greatest manager that ever lived all following Martinez and not one got anywhere near what Roberto achieved.

Not only did they not surpass him (5th place 72 points, last 16 in Europe and 2 Cup Semi's) they between them didn't even beat ONE of his individual achievements and this all done without Moshiri's money.

At Swansea he is statistically their greatest manager, At Wigan he won the FA Cup and kept them up all but one season and is definitely their greatest ever manager, at Belgium he is their greatest ever manager and even with us he is statistically one of our greatest managers despite his perception as a failure by some.

If Roberto hadn't managed here before he would be seen as the outstanding candidate on the list.

I'm no fan boy for Martinez but he isn't a terrible coach and certainly not the worst In our history by any measure, win percentage is perhaps the most useful (disregarding caretaker managers). Martinez's win percentage is only bettered by Harry Catterick, HK (first period) Colin Harvey and the recently departed Italian.

Andy I worked in Wigan for a number of years before retiring and he is revered by their fans not reviled. His achievement of winning the FA Cup with a club the size of Wigan is comparable with Wimbledon winning the FA Cup of 1988. If Moyes has managed to win something at Everton he would have been accorded the same status here.

My beginning of that post was for Andy and James
not yourself

What I recall was an idealist who would have rather gone down in flames than have been forced to change his formation and tippy tappy approach. Other teams had simply sussed how to counter it, and it became almost maddening to know exactly what was going to happen.

The big question is whether his obsession with the game led to him learning from that, and whether he is now willing to adapt when it isn't going right?

Belgium started with his old 4-2-3-1 in opening game. It'll be interesting to see if he sticks with it when the tougher games come and/or if they start losing……

I despair over the Moshiri/Kenwright regime. Two bumbling amateurs who are taking us nowhere fast.

Forget Rafa, I don't think he's a right fit at all. I find the Roberto calls a bit ridiculous - he's a cup manager, that's it. Nice bloke, but once we were found out the problems began. Being 3-0 up with 20 minutes to go; and not being certain of the points wasn't good for my heart!

Worryingly none of this has been addressed at Finch Farm for a long time. Like many of us, I'm sick to my back teeth of negative hanging on to a one-goal lead football. 3-4 seasons aside under Joe and Roberto, that is all we have had in nearly 30 years of the Premier League.

Just go all guns for Galtier! He's the only one who seems to have excited the majority of Evertonians and his record is pretty faultless. So far!

Failing that I still think Potter would get us playing the sort of football that Evertonians would very much appreciate. High energy, attacking football with young players that is not all Eddie Howe/Roberto Martinez in defense.

Most of all, let Brands choose! Love him or loathe him he is at least a dedicated football professional unlike Moshiri and Kenwright.

What is the strategy? What type of team and club do we want to be? As much as we have started laying the foundations at BMD, we need to start shaping the foundations of the team we want to play there. When we decide that, then target options that can deliver on that strategy.

My desperate forlorn hope is that the reason for this delay is that the club is thinking strategically for once.

Cue laughter and ridicule.

The harsh reality, as Ancelotti put it, is that this is like waiting for a magician not a manager.

I agree with Sam that Galtier & Potter seem like a good fit (I put Santo in that camp too). But none of these guys are going to have Everton rocketing up the league into the Top 4 any time soon.

A good manager could make a difference in the early years of the Premier League (maybe before) but the competitive advantage to the 4 most expensively assembled squads is now so huge that it's not going to happen – at least not overnight.

The only way someone like Potter could do it is by working with Brands to overhaul a failed squad and build something to really compete in the 2023-24 season. That's a difficult strategy to adopt for a club that's made a habit of losing managers after 18 months.

The guy has won things. That is what we need. Too often, we make choices as a club for sentimental reasons. I think Benitez did well at Newcastle with the resources he was given.

My ideal choice would be Galtier or Rangnick.

It's a big No from me.

Nailed on then – Murphy's law was named after me.

UTFT

On this basis there must be somebody we haven't considered as I can't believe that either Nuno or Benitez could possibly need this much research into their history. If it is between these two then it has to be the Portugeezer.

The only other reason I can see is that there is either problems in the Boardroom, Bill wants to wait until the 1st of a month in his usual penny pinching manner or it's a national manager still involved with the Euros but as Mike Gaynes points out, why would the Manager of the highest ranked national team, or any high ranking national side, leave less than 18 months before the World Cup?

My hope is an as yet unconsidered (by us) third choice either at the Euros or we are in negotiation to buy him out of wherever he is now.

Hopefully the Fat Spanish Waiter stories are also fake. Either that or Kenwright has memory lapses... and Mosh hasn't a clue.

I've looked at the fixtures out this morning but, if that gobshite is our manager, l won't be watching.

Rafael Benitez and Nuno Espirito Santo in running for Toffees job

Sheds no further light, but puts Rafa and Nuno on a par with other unnamed candidates as the saga continues to drag on and on...

How's the betting looking now???

Paddy Power just told me "sorry we can't find that one". I feel dejected as we are obviously nothing to them, but I'm probably not the best one to ask for finding betting odds.

I think they are looking for a 'big name' manager who is not going to demand radical change at Everton. Ance!otti took the job and it was accepted that his backroom team would fit in. It took six months after Anchelotti's appointment for a final announcement to be made regarding their positions.

So you have Moshiri, the owner, looking a big name and Kenwright, the Chairman, not looking for radical change. The others in the selection process are falling into either of these camps. It's a battle between the perceptions of these two sides. Benitez is the Joker: though a big name he will agree to not implementing radical change.

I prefer Nuno who seems to stand up for his principles and thought he would be a compromise for both camps, but he is looking for change. I would not be surprised that Moshiri is working on an unrevealed big name.

Potter is good and everything you and Sam say is right, but he isn't within a shout of the criteria, I believe, of these two camps.

Imo, the Everton objective is to build on Anchlotti's analysis and plan, and this is part of the selection criteria. They believe they have the framework in place and a backroom team built up over 20 years to help the new manager to implement it and take it forward.

I also think that they did not think Ancelotti had the right skill fit to work with the Everton backroom structure and players and have convinced themselves of this. Ancelotti's public comments regarding skill and effort meant that he was beaten and the response he got as a result confirmed it.

The Everton establishment believe that they should be in the Top 4, but the whole culture of Everton is midtable and maybe a European spot.

For me, the promotion of Brands and the recent reinforcement of the establishment means that radical changes are not going to come anytime soon.

I do think appointing Benítez will cause a lot more outrage than they could possibly realise, though, but life is full of irony...

If Rafa did get the job and won Everton a trophy, just watching how the fans celebrate will make him realise he couldn't have been further from the truth when he called Everton a small club – but only because of its great supporters!

I've heard and read the exact opposite: Moshiri wants Nuno, Kenwright wants Benitez. It would seem that the attractiveness of Everton has waned and, seeing as how Ancelotti left us in the lurch so quickly and his contacts within the football world, it might put off any would-be candidates.

We'll never get the truth of the matter but it's pretty obvious we don't have too many choices. If Nuno doesn't arrive, I think they'll sell Benitez to the fans with Big Dunc as his assistant.

Nuno 1/2 (had been 1/20), Spanish Waiter 7/2,14/1 bar.

Like Jerome, my own guess is that Moshiri is working on a "big name".

Personally, I'd go for Unai Emery, a man who works well with a DoF, knows how to win trophies, has Premier League experience, and has something to prove in the Premier League, so would be motivated. A realistic target.

Having been put through this for weeks, just like waiting for a bus, we're going to end up with 3 managers when this is over with Moshiri, Brands and Kenwright all looking at each other confused.

Just as I was calming and convincing myself the club were taking their time because they were thinking with a strategy for the future.

What time is it?

That's not cryptic for Martinez, there will likely be a few.

Given it is highly unlikely Moshiri has the time or inclination to stop Brands wanting to select and buy most of the players, and/or stop Bill from wanting the old Everton brigade in the backroom . then perhaps it's best we embrace it and look for a man most likely to accept that situation and work WITH IT not against it.

I very much doubt that's Nuno, and I doubt it would be Rafa either. For me, it's gotta be Duncan, surrounded closely by people like Tim Cahill and perhaps even bringing back other stallwarts like Phil Neville and Jags into the coaching team. Let brands buy the players, and the others create an environment they enjoy.

It's a big risk to 'embrace being Everton' but it's just as big as one to give a new manager his own backroom and 50% of the player buys too. Roll the dice.

You are right we so need to hire someone, but not just anyone.

But we are talking Everton here. We are not talking about a professional business.

His relentless positivity is effective in small doses but over a 40-50 game season can come across as insincere.
I remember him describing a draw at Crystal Palace as ‘phenomenal'!

I'd be ok with NES, Rafa or Howe.

Hopefully somewhere else though.

I wasn't saying "Just hire anyone", I was saying "Hire Benitez". Take the bile and hatred out of the equation and he's a talented manager. He's not had an opportunity like this for many years and I thought at the time that he was a better choice than Martinez, Koeman, Silva or Allardyce, and I've said this before.

I get that the vast majority have been very upset and offended by him and what he has said but I haven't been. I take little offence to name-calling etc, it's water off a duck's back to me. I'm after a worker and I think he'd be a good fit for us.

Don't worry about what I'm spouting about anyway, he won't get it. If they wanted him, he would have been hired by now because he'd bite our hands off if the job was offered. I think there is something afoot and I'm not sure what, so don't worry, he won't get it.

That's interesting. Surprised that Bill does not want him, obviously thinks he will be difficult to manage, which would be a plus point with me. We all have our suspicions of Benitez. Bill does not believe him, thinking it would be different when Benitez gets his feet under the table.

A Spanish Waiter is always worth watching: professional, knowledgeable, and always in control of the situation. The fact he has always had his base in Liverpool will make him acutely aware of how he is perceived.

He stuck with Newcastle when they went down. Not many Big Name managers would have done that.

At Porto, so I'm told, he sidelined Ruben Neves, only to sign him on the cheap for Wolves, the following season.

His coaching skills notwithstanding, I think we should steer well clear of him.

I know I don't want Benitez or Eddie Howe and would consider Nuno the best of an unambitious list. But maybe that's where we are.

As has been said on many occasions here, the consensus amongst us fans seems to that most are more settled on who they don't want and a lot of them are on the rumour list. If that is to be believed.

Er, actually I'd be pretty livid if that was the way the club handled this situation. I hope that the club already has a list of possible new recruits that would be shown to a candidate late in the recruitment stage for their feedback.

Also, I'd want any serious targets who are appearing in the tournament to be well and truly courted by now (subject to medical / work permit, etc). Isn't that the whole point of employing Brands?

Then I'd ask the new manager for a shortlist of his personal ‘wildcards' for consideration.

I myself am not excited about hiring Nuno either. He is in the "Meh" category for me. Just hoping that the delay is due to the fact that we are still negotiating with the Galtier - Ten Hag team. One can only hope!

" low risk, younger men who've had success with getting good performances"

How do you define "low risk"? I imagine Potter would be expensive just in the sense of paying off his Brighton deal. The risk is what? that he doesn't get top 6? I'd say anyone is a risk in that respect. But I also think there's the scarier risk of relegation. Potter have survived by the skin of his teeth has the edge there over Parker.

Now, I am not saying these guys are useless. There are reasons to think they could do well. But given our aspirations, I'd say it would be a huge leap of faith to take either. One has managed a yoyo team, the other a basement dweller. I'd sooner seem them hone their skills at a larger club before taking the plunge

I don't care about his comments. I am more worried about his performance. Newcastle fans loved him but I think they were dazzled by his reputation. The same fans hounded Alan Pardew out of there who kept them out of trouble and even got into Europe, and had no money to spend at all. Benitez spent big there and poorly. The football was dull than dish water. It's a long time since he was a top manager and even then, he couldn't sustain it anywhere for long.

But I think we need to ask the question about Nuno, isn't he the lazy (and cheap) option? Would we be beating a path to Wolves door if he wasn't available, I very much doubt it.

The possibility that Buffalo Bill can still influence this decision amazes me. How awfully amateurish how typically Everton under that clown.

Here are the red flags:

At Real Madrid: "he was dismissed following allegations of unpopularity with supporters, displeasure with players"

At Newcastle: "Ashley criticised Benítez following his departure, stating that Benítez's demands made it impossible for him to remain as manager."

At Inter: Inherited champions of Europe, slumped to sixth in the league, said the team weren't good enough and demanded new signings. Then got sacked as the team were until he came, more than good enough.

At Liverpool: Oversaw Liverpool's worst run in 22 years

At Valencia: Benítez fell out with Jesús García Pitarch, the club's director of football, over control of new signings

At Valladolid 17 pct win rate, Osasuna 27 pct, Dalian 31 pct.

Pretty much every club he goes to, he has issues with the players, wants to spend more money than the club have, then blames transfer policy for his failings. He at best keeps good clubs close to where they were, and poorer clubs get worse.

If this board is that useless that they cant manage to get one of those 3 then we might as well appoint big Dunc and have a board restructure.

Nuno is underwhelming and Benitez is just beneath us and has not impressed wherever he has been in recent years.

Sorry for the delay in replying, I've spent the whole of the second half of the Russia game trying to find the link to what I read, either the buggers have altered their story or I have failed to locate what I read.

I read it on one of the click-bait sites and it quoted Dominic King as the source, shortly before you posted, which is why I replied.

Anyway, the latest thing I read is that Moshiri wants to push ahead with Benitez to the chagrin of Brands, as Derek and Clive live noted "What a way to run a bloody ballroom!"

This isn't what I had read earlier but it shows where Kenwright stands if true!

Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has claimed that Bill Kenwright is pushing for Rafa Benitez to become the new Everton manager after David Moyes signed a new contract at West Ham.

Castles reported last week that Kenwright wasn't against the idea of pushing Benitez, but his first choice has always been to get Moyes back to Goodison Park.

However, after the option of appointing Moyes was taken off the table when he signed his new West Ham deal, and now Kenwright is actively pushing for Benitez.

Then Nuno it will be.

Kenwright has no power, nous, or opinion Moshiri needs to listen to. Or even acknowledge.

Kenwright has the power to disrupt if nothing else, and who is it that keeps leaking information to the media?

This is utter crap. By the time he was put out of his misery the team was rudderless and took it upon themselves in a semi final to change tactics!!

He had alienated himself by taking one of the clubs best players and trying to stamp his authority by making an example of him.

He had a good season. Followed by two terrible seasons with odd highlights. He had plenty of time to turn things around and stuck to his guns to a point of ridiculousness.

He's done well with Belgium, and I wouldn't discount him returning now he has gained some valuable experience, but he certainly had to go, perhaps should have been moved out earlier.

I hope it's not Rafa. Not because he isn't a decent coach, I am sure he could get around top 7 or so. But he is never going to win over the fans. Newcastle fans loved him because he was better than they thought they could get, just like Carlo at Everton. Chelsea fans hated him because of his Liverpool days, and even though he steadied the ship and won them a cup they wanted him out. He needs to be loved, and he will never be loved at Everton. He also makes a habit of pissing off owners.

Would love Conte. It wouldn't last long but it would be fun.

At Liverpool, oversaw Liverpool's worst run in 22 years.

You can also say at Liverpool from 2004 until 2010, played 350 games, lost 79, and had a winning percentage of 55.4% At that time, he was in conflict with the owners who Liverpool supporters got rid of.

I have an open mind on who Everton sign as a manager and will back whoever it is; I just want them to make sure they get the best available – not a rumour.

This is so depressing; I will be absolutely gutted if we appoint Rafa.

We had the same hysteria when it was mooted back in late 2019 that Moyes was coming back.

Be it Rafa or Nuno, I will be supporting them.

I will ultimately support whoever it is, be it President Assad, Bielzelbul, Gerrard. I have no choice. I can't support the team and the not the manager. I just hope it's not Rafa.

I've also been told that both Moshiri and Usmanov quite like Rafa, but again this is nothing but pure speculation on my part, because it's nothing more than a guessing game up to now!

It's funny how we all see things differently. Over 50% want Galtier after Lyndon's article. Personally I think this would be a crazy appointment because if anyone suggested him last year he would be laughed out of town.

They win the French title primarily because PSG exploded under Tuchel and they finished top in a tight league where four teams fought out a close finish. I think back to Paul Le Guen at Rangers who won three successive French titles at a canter before becoming a joke figure at Ibrox.

Good point on Le Guen. Similar with Garde and Puel. I'd say it's a red flag that Lille were happy for Galthier to leave, as they announced mid season for mediocre Nice. Then they decide to hold him to his contract after the fact just to cash in on his surprise success. Also reminds me of a fellow named Wim Jansen at Celtic. Won the league to end Rangers' long run of dominance then left and sank into oblivion. Based on that one season he was awesome, obviously there was more to the story.

FFS!

Now would you take Martinez? ,"The FSW is about to be confirmed as manager."

Now would you take Martinez? ,,,1,18:39:57,,213.205.242.248,ok,,06/16/2021 18:39:57,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1166039,40914,toffeeweb,16/06/2021,Martin Mason,masonmart@aol.com,"Kieran correct but are you denying the right of a poster to make a comment on another poster if he happens to consistently demean the club? I certainly hope that isn't the case? Btw, I didn't raise the insult Boorish. I just added without class or intellect. I'll do my best to not do that.

Good point on Galthier.
Bill should have no say in the new manager, he sold his majority shares, and Benitez's CV over the last 10 years is abysmal.

I'd rather Beelzabub get appointed than Benitez.

We officially have zero pride if we appoint this guy. Zero. It's mortifying and embarrassing we'll go to a man who managed them and called us a small club.

Just no pride. Sickening. If this happens I'll be beside myself.

I hope to God you're right and talkSport are talking shite.

Speculating again, but the only way Kenwright would want Benitez imo, is if it was the only way Duncan Ferguson, could stay on at Everton, but I'm not sure any of us no anything, and when my source asked his mate was Rafa still in the frame because his nephew, was waiting on a big bet, the reply was tell him I'll buy half the bet.

Curious.

Thanks, pal, I searched all over the place for that, missing the second half of the Russia game too (didn't miss a lot). Nuno must have been asking for the earth and a say in transfers for Benitez to have a chance of the Goodison gig.

Suggests the bookies are pretty convinced to me.

(Oh God! what have we done again!)

But the upside is he will have a lot to prove and, if he can motivate our players, who knows?

He'll be on the phone to Carragher laughing his fucking head off.

Any manager with half a football brain has looked what Ancelotti went through and thought, no thanks.

Beneathus, Dunc and maybe a few odds and sods here and there are the only viable candidates.

I think this is Moshiri not Kenwright personally.

Live forum time?

RedShite Rafa... NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

I know they'll go and blow this out of the water by announcing Benitez this afternoon, but are we waiting for and in negotiation with an international manager who is going to announce his departure after the Euros?

Have you got this weekend's lottery numbers?

Shite manager though.

Yes he's got a past history with Liverpool but so what, Peter Beardsley didn't do too badly for Everton did he?

As for the "small team" jibe, it came as a heat of the moment lapse because we had frustrated them in the derby twice that season and that was then, this is now.

Give him a chance to redeem those words, there's no way he's going to take a job and be a deliberate failure.

If it is the FSW then I wish him all the best. He'd better win the treble next season or he can fuck off!!!!!

This has got to be some joke.

He's past-it, arrogant, plays boring football, done nothing in years, demands huge budget, doesn't develop young players and he's a fucking redshite.

Fuck this shit.

Moshiri: Time to get the fuck out of our club.

Not only is the football going to be turgid, conservative guff, but I think he's a right detestable bloke as well.

What an astounding way to divide the fanbase!!! But it means lots of angry debate on ToffeeWeb. Which is always a lot of fun.

Perhaps I should declare a vested interest...

He'll get them fit and organised. There'll be no arm around their shoulders. No cuddles or shared fags. In fact, he just might get them playing as a team. I'm still gutted though.

Is Rafa boring, yes, an ex RS yes, but he is steady and that's what we need for a few seasons, the club has been chaotic for too long.

Our away fans are very much united. Every single week.

Paddy Power Beneathus @ 1/25

This is quite frankly the most divisive move the Board could have made and it is a guarantee that if the fans are in the stadium during any loses they will make their opinions on him very loud.

Personally, I hate it and I'm well aware I'm not alone. Working from home is going to be a blessing so I don't have to deal with any Kopites any time soon.

I can't get behind him, sorry.

I know I should but I just can't. Maybe he was right when he called us a small club because this is a small appointment.

The odds of relegation just before or in the first season of BMD led by another agent of the reds must be shortening by the minute.

So glad I don't take this club seriously anymore

If Benitez gets it I'll be very interested to see Everton fans' views. Not because I care bit more whether they're on a par with Chelsea fans who acted like clowns from his first day there.

Moshiri Out!!!

At least I have my euro fantasy football league (which I'm currently leading) to look forward to. Next season is going to be murder.

I just can't see Benitez taking us forward in the manner that would be acceptable to most fans. We might just as well have kept Big Sam and saved a shed full of compensation.
FSW is not renowned for scintillating football.

Above all, it's humiliating. The club is treated as a laughing stock anyway especially by RS fans but this would take it up several notches. The has-been former manager of our lauded neighbours, someone who publicly belittled the club, sat in our dugout. Seriously?

Benitez has a crap CV since the mid-noughties, is linked to no other jobs of note and is linked to us solely on the basis that he is out of work and lives locally.

It would be an admission by the club that no one of any quality is remotely interested. And who can blame them? Koeman, Allardyce, Silva and Ancelotti couldn't last more than 18 months.

I still can't bring myself to believe it and expect Nuno but if this happens I'll feel as empty as I would with a relegation.

For those opposed to him just just regard it as Benitez on the verge of becoming Everton's next former manager.

I've heard the protest-plane will be flying tomorrow, but it won't phase Benitez, and I genuinely think if the press are reporting that Kenwright, was behind this, then the other two have had enough of him now, and are going to try and stitch him up.

Tony, ffs nobody's going to put the club at risk just to stitch Kenwright up!

This is a fucking disgrace.

Step forward, Rafa, and make Everton great again with some Silverware. We need to move forward – not keep looking in the past. Let's give the guy our full support – he's certainly got mine.

I vow to you to grab the banner and lead the anti-Benitez charge on TW if this shithouse becomes our manager.

Shithouse used purposely.

I will go scorched fucking earth.

They shit in a public stall and don't flush.

If it is Rafa then so be it, not my preference but as always EFC will have my full support come the start of the season. And considering that Rafa looks likely to be employed by EFC as manager he will have my support to.

Joke.

She was probably the most honest party involved :/,Dale 276

She was probably the most honest party involved :/,,,1,20:04:09,,171.159.64.10,ok,2769,06/16/2021 20:04:09,Evertongator,reader,,,no 1166182,40925,toffeeweb,16/06/2021,Marc Hints,sparkymarc45@gmail.com,Well Alan Myers on twitter has just said he has not been offered the job ,Well Alan Myers on twitter has just said he has not been offered the job ,,,1,20:04:11,,86.166.240.187,ok,23360,06/16/2021 20:04:11,sparkymarc45@gmail.com,reader,,,no 1166183,40925,toffeeweb,16/06/2021,Joe McMahon,joe90_@hotmail.co.uk,"I am concerned he hasn't won anything for a good few years, but I seem to be in the minority that would accept him (Gary @268 No I don't fart in lifts). I'm just pleased it's not Moyes or Unsworth (he really is a lot bigger than Big Sam or the FSW). If it happens it's just another chapter in this car crash of a club.

Never met you but I could kiss you for sharing that glimmer of hope

Players and managers come and go. The club has been around for 143 years, and no doubt will be for a further 143 years. I support the club, not the manager. If he comes in, so be it. When we score I won't be cheering Benitez, I'll be cheering the team and the player who scored. The only manager I never wanted, and was totally against, was Fucking Allardyce! Not saying I totally want Benitez, but let's just see how things pan out?

Then we'll be in the clear.

He then Joined Inter Milan, who had just won the Treble (League, Champion's League, and Cup). He once again demanded a huge budget to deflect the blame for him taking them to 6th in the league. And was sacked after just a few months.

He then spent one season at Chelsea, who again we're holding European Champions and was chased out after one season.

Then 2 seasons at Napoli, which saw the club decline of over his spell and failing to qualify for the Champions League in his final season.

Then 6 months at Real Madrid, as the fans just would not accept the abysmal style of football being played.

Then Newcastle, which saw relegation, then promotion, then survival in the premier League with abysmal football and constant demands for more money to spend.

Then China, where he achieved nothing.

He's currently 61 and unemployed and there are very few clubs who would hire him.

Why oh why

What on earth.

Horrified. Truly.

Moshiri get the fuck out of Everton

Sadly there isn't any hope this club will ever progress. They've already tarnished the club with appointing Allardyce and now potentially this joker who would finally get to manage a small club afterall.

Pathetic if true, these people simply have no shame. Start up the demonstrations should this appointment happens.

Moshiri is starting to make Kenwright look like quite the wise old football sage and that's really saying something.

Sack Brands now, what's the point in his existance at this club.

Your support of the Club is unbelievable. It's commendable and fantastic.

But even you, surely once taking off the blue specs, can't be in favor of this???

Rob, he called the Club that is near your life and heart a "small club". He's always been a snarky little fucker towards Everton. His recent managerial results and CV is shite.

How can you be behind this, or if that's a bridge too far, how can you even want to see how things pan out? We're looking at bottom half if we're lucky, shit boring football, all orchestrated by a fella who's thumbed his nose at us and publicly insulted us, and managed THEM!???

On reflection I misread your response, you can do as you please, but I don't know what you'll achieve by shouting and bawling at Rafa - if he comes - it certainly won't help the players.

This clubs is many years from winning anything or playing in Europe but still we can all smile when Moshiri pockets a fortune by selling the club with the shiny new stadium.

Although the puzzle for me is why the fans would not be united in protest against tolerating lousy managers who have us playing lousy football? Darren told me that was because there are too many Happy Clappers amongst our number, who have of course cheered those wins (you silly man) but will always support the manager because he is appointed by the club.

I wonder if the club consulted the much-vaunted Fans Forum on this seemingly incendiary matter?

Something suggests not...

I'm just going to start practicing drawing pentagrams for kicks.

What is the intellectual thought process behind even considering this clown??

I hated the appointment of Allardyce, but he didnt try and publicly slate our club like this man. I wish I was magnanimous enough to say I support the club not the manager, because for me the two are inextricably linked. At this moment in time my plan is to sell the games for my season ticket on stub hub until he has gone, hopefully a shorter tenure than Allardyce.

Maybe we need to hire the red who fired a rocket launcher into the Liver buildings, not because Moshiri the part owner of the building had said anything derogatory about LFC, he did it just to show how much they hate Everton. I am sure this appointment will have them screaming with laughter, and even if it all ends in tears in12 months we will never be able to remove the stain form our club.

If it comes to pass, any protests shouldn't just be focused on Rafa it should be on all of them. The crap players who keep causing managerial changes, the crap DOF who keeps signing crap players, the crap owner who seems like an elderly abuse victim being robbed of his savings, and above all the crap chairman who brought in the crap owner. It's like the lady swallowing the fly scenario. One bad thing leads to a resolution that's making things worse.

Not sure about my correlation Michael, suggests it's something you've never actually witnessed, maybe.

"Fight"? That is exactly what Trump suggested which led to the Capitol invasion in Washington in January by his deluded followers. Is that what you are suggesting?

That you and others of the same view as you should attack Goodison Park or Finch Farm? If not, then you should choose your words more carefully.

At the end of the day, there is fuck-all anybody can do about it. I'm not giving up my season ticket just because I don't want the manager who's about to take over.

Those who say they are, or those who say they've had enough, SEE YA, DON'T LET THE DOOR SMACK YER ARSE ON THE WAY OUT!!

If it makes you feel better, then I'm pleased for you, but you won't be missed!!

I'm glad I read your post because you've suggested an option I hadn't even considered.

I was in a quandary as giving up my season ticket would mean having little or no chance of getting one for Bramley-Moore Dock when the Fat Spanish Waiter would be long gone.

You've come up with the prefect solution, cheers!

I couldn't care less if he pissed on the Street End corner flag, results is what matter.

And don't give me all this bollox about "We are Everton, we have class etc." We are shite and a shambles; if he can turn that around, I'll love the man.

Do I have to join the Happy Clappers?

SACK THE BOARD!

Let them laugh. Because if he turns the club around and we start challenging for honours, they'll be fucking laughing on the other side of their faces. He is not my preferred choice... but give up my season ticket? No fucking chance. UTFT!

Even if we accept it to a point, 2 defeats in a row and it'll be toxic!

I'd honestly rather Steve Bruce, Alan Pardew, Alan Curbishley, Tony Pulis...

Nuno must have pissed on someone's chips not to get it.

You can have my happy clapper spot, been trying to flog it on Ebay but someone flagged it as a scam.

Martinez for me out of that choice. No doubt at all.

If he doesn't have us challenging for honours, but instead has us struggling, which is far more likely than the former going on his recent and not so recent achievements, the other lot will be laughing on all sides of their faces and it's something they'd never ever let us forget.

Nuno has a huge team apparently and wants every one of them at his next club, so Palace told him to fuck off.

I do not believe Benítez will be appointed.

Like I said, a lazy appointment - lives locally, prem experience and wants the job.

My only hope is that he's quite bloody minded and has an arrogance that may help - he won't give a feck what anyone thinks or who he upsets.

Kieran – I think you're right, if this happens, the rot is deep. I'd hope the backlash against Rafa would force a domino to fall above. If it doesn't, then it's Moshiri and he needs to go too. Enough is enough.

No, we defo don't want a big team. I don't think he will be appointed either. But, if he is, he is thick-skined and got a lot of protests by Chelsea fans but he still got then the Europa League and 3rd in the Premier League. But yes, it was a few years ago.

I wouldn't worry too much about whether season tickets will be available in the new stadium should some give them up now in protest, there will probably be plenty and at a cheaper price... They can't charge what they are now for the Championship or League One.

I also can't believe Roberto would leave the Belgium job a year before the World Cup.

But Mark Ogden of ESPN is quite a credible reporter.

So I guess one shock or the other might actually be happening.

Either way I'll still get on a plane to come watch.

There's only two bookies offering odds and at silly odds.

Let's hope big Dunc does him in and throws him in the dock.

Grow up.

The club is a shambles; hopefully this man can change the mentality. I am okay with him taking the job.

I'd bet ToffeeWeb isn't the only Everton site displaying outrage.

Everton in talks with Rafa Benitez over coaching vacancy, Roberto Martinez also a candidate - sources

Pat, you're in midseason form today.

Kenwright has gone for Rafa to keep Duncan here... What the fuck have Everton FC come to???

Can't wait for your lone voice at Goodison "O Rafa we love you yes we do.. O Rafa...".

First thing that's made me laugh since the Rafa rumor broke lol

(that being said, I'd be absolutely stunned if he was willing to walk away from Belgium)

Alan Myers actually said, "My understanding is that Rafa Benitez has NOT been offered the Everton job at this point, talks however have taken place."

The article states explicitly that Roberto has Brands backing as well as the barnacle. Supposedly Moshiri is the Rafanator.

Nuno – too defensive and poor last season
Howe – no defensive nous
Duncan – too inexperienced
Dyche – long ball merchant
Potter – too inexperienced
Conte – Champions League manager
Simeone – Champions League manager
Moyes – too divisive and never go back
Galtier – had one good season
Argentinian bloke – who????
Roberto – poor with us after first season and never go back

Rafa has dropped his 'elite manager' status but strikes me as hungry to prove some people wrong, especially across the park. He will bust a gut to beat that shower and show he still has it. He will be vocal on the touch line, he will get us properly fit and he will not tolerate the timid approach of our serial losers.

His "small club" comment was just sour grapes after we stopped them from getting a much-needed 3 points and I can forgive him that.

I'd much prefer someone else but of all the guys listed I think he could be the best bet.

I just hope that he gets a good start and regardless, I will back him all the way because the club is bigger than any one person and matters above everything else.

Dull and dire... write off the new season if this nightmare happens.

Why would the fucking chairman want a fella who ridiculed the club and want to split the fan base? Honestly, you lot think other managers have had stick. If he gets off to a bad start, watch the fucking fireworks.

Moshiri, go pay Conte or Potter loads of money to come... but not fucking Rafa!

Thanks once again, Bill, as your parting legacy because this has your dabs all over it. I can see Brands's resignation very soon. We must have the most idiotic of billionaires on the planet. Forest Gump with money.

Fuck off, Everton, I'm done with you. Headlines tomorrow: Galtier named boss. Coyb – ain't no stopping us now! 😂

No, that's where Evertonians wish he was, and I don't mean the hotel.

Moshiri will be happy with dull and dire if it get's him to Bramley-Moore Dock in the Premier League, he wants another Moyes.

The thing is, this is the best league in the world and, if you're not going forwards, you're going backwards, it's a dangerous strategy to just try and survive.

Can somebody please, please, tell me this isn't happening!

As a fan since 1963 I want to see a young, vibrant and attacking team and I don't know where that will come from. But sometimes life can surprise us all!

C'mon in your best singing voice "O Rafa we love you, O yes we do!.. O Rafa"

Thanks Mike, the Martinez link is interesting. But not without a top fitness and defensive coach!

Derek 398, it's not happening mate

How ironic is it, that if Ancelotti hadn't have lost that CL final in 2005 against Benitez's team, our history could have been very different?

If Roberto was to come and join Benitez, one doing crazy attacking scenarios and the other creating ultra-defensive plans we might find a way of winning more games?

I bet it's Nuno appointed tomorrow as the board gets tired of playing with Evertonians emotions.

I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it

Well never know but after the Italian job, the clubs lawyers should have been sacked and so the club could be playing safe, in my view.

Life's battles don't always go and we don't always get what we want.

But if the case regardless of whom is appointed, its how Everton, as a club, react, improvise, and overcome.

The club has got to get some consistency as we are anguishing our lives away in respect of EFCs long term demise in football terms.

Nows the time to turn Everton around and get some belief and success on the field.

But who knows but I expect by this weekend Everton, should have announced the new manager.

UTFT!

NB The Euros have been decent and some good excuses to have match nights and beers, hopefully soon celebrate a new Everton manager or as respectfully drown the sorrows.

It's a funny old game.

I'd honestly rather have Stevie G laa rather than this provocative guy

If he sees some big fan protest about his latest choice, he may think "I'm sick of this, I'm out!" And if he does that, we are extremely vulnerable to him fire-selling Everton and we would drop like a stone.

Belgium are probably due a change their 'golden generation' is aging,and while there ar new players coming up, probably time for a fresh start all around.

Martinez won't get a 'top' job, I wouldn't think so 'unfinished business' could be a good thing. He has always spoken highly of Everton when working as a pundit, and his ideals of football do align with those of our fanbase.

He'd have a good deal more contacts now too, so his workings in transfer market could be better and I can see him working well with brands in wanting to sign young players.

Benitez will want to sign Rondon and some other 30 year olds.

Anyone but Benitez. Christ, I'd have Joey Barton before Benitez.

Instead I read this and have to say I am totally and utterly disgusted.

NSNO - don't make me laugh. Sir John Moores will be turning over in his grave.

If this is the best Moshiri, Brands and the dickhead can produce, then I am out until they are gone.

I know a lot of people say that this thing is gonna be a goldmine for him with Peel and everything. I'll be blowed if I can see how and why.

Certainly if he wants to exploit the Peel angle, at some point he needs to come up with nearly half a billion, and that's just to get us where we are now but with 10,000 extra seats.

What I most remember from Benitez is his teams declining, and when they declined, he would start making a huge fuss about not getting enough money to spend.

He did it at Liverpool. He did it at European Champions Inter. He did it at Newcastle.

He'd do it here. as soon as results go sour, he'd be saying it's cause he can't sign the players he wants.

And in general his transfer record is pretty poor, with a few decent players scattered about.

Sorry Soren but that is all ESPN is putting on the menu and one of their writers signed the byline. It looks like a thing.

Just watched a video clip of Andy Gray and Richard Keys both of whom think that it's a huge mistake for Everton to even contemplate appointing Benitez. Usually, I don't agree with them too often, but in this case, I think they're spot-on.

If Benitez were to be given the job it would be bordering on the final straw for me.

It would also beg the question what is the actual point of Marcel Brands? It would make a complete mockery of the Director of Football role for there to have been three managerial appointments made since he mooched through the door and all three end up being Moshiri's men….all seemingly handpicked using his failsafe method of a phalanx of monkeys flinging magnetic letters at a fucking fridge:

Moshiri: “This one, this one here, look… it almost spells ‘Rafa Benitez'”

Marcel: “Erm…*sniff, sniff*… that's a splat of actual monkey shit, sir. One of these dirty little bastards must have ran out of letters”

Moshiri: “Ah Benitez! A hard arsed veteran trained to win by attrition, who we found semi-retired but still in his prime, stick-fighting motherfuckers for money in murkiest Thailand.”

Marcel: “You're getting Rafa mixed up with Rambo 3 again, sir. Benitez is the veteran ex RS boss, bit of a prick who basically called us a bunch of poxy bellends, hasn't won anything for ages, got relegated at Newcastle and spent semi-retirement sat on a bench mopping sweat from his moobs in murkiest China, while silently repeating “Think of the money, think of the money, think of the money”, over and over again, before leaving by mutual consent.”

Moshiri: “Ah Benitez! Boggly eyed fella. Boring as fuck. Could get here on a bike. I like the cut of his jib, Smithers.”

I know a woman who worked at the Kirkby training ground and everyone there hated him. He didn't even go to his own Dad's funeral because Liverpool had a game... who the fuck does that?

Please, Everton, stay away from this arrogant prick.

I have to renew my ticket before 30 June so hopefully a decision will be made by then. If It is Benitez, then it's goodbye from me.

Whatever happened to the club engaging with the fans? another load of flannel.

I'd support Roberto coming back under any circumstances. But if it's a straight choice between Roberto Martinez and Rafa Fucking Benitez???

Slam DUNK for Bobby!

Hahaha love both ideas

Did you hear that? I just cocked my Glock.

If he and Brands do the necessary straight away he could be on to something but this perennial mantra has been unheeded every summer.

Oh! the other good thing is he effectively put Liverpool into liquidation.

Debatable.

Hand on heart, I'd just be like, blah.

I'd go. How many times do I get to see the team play in person? I'd look forward to seeing the team play, and honestly I'd look forward to meeting some TWers.

But excited like I was last time they came to South Florida? Nope. Not under Benitez.

And now this

Mind you, there was no option for "suicidal" so maybe a few of us didn't bother ticking a box.

It matters not that he was with RS and more the fact that having been unable to do anything with the Barcodes what has he been doing since?

Admittedly his problems at Newcastle could have been down to Mike Ashley more than anything else but I am not sure he is the man to elevate Everton. We shall see but these days I find it hard to have any optimism about Everton after what happened last season.

He has the nous to get Everton into the top 4...somewhere we should have been this year.

"He still lives on the Wirral you know" seems to be his strongest point these days.

Ex red as Everton manager. Kendall must be turning in his grave God Rest his Soul.

Anthony Dove 447 take a bow mate.

Andrew - exactly what was heard (and thought) last time.,"He is a top class manager. I hope we appoint him. He has the nous to get Everton into the top 4...somewhere we should have been this year. "

Andrew - exactly what was heard (and thought) last time.,,,1,22:11:23,,82.2.50.200,ok,19747,06/16/2021 22:11:23,overdrive,reader,,,no 1166377,40925,toffeeweb,16/06/2021,Matthew Williams,mw8797826@gmail.com,"Grim news indeed,all I wanted was a Jock manager (not Moyes) and some Welsh players.

Does our board really hate us this badly!.

Unfuckin believable.

I just hope this is lazy journalism.

The sexy candidates don't want to come. We're left with Howe, Martinez, Nuno, Dyche, Potter (would he come now?), Ferguson. Who else?

i agree 100%...

Well said that man. Fucking grow up will yis, the past is the past.
He has pedigree unlike Eddie fucking Howe, who would have us relegated in a heartbeat.
Potter is no better either, what do you want? No manager at the start of the campaign.

Haven't we suffered enough ffs!

Marcel Brands what do you do exactly?

I'll stay young, immature, and childish, thank you very much!

I've chucked my toys out of the pram.

Not to mention, the owner who fired him. . . . . . . is still the owner.

Hard believing anyone would want this bull-shitter back.

A great point!

Any man who's coached them, and then years later turns around to manage their rivals? It speaks to character.

You have to have none to do something like that.

I'd not manage the Red Sox and then manage the Yankees.
I'd not manage the Bruins and then manage the Canadiens.
I'd not manage the Celtics and then manage the Lakers.
I'd not manage the Packers and then manage the Bears.

Pond Scum do that sort of thing. No matter how much time has passed.

It's nice to be on your team. An honor.

Your moral compass points north in my book.

Negatives
Previous club
Previous animosity towards the club
Small club mentality of recruiting your neighbours rejects
Apparent boardroom unrest/splits appointment will/has caused
Supporter unrest and disillusionment at clubs decision makers
Won or achieved nothing in past 10 years
Outdated football philosophy?

If he is appointed he will be sacked within 18 months.

An ambitious, progressive club would be looking at a manager that has a hunger to win and prove himself. Not one that is living off past glories looking for a pension top up.

Why don't we approach, cappelo, swen, van gal, scolari or klinsman after all their success was also 20 years ago.

We all have our opinions, but If Rafa arrives I'll get behind him like all Everton managers (yes inc Big Sam). Personally the only Everton manager i've been glad to see the back of was Walker and Moyes.

Its what they do for a living and whatever team they manage they support and protect them.

Put your toys back in the pram... there's a good boy.

Not there? Well why is he on ours, and why has he been unemployed for 6 months?

He still loves the area and never moved away so at least has roots, which is not what you can say about most of the others. Santo apparently wants to bring in a ridiculously large back room staff and wants a huge salary, which is also why Spurs said no sharpish.

Benitez has got pedigree and won trophies in England before so why not? Can't be worse than any other person who's managed Everton in the last decade. We haven't even reached a cup final since 2009 never mind doing anything in the league or winning anything.

I would have liked Benitez years ago being honest and if he's comes, so be it, I'll for one will be happy. Give the guy a chance and let's see what he can do (if he comes) before we joins him out.

As usual our squad needs an overhaul (say the same thing every season). So will be interesting to see which players we can get whilst trying to keep our best.

Need to fill about 5 positions in the first XI!

Wishing for managers of National teams is delusional, why would you leave the manager of Belgium, Italy or Spain to take on the poison chalice of the Everton job when the likes of Carlo couldn't hack it and looked to get out the first change he got.
Wishing for marquis managers is just that wishful thinking see comment re Carlo above. Who would take the risk.
Looks like we have a choice of Benitez and Nuno and to me the role of Ferguson is the key.
At one stage last year when we had Sam, I would have considered Benitez but now for some reason I am luke warm.
Hopefully, he will grow on me when we stop leaking goals, start winning a few matches by the odd goal and are nicely secure in 5-8place in league. Then in the Januarly windown he unearth a bargain of a midfield dynamo who will bring us onwards and upwards to the next level.

This has the potential for a really negative outcome

The game has moved on since Benitez glory days. Much in the same way for Mourinho, Ancelotti, van gal etc.

Money talks with City and Chelsea paving the way. This appointment signals that Moshiri wants an experienced prem manager that can keep us in the division not challenge.

Can anyone see Moshiri appointing Benitez and then bankrolling him to break our 4 year old transfer record multiple times just to try and climb a few places? I can see another loan in January for another no mark whilst we hover around mid table.

Managers, CEOs, CFOs, anyone in a leadership position, can demonstrate loyalty to employers and former employers throughout their time on earth.

It's called fealty. And it's a marvelous human characteristic in the main.

People who say things like, "it's just a job", justifying turncoats and courses of action that benefit themselves, are selfish dicks with no regard to others feelings. Not every time, but in this case, that's how I see it.

Aw fuck. I need to clean my room again.

And lastly, it's a brave thing to tell people pissed off that some jack wagon who's on the verge of becoming manager of Everton, and who verbally shit on the Club and demeaned them, to grow up. It's really brave. Are you the arbiter of maturity?

I'd suggest you look at this slightly differently, and mature your own thought process. I'd wager most adults don't welcome into their ranks others who have demeaned family members.

Rafa demeaned the Everton Family in my opinion. I don't want him any where near this Club. That's not immature. Paternal, protective, pack-oriented thinking possibly. But immature, nah.

Now Rafa - FUCK OFF.

^^ That was immature, and it was cathartic as fuck. I loved it.

I do not think he is a good choice but not because of what he said about the club, as if I was lucky enough to have the qualifications to have managed Liverpool just calling Everton a small club would have been a mild quote from me just to piss the supporters off.

I don't believe he is a good choice as he doesn't seem to be up to date on the modern game. But ignoring the quote he does seem more qualified than other names mentioned.

Nothing wrong with the small team comment, it was true with BK the owner.

Rafa would not be my choice but nobody has called me yet, must be the 8 hour time difference ha ha.

Back in the sixties there were many fans who disliked Harry Catterick. Very few if any warmed to him. It didn't matter. All that mattered was the outcome on the pitch.

As a club we need to cast aside the notion of the manager as a superhero, a messiah-like figure who will lead us into the promised land. Getting the right person to do the job is more important than getting someone popular who will receive a warm reception from fans.

If Benitez is appointed the only thing which matters is what happens on the pitch.

The only reason I can think he is being recruited is reverse psychology. Employ someone that is hated by Finch Farm, the Fans and it might work out different than expected.

What is the main reason that he is interested in the job ? Rafa finds travelling stressful. More stressful than the Everton faithful baying for his blood.

Pretty unbelievable twist if true.

Most hilarious, the calls for Roberto to come back. Hahahaha! Oh my God.

I think they wanted Moyes as their top target but he decided he'd continue with what he's started to build at West Ham, I suspect that none of the up-and-coming managers such as Howe and Potter were considered, because they would prove to be too risky.

Nuno, is available and could be the right type of manager for Everton, but if his backroom staff overburdened the club financially, that would rule him out. Benitez, out of work and available, living locally, I would think he must have a good idea of the Everton player's strengths and weaknesses, therefore he becomes a viable proposition for the board.

Money talks and when a club has wasted as much as Everton has in the last few years, it's no surprise when the cheapest option is taken at the most inopportune time.

Hard for any Evertonians to swallow but the reality of wasting millions of pounds year on year could not continue forever and as a result, we've ended up with a 'choice' of manager that only the boardroom will be content with.

https://giphy.com/gifs/page-shaft-crimson-dOl2LFw0RbTMc?utm_source=iframe&utm_medium=embed&utm_campaign=Embeds&utm_term=

On the subject of the new manager, either Benitez or Martinez would do for me...

- Moyes: indicating that Moshiri was going to stop the spending.

- Genesio (the Galtier of 18 months or so ago): indicating that we would aim to develop players and build a team.

- Ancelotti: indicating that Moshiri would be spending big to match the ambition of getting in a big name manager.

As it happens, we did improve the failed squad that got Silva sacked but it was pretty modest spending and so we inevitably got nowhere near the top 4.

Appointing Benitez would be a cringeworthy attempt to maintain the fiction that we're a big club - when no other Premier League club (let alone big club) would be remotely interested in him. It would also reinforce the idea that we really don't have any strategy other than to stay relevant while the stadium is being built.

What we need to do is stop pretending and actually build the club back up. That means going down the patient and maybe boring route of Santo or (beggars can't be choosers) Dyche as our new Moyes - or getting the likes of Potter, Terzic or (stranger things have happened) Cocu or Van Bronkhorst as the guy who coaches players brought in by Brands.

I think our only realistic chance of success is patient building (given our modest budget) so I hope we don't hire someone just because they are unemployed and live locally. Otherwise might as well appoint Joey Boswell.

Here's what he said, 14 years ago, in a moment of frustrated pettiness after an emotional game:

"I was really disappointed because one team wanted to win the game and one team didn't want to lose it."
"Everton put eight or nine men behind the ball and defended deep but that's what small clubs do."

"When a team comes to Anfield and only want a point what else can you call them but a small club?"

Really? That's what we're supposed to be still foaming at the mouth about after all these years? That's what constitutes "shitting on the club"? Geez, I've read more insulting comments between TW posters just today. And he later admitted it was a mistake.

I don't want this guy either, because I think he's a crap manager now, but this degree of outrage over a mild insult from back when Bob Barker was still on TV is a bit silly, isn't it?

I'm less bothered by his RS links and comments - I just think it's a missed opportunity and a retrograde step. Barry #521 has it spot on.

Sheffield United could be forced to accept Arsenal's proposed deal for Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge. The 23-year-old has said he hopes to play Champions League football next season. (Sheffield Star)

. the media are so clued up, so can see why we're believing everything they spout.

Yes, that's what I'm still foaming at the mouth about.

When he says, "...what else can you call them but a small club?"

That's an insult. A little jibe, a nasty one.

When he says, "When a team comes to Anfield and only want a point what else can you call them but a small club?"

Again, that's an insult. He didn't need to say those things. He could have, quite classy, pointed out what his team did correctly, and lauded the defensive efforts of his opposition. He didn't. He insulted. He's lacking class, never mind the fact no one should like or forget those words.

And the insult was an arrogant, condescending thing. It was intentional, as again, he certainly didn't have to say it.

He insulted the Club, you, me, every supporter, and played cocky little fat fuck by being condescending.

I personally will never forgot it. And therefore, I don't want him anywhere near this Club.

What ever happened to pride? Why are we considering a man for our managerial position who insulted us?

And if that isn't enough, ask yourself, why does this dick want to manage us? Manage a "small club" in his words, now?

We shouldn't even give the guy the time of day.

It's like when Moyes left and he said (paraphrase) about Bobby, again condescendingly as fuck, "oh, he'll figure out how that club is run." As soon as he said it I soured on him - forever.

I am foaming at the mouth about it, still. The fact we've even entertained hiring this guy is so frustrating to me I can't describe it in words.

In an honest moment as I'm trying to consider the direction of my anger due to your post, I think it may (MAY) be directed at our Board for considering hiring a man who's so arrogantly, condescendingly, and publicly insulted us with THAT comment.

If I ran an organization and you called me "small" with a clear negative connotation, while you were employed by my rival in the marketplace, I'd not ever hire you. I don't care how long a time had passed.

That's me. TW is full of people with different opinions. That's mine.

I call it pride. Some people say get over it. I can't.

Yes. I think my vitriol is at a very high peak.

I've gone from guy I immediately said I wanted as manager out of the frame, to a man I've detested for a very, very long time.

I appreciate you noticing that dynamic.

If it came down to just two choices, only two choices, would you prefer?

Rafa Benitez

or

Roberto Martinez?

Which one?

This actually made the satelite radio over here. Quite briefly, but it was mentioned.

Brian Dunseth on Counter Attack said:

Imagine being Everton. You go from hiring Nuno to Rafa Benitez. Wonder how that's gonna work out?

We're a laughing stock in America now! It can't get much worse!

The ex shite manager issue isn't that big a deal to me.

Sheedy, Ablett, Dave Watson, Peter Reid all lpool fans that ran through brick walls for the blues.

Let's face it if klopp wanted to sign for us would there be the same uproar?

The appointment would be underwhelming to say the least.

Is this what we're reduced to? Giving a fuckin rs twat a nice part time job / hobby he can do from Caldy.

Its bad enough if this is Moshiri's Idea...I mean we know he hasn't much of a clue, but it is his train set after all (which it isn't really, its ours...only it isn't. But that would be, to quote Father Ted - an ecumenical matter)

I can easily believe half a dozen 'bad' things about BPB on any given day...but even he is not that daft...unless he IS real 'Agent Kenwright'.

Only at Everton.

Bibi Netanyahu bragged about manipulating America... called us “...a thing you can move very easily, move it in the right direction.” We still engaged with him and supported Israel.

Steve Jobs insulted Apple after he left. They still hired him back. Worked out pretty well.

It's half a generation later. Bush ain't president anymore. Desperate Housewives is off the air. Fergie isn't hot anymore. Anna Nicole Smith is still dead. Time to stop chewing on it already.

And oh by the way, Benitez ain't a good manager anymore. THAT's why we shouldn't hire the guy. Not some sniveling comment 14 years old.

If Rafa does get the job I'll be very intrigued. He certainly has the cojones and will give it his all. I bet a few TW posters like Ian Edwards will start to miss the Carlo days if Rafa serves up the football like he did at Newcastle.

Lets hope he'll be a lil more progressive with better players and a bigger budget

No. Its Toffee Web.

Are you sure. There appears to be plenty of arguing going on.

No. Its Toffee Web.

Why all the arguing then ?

Because Everton Football Club are run by idiots that's why.

What idiots ?

Sorry but it will take too long to explain and I have a plane to Switzerland to catch.

How?

Such a horrible arrogant man to boot. The fan base will Never ever warm to him. Never.

If this happens it's obvious Marcel Brands has about as much influence as an empty crisp packet in Rhinos bin at the club.

We are now a laughing stock

What's interesting is that Duncan is no longer just some glorified mascot. He has a successful caretaker stint on his resume. Many people bought into the idea of him being positioned as Ancelotti's eventual successor. If reports are to be believed, he threw his hat in the ring for the full-time gig.

In other words, why *would* Nuno want a guy around who's basically a direct rival for his job? He'd have to know that it would be that much easier for the board to sack him if they knew Duncan was waiting in the wings to take over.

Rafa, on other hand, is unlikely to care about all that. He's had more jobs than he can count. He just wants to be employed.

I'll back any Everton manager because it's what we do as Blues we stick together and go to war together no matter what, but I just can't get excited about Benitez. I can make myself get excited about Nuno because he's young and hungry with more modern ideas on football.

Benitez is yesterday's man, he really hasn't been an elite manager for years and the Premier League is a different beast from when he was successful with Liverpool. I highly doubt he has the hunger and drive still left in him for the huge job that is Everton.

It's just a convenience for him working close to home and his family while knowing Everton pay well. Truly disappointed and deflated for next season, to me it smacks of Moshiri being out of touch with supporters while just being happy to keep us plodding along until he has built the ground being able to then turn a profit on selling the club.

But, if we win the first 38 games of the new season…???

If we win the first 38 games, we will give him a vote of confidence then review things after the next three. As John Moores said “Everton expect the best”.

The former never in my lifetime, but the latter only if our lives depend on it.

I know for a fact Kenwright talks shit to the media on Moshiri — don't ask me how I know but I know — while pretending to toe the party line. He was undermining Walsh and later Allardyce from day one to the press while acting Luvvie dovie in public.

This creates a problem for me. I hate Rafa but I think I dislike Kenwright more. So this “leak” to the Mail may cause me to become a turncoat and ditch Jamie and Co in order to fight the greater enemy — Bill Kenwright.

John #560, only if that includes a good FA Cup run.

Steve #556, bit too far over the top there, mate... but yes, it's a pretty ugly choice.

Shouldn't we just be going after managers/coaches whatever they are called these days who have worked with Directors of Football before? Thus, shouldn't Brands be doing the hiring? For all that we know, he might be!

Anyways, I have had no strong feelings for any of the candidates floated in the media for a number of reasons but this link - however tenuous - I have!

NO NO NO and thrice NO!

Why (beyond the obvious - which I will get to).

When he was at the unmentionables - I remember seeing his transfer record - maybe clouded by time, but I recall he bought a lot of players - paid a lot for them - and had a massive turnover. The opposite of what Everton require.

Plus, when was he last successful? His last job was in Dalian China - I have been there, cannot remember it, but you do not go to these Chinese cities other than for money. It wasn't for the challenge. That brings me onto Newcastle. Those who follow more closely than moi might be able to tell me what he did with them that Bruce hasn't. Genuine question.

Now, the red connection. The small club jibe goes beyond just the words. No need, sour grapes, lack of class and looking for excuses as to why his team could not win a game - do we need that?

Lets say he is successful - well, Everton needed a guy whose association was mainly with the unmentionables to get to success - and at some point he'll leave. If then Everton then go through a period of perceived failure - How does that reflect on the club?

When things go tits up - as they will for a period, this will be a toxic atmosphere like never experienced.

This is why my verdict is

NO NO NO and NO!

I could be wrong - very wrong as I have been in the past with management recruitment and opinions - but for me - a guy who has stopped watching all football besides Everton (for many reasons which I can wax lyrical about) and is just hanging onto Everton by a thread due to many reasons too, this appointment would be the end of my support for Everton after over 40 years. I remember how Evertonians were appalled at the possibility of Toshack taking over (I wasn't at the time) - How things have changed!

However - could all be - and I think/hope it is - media speculation!

But understandably so. I think most people's issues are more because Rafa's performances since being Liverpool's manager, has been at best average, while serving up dross football.

That's my main issue, it's disappointing if it happens. I guess I'll just manage my expectations, and take a more detached approach in supporting the club.

When fans become more indifferent and more spectator-like instead, that's probably the saddest state of affairs.

Oh well, the wheels on the bus go round and round...

Don't get me wrong, I'm not exactly salivating at the prospect of him being appointed, but it's not because of some petty vendetta; it's just I would prefer a "next generation" appointment, someone up to speed with modern thought on the game.

Dale @ 558 I'm here for the long haul mate, reading ToffeeWeb with my morning coffee is part of daily routine 👍🏻

At Chelsea 40,000 home fans booed him but he still got them a Top 4 and a trophy… I'll certainly take that and it shows the character of the man. Let's look forwards not backwards.

My guess is it would be someone quite unexpected. And Moshiri can see that a big name can help the image of the club. He will pay big money. It should be a big name with a record of trophies.

Football is like chess. Anybody can play it, but to excel takes intelligence and flair. With the two mentioned above, I think we'll be playing checkers.

Although, if Brands doesn't have a good summer, it won't matter who manages the team.

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2021/06/16/alan-myers-rafa-benitez-has-not-been-offered-everton-job/

The ex-Liverpool connection doesn't concern me as much. As many have pointed out, we've done it with players, one of them being my favourite of all time. The small club jibe? I'm with Jay (BRZ), heat of the moment, straight after a derby, he was Liverpool manager and frustrated. And, likely referring to our mentality and approach to the game, as well as talking in a secondary language. I think some of the heated comments we see across the board is often an issue with interviewing managers live straight after a match when the adrenaline & emotion is still running high. No cool off period, but its good for the cameras.

BUT. No. That ship sailed. We've tried the past glory manager and it didn't work. Also, too divisive. Well is it? Most, just about all of us don't want it, so that's probably a contradiction. But in terms of the fan base and connection with the manager, we'd be in Sam Allardyce territory here. I don't think it would bother him and he would handle it. Look how he did at Chelsea and just focussed on the team and the football. He shut it out. It's us I worry about.

We're waiting until after the Euros to pick up one of the newly available international coaches or are going to approach Edin Terzic. If I keep saying and thinking it

I'm off to walk and talk to the dogs.

The Myers article you linked does NOT say the FSW is not in the running.

It says he has not been offered the job... but talks have taken place, so he IS in the running.

Also, Moshiri is very definitely on the Board, as majority shareholder.

Now get some rest, my friend.

Somebody at the club fishing?

King also said the appointment is being completely driven by Moshiri and only him; personally, I refuse to believe he would not be consulting his Director of Football after putting one in place.

To get the ground built he has to keep us in the Premier League and that means a manager with a safe pair of hands. He just isn't going to take a risk this time round - he has got to get it right. That is why, unpalatable as it is to the majority of us, Benitez is in the frame.

But the well proportioned lady hasn't sung just yet. Until she does I won't give up hope of a pleasant surprise.

You say Rafa or Martinez—- like trying to choose between Hitler and Stalin…..,

Or choosing which of your testicles to hit with a mallet.

I wouldn't want Everton to win anything under him, I know nothing about him personally but and I will make it my business to hound him out of the job as quickly as possible.

As for the fans who are supporting his appointment, I can only assume you haven't grown up in the city or lived in the city. I am not insulting those fans, I would however just like to say that you don't get it. If you truly support him as our manager, you don't truly get the club and what Everton means. This is not a player, this is a manager who belongs in heart to that lot and who will be the face of the football club. I certainly wouldn't sell the club's soul for Rafa Benitez he's a total football dinosaur.

The club is now a total laughing stock with it's core fan base. I have to think very hard now about the renewal of my season ticket.

Stuart, Dominic King is full of poo. Don't believe a word he says. If Benitez isn't appointed today then I think that means Mr Blobby has convinced Farhad Moshiri to wait for Martinez.

Seems to me that the media are shooting in the dark almost as much as we are. Probably they are being used by the club.

For example, if NES is their favourite, as seems quite possible, but the reaction to his possible appointment seemed negative then what better way to shore it up than throwing in Benitez as an alternative.

I'm not a big NES fan but, next to Rafa, I'd be delighted to secure the Portuguese ex-goalkeeper!

Would not be surprised at all to see someone come in from left-field and get the job in the next few weeks. Mancini might be flavour of the month if Italy keep playing this well. Or someone like Andre Villas-Boas who has always intrigued me and actually had a better win % at Tottenham than the lauded Pochettino. Maybe Hassenhuttl who many blues liked the look of at times last season or Amorim the bright young thing who led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years?

I wonder if this saga is maybe due to take another twist or turn yet? With Brands in charge of player recruitment (and hopefully responsible for outlining the playing style and philosophy at the club) I guess there is no rush to find a new manager for a few more weeks yet.

I still think there's something dodgy with these “rumours” about Rafa.

The manager doesn't have to do the running on the pitch, an "older" coach can even delegate all of the training to his team. It's a big job.

As long as he still has ambition and is prepared to work hard, age is meaningless. However, with age comes experience and this can help him avoid the pitfalls a less experienced manager will make.

Football hasn't changed much and, as I recall, the rules are much the same and Benitez surely is as aware of players and systems as any of us.

Granted it would be a rather uninspiring choice but we have been down the various roads, Martinez, Koeman, Silva, all fairly young and Big Sam. I agree with the opinion that a safe pair of hands is paramount to Moshiri.

The stadium ensures a good resale value and Premier League status is essential – so no young bucks at the helm, no untried Premier League debutants.

Perhaps the fact that Rafa does live in Caldy will help. He and his family are settled, he won't be house-hunting (unless he wants to live in Speke). So just maybe it will all work out well?

Absolutely spot-on there with everything you said, my thoughts in an earlier post, but yours far better put and more expansive.

Now there's a thought, Rafa living in Speke!!

That game was divisive and caused blues to fight with blues.

This appointment will be just as divisive. This is not what the club needs at all at the moment.

We haven't won anything for 26 years and we have staff members telling us that others are Evertonians? Fuck that I'd sooner have winners myself.

One last thing, but only my opinion, but if any Liverpudlian is laughing at Everton over this appointment, (if it actually happens) try and see through them please.

Everton's identity of plucky little underdogs has been an annoyance for a long time, but that will pale against being considered an absolute laughing stock if this goes through. Gold for Carragher and all the other RS pundits: a new low for Everton.

I could not abide the man but I think I would rather Allardyce.

Hopefully this is just the ultimate Bond villain, BPB, manipulating the media to ensure the underwhelming news re Nuno being appointed is met with (tepid) warmth.

No others candidate's are in the picture unless one or both walk away because they don't won't to be messed about for too long as this would damage thier reputations.

If Moshiri wants Nuno, there can only be one winner Nuno. The way the whole thing has been conducted is typically a total embarrassment, but this is the modern Everton way, indecisive, weak dithering, leaderless.

Have Arsenal taken off since stadium? Spurs setting the world ablaze?

Can't understand this thought process at all. Yes, Goodison is getting overshadowed by the neighbours, but If we don't keep having sporting ambitions higher than this then it is simply self defeating. The new stadium on the docks will end up sponsored by poundshop, be a millstone around our necks for 10-20 years, be packed with a team of journeymen players managed by an aging “safe” manager who our fans will justify as “best bet at keeping us safe whilst we pay the mortgage”………never ending circle of failure.

City / Chelsea models hard to copy with FFP but success on the pitch is catalyst for success off the pitch. Full stop. Got to gamble.

I'm feeling just now that this as low as a club that we have been in my time. Small? - We're certainly acting it.

I keep hearing that he gets the club but inside 3 years he lost the fans and the dressing room. Doesn't sound like a man that gets the club to me.

Last week Nuno was 1/25 at one point.

Fingers crossed and hope for the best. A lot like the strategy of Everton's highly paid executives.

I tell you though that Evertonians are bloody special, because any other fans would have shat the bed and given up 20 years ago.

Old Spanish Waiter is my choice too.

Come On You Blues

I think either one would do a similar job of keeping us in the top 10. I think they both set their teams up as a defensive counter attacking unit.

Not terrible Sam football, but not Martinez entertaining attacking football.

We need to keep our best players whilst bringing in another 3 or 4 top class players. Which ever manager can help entice top players whist getting the best out of the current squad should get the gig.

We need other options!

🙄

Towards the end we were desperate for him to go, because he seemed deluded, talking about phenomenal performances after we'd caved in yet again. He's a nice man, and he lives and breathes football, but he was a failure at Everton.

Just how has it come to this, a former sacked manager, a former sacked manager of our neighbours and a guy who wants to bring all of his back-up team with him. If Nuno was the man then he should have been appointed by now, his back-up team accepted in full and existing members of Carlo's first-team management moved on. That's how it works.

Some of the media outlets are saying that Brands and Bill are in the Roberto camp and Moshiri wants Rafa, so maybe they will compromise and go with Nuno? I am certainly of the view that Brands is not in the Rafa camp, indeed, if Rafa comes through the door then what is the point of having Brands around the place as Rafa like Carlo will want his own players whereas Nuno and Martinez may be more open to working with Brands recruits.

Maybe at the end of the day the powers that be will hold a draw to decide the issue.

Brands out, someone like a Nuno or Howe in. No former managers. We'll be linked with Billy Bingham next.

It was in large part the reactions of the Goodison crowd that played a part in the removal of Martinez, the board could have stuck with him if they had wanted to, but they (Moshiri) decided to terminate his contract and the rest is history.

I watched the documentary about Martinez last evening, he's a very clever guy and most personable, but I don't think he's suited to club management. He would make a good technical director or something akin to that but day-to-day management at a club of Everton's size? I don't think so.

As others have said, he did not call us a small club, he intimated that we played like one... and we did.

We had no ambition in that game, the ginger surrender monkey set us up to defend what we had, which was a nil-nil scoreline.

They battered us, we defended for our lives and Moyes with his usual panache hailed it as a victory.

We had worse insults that season... the Villa manager Gregory actually said after they beat us... "I could of put our reserves out today and beat that lot."

That's how low we had sunk.

We might as well go back to Sam Allardyce, Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes or Alan Pardew as they have all had their day!

Now you would think that the accountant would have realised he was way out of his depth in trying to select a manager to take the club forward. But no undaunted by his previous failures he ploughed on and decided Marco Silva was the man and even paid Watford a tidy sum to secure his services. Again you ask does the accountant not take into account that Silva had not long got his side relegated and again he was hardly making Watford anything special. So Marco was appointed and again like his previous managers, was allowed to spend huge amounts on journeymen players, and again after 60 games in charge the accountant could see the club was still not moving forward and sacked him.

So at long last he moved for a manager who had the best CV in football Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti took over from Duncan Ferguson who had 4 games in charge but was happy to again assume his role as assistant manager for the 3rd time. After 67 games in charge Ancelotti decided to jump ship and move to Real Madrid, which took everybody by surprise, including his own son who had just bought a new house in Woolton 2 weeks prior. So despite Carlo only weeks earlier stating he wanted to stay longer than the contract he was currently on, and he was very happy living here, he was gone. So the accountant has started looking for yet another manager and if rumours are correct he is looking to appoint a manager who is even more unpopular than Allardyce and that takes some doing.

Benitez has done nothing for a long time and even the much maligned Steve Bruce has a better record at Newcastle than Benitez and lets not forget just like Silva Benitez also got a team relegated from the Premier league. I will finish on the words of Brian Clough to Sam Longsdon his Chairman at Derby " Sam you just sign the fucking cheques and leave the football side of things to me" Amen to that.

Also, why all the fat-shaming?

Having had my doubts about his appointment in the first place, being surprised by that first season, but then said doubts being realised, I actually had a random thought at the time, that he'd actually be good coaching the U23s.

I said random, but I think it's in line with the thought he's a good coach with good ideas, but not a manager in my opinion.

One is not afraid of change to move the club forward.

The other is Everton.

You are wrong. I heard the interview with Benitez where he called Everton a small club. He also didn't elaborate at that interview that it was about our style of play which made him call us a small club. So I know it suits the narrative of some supporters to change what was actually said to make it more palatable if we appoint him.

Who knows in this modern game what is really happening, but I do fret over the effect all of this speculation is having on our players, because they have never needed much of an excuse to underperform even when things have been relatively calm.

Rafa? That's hardly believable but that's how low the Masters of Everton have fallen. If it happens (gawd forbid) there will be a few less season tickets sold at BMD !

Back to Martinez as that coaching comment has got me thinking. Could that work under Brands? Just leave him to coaching the team and players. I think I'm getting desperate now.

my word, he's done nothing of note. Steve Bruce has done better and they hate him at Newcastle United. He always said how impossible it was to work at Newcastle and how staying up would be a miracle. He built his own statue there just by going against Mike Ashley.

I don't care how you want to call me, but I'm Blue through and through, so don't give me that; I hate that fella and don't want him anywhere near.

would watching Tranmere be an option for the next year and a half? I'm seriously contemplating.

Then again, I hated Koeman from fairly early on and that never stopped me supporting the players. I wasn't alone. We loved Niasse beyond reason also because him scoring were two fat fingers up to Koeman.

Could be they are floating the Benitez story to draw fire whilst the Martinez appointment is finalised. People previously hostile to zapatos marrones are now saying Bobby before Benitez – it's a neat little trick if they can pull it off.

If so, it would be a disappointment for Rafa when the news is broken to him that his application for the post has been unsuccessful.

It would be an unpalatable duty to have to convey such a message to him. Would those interested in volunteering for the task please form an orderly queue behind me.

2007 Derby

Dave just a caveat to your Shankly post, you are right he did leave of his own free will, although what happened when he went to Melwood to train after he left was he didnt interfere with proceedings but all the players kept coming over to talk to him. Bob Paisley quite rightly said Bill its causing a detraction with the players you being here can you come back in the afternoon when the players have left. For whatever reason he chose to train at Bellfield where he lived in the road at the back of our training ground.

I did get told a few years after Shankly left that it was about the signing of Ray Kennedy from Arsenal. While Shankly was on holiday some years earlier Liverpool sold Johnny Morrisey to Everton, and he warned the then board that if you ever sell a player again without my consent then that's me finished. Then one morning he was in the corridor at Anfield and John Smith the then chairmen told Shankly that he had spoken to Dennis Hill Wood the chairman of Arsenal and he had agreed to sell Kennedy and he would be turning up tomorrow for a medical. Shankly true to his word and resigned, his last act as manager was the signing of Ray Kennedy.

Meanwhile, back in the real world.

I've been growing very disillusioned with modern football in general - all the cheating, money, VAR etc. So much so that I'm losing faith in Everton. This would be the final straw for me if we appoint Benitez. The two main candidates we have pursued are simply two managers who are available. Surely we should not be narrowing down candidates just because they are available?!

Anyone but Benitez for me.

The reality may be that there's a very limited pool of qualified / avaliable / interested managers out there and the Club is still exploring options before making an appointment – or has effectively decided already but there's a few inevitable wrinkles to iron out.

I still think (hope) it will be Santo – considering the other realistic options.

It may well be the rumours are generated purely to generate advertising / betting revenue. The mind games are just a way to get us to click on website links and gamble our money away.

If the club rate Ferguson so much, why don't they give him the job?

This could explain why Nuno hasn't as yet been given the opportunity to manage Everton. If Benitez is appointed could he outlast Gattuso at Fiorentina?

To provide a workable solution, while the leaders of our club sort out who is in charge of recruitment and what it is that they are trying to achieve, appoint Ferguson on a one-year contract, and during his time at the helm, do some real due diligence on his replacement. If Duncan is a true blue he would accept that this would be better for the club, than having Benitez in charge for any period of time. It would also help in finding out if Duncan is good enough for the job.

It won't bother me as I won't be watching.

Every manager has their faults but I would genuinely look forward to next season with any of these three as ours.

Dyche, particularly, has had the not good enough sneer from these pages. Yet, I could imagine the fan base really getting behind a 'sleeves rolled up' type of team he would send out.
We might even enjoy the odd long ball to DCL and Richie if it meant it would soar over Gomes or Schneids.
Dear god, we might even win the odd second ball.

The fact he lives in the area is actually a huge plus, isn't it? No relocation, and a happy manager would surely be a good idea... if you can put aside the above.

I'm not necessarily in favour of Benitez, but his appointment does have its plus points.

Did well at Dortmund before being sacked for doing not so well!

Attacking football is his style.

Club Badge

Has been commuting to China, Naples or Newcastle from the Wirral?

Klopp rents a house from Brendan Rodgers, does that mean Rodgers still lives in the area?

Don't think he'd stay long with us when he hears the "He's Our Fat Spanish Waiter" chants from the crowd.

Is it a case of... the board split over who they want, or the top managers laughing their bollox off when approached, either way it needs to be sorted ASAP.

Out of them all I'd prefer Martinez but he was too close to the teary one for my liking, Dyche and Howe, no thank you.

Potter has potential but that is all he has and I don't think he would leave Brighton anyways.

It depends on what the club want from the manager. A yes man who won't question the shitty status quo we have, then give it to Duncan, he's part of the furniture after all.

A man who will shake up the status quo? There's a few about but my feeling is the club is to nepotistic for them to allow that to happen.

I've said it before that we are run like a cottage industry rather than a big business. This needs to change and whilst Bill and his cronies are involved it never will.

I can't for the life of me understand how Kenwright has any input whatsoever.

Come on we can do better than this at least get someone from up north and not some dribbling cockney!

I remember seething when I saw Sammy Lee prancing around on our touchline as Sam's assistant, so I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I see this fat, old has-been waddling up and down it!
This would be an absolute low point in our history; please, please don't let it come to fruition.

Nobody knows why the interest in Nuno has cooled - his relationship with Mendes? Insistence by the club that Big Dunc continues to be on the coaching staff? The size of the Nuno entourage? I really like Nuno - he has just the right combination, IMO, of implementing modern coaching techniques, being pragmatic, hard working, hands-on, passionate about his job, experience in the PL, a decent record of success (relatively speaking).

If not Nuno, then Potter for me. He would be risky, but he has kept lowly Brighton in the league quite comfortably for a couple of seasons and plays good football with the players and funds available to him. I just see a great potential (think Wenger or Alex Ferguson) in him, who can potentially transform this sleeping giant.

If not these 2 guys, and assuming that the club have talked to Galtier, Conte, Mancini, Pochettino's representatives and been quickly turned down, then I wouldn't mind going back to Martinez. He has had 5 years of reflection after moving on from Everton. Surely, he would have gotten wiser, and with Brands to take care of player recruitments and talent development, he would be a better manager than earlier. Plus, I have always liked him for the way he represented Everton Football Club. He 'got' the club.

Nobody. Knows. Nuffink!

Rafa Benitez on Everton in 2007.

No no no no no no no no no no no no, no thank you.

I can understand some of the vitriol as I hate the RS but get over a comment made 14 years ago by the manager of our biggest rivals. Wish our past managers were like that

I am sure Benitez doesnt need the money, so look at it from his point of view taking on the job of managing Everton and having to take it to that lot. Fair play to him. If he is successful, imagine their reaction.

I love all the Beneathus jibes as well, because isn't that the year he won the Champions league? Jeez we would die to win the Milk/Littlewoods/ League/ Caribou (sic) cup or whatever its called these days.

Little club eh, the truth is more painful than the jibe seeing as we have only won once at Anfield since he said it.

Haha quality.

I don't understand all the high drama from many blues, we've had a lot worse and got behind it. Marco Silva ffs! If it's Benitez then so be it. I just hope we show a bit more class than the Chelsea fans did with him. I always thought the abuse they gave him was embarrassing, surely we are better than that.

It's not about his previous comments or behaviour, it's the fact that he's another on his way out. He's spent a couple of years picking up easy cash in China and before that just about saved Newcastle from the drop. Big deal, does that make him on a par with Steve Bruce? Would anyone on here settle for Steve Bruce? Of course not.

No no no no no, didn't I mention no.

I asked a lad in work why he's been here for 15 years, because it's a 5-minute drive away was his response. That's about the same ambition that he'll show us.

All the whinging over the last few years about mercenary players just picking up a wage, and here we want to get the biggest mercenary of them all in!!

NO!

You state Benitez doesn't need the money and you are of course correct, therefore I am sure he will snub his nose at the rumoured million pound a month Moshiri is prepared to pay him and accept a contract based upon the teams performance. No of course he won't the greedy FSW is demanding exactly the same terms he was getting in China. He rejected a 6 million pound a year contract at NUFC to go to China. I'd be prepared to give him a pass for the tunnel and no more.

For those who are berating posters who say they will no longer attend Goodison and or withdraw their support over this issue, please, get over yourselves, lots of Evertonians decide to jack it in, when something happens they disagree with or just fall out of love with club. For my aging dad it was Sky and the birth of the premier league, he just shakes his head when he witnesses his 59 year old son fretting over all matters Everton.

Just watching Sky's coverage of it and they are reporting that Liverpool fans appear quite happy about it and bear him no ill will, well that's ok then. Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, Brian Labone, John Moores Harry Catterick must be turning in their graves at this lamentable turn of events.

It's like some kind of dystopian sci-fi film we can't get into Goodison for 18 months due to a global pandemic and then when we go to cheer the Blues on a sunny August afternoon there is the FSW waving to the crowd saying how happy he is to be at the people's cluuub

Nuno close... Benitez close... I genuinely think the club are putting names out to gauge fan's reaction. They are taking their time. If not, Benitez or Nuno would've been the manager by now.

I just don't see Benitez becoming manager. The club must know it's a huge risk especially with the overhaul the squad needs. The second we go on a bad run supporters will be burning effigies of Benitez in the streets. He'll be hounded out.

Martinez, no.

This is the guy who turned his nose up at Aderwiereld for €3.5m during the 2014 WC because he preferred Besic for £4m. The year before, a week into his career with us, he wasn't interested in VVD either when he could have had him from Groningen for around £3m preferring to bring Alcaraz from Wigan.

This is the guy who substitutes a player when we're 2-0 up because his I pad stats recommended it, we lost 3-2.

Sky Sports journo Vinnie O'Connor after England reversed a 2 goal deficit against Germany to win?
"I think the German dug out had Martinez in charge for the 2nd half".

This bloke turned a top 6/7th placed competitive team into a 12th placed also ran with one of the best strikers in world football.

For what it's worth, my choice would be Favre. He transformed Monchengladbach, did the same in the short time he spent at Nice and wasn't too bad at Dortmund either.

If a younger man is favoured, my choice would be Lampard with Duncan and also bring in John Terry.

Rob, please tell me what's going on. I don't think the dogs can take much more. I think they're starting to disown me.

But they won't; they love me with undying loyalty as much as I do Everton.

I am not as hostile as some, but really don't want us to have our Tottenham George Graham moment the more I think about it.

That would be like the club allowing us to pick the next manager, the board is either split and if so Moshiri should pull rank and tell the others to fuck off, or no-one of any repute wants the job because it's got conditions built in, ie you have to keep so and so because they are part of the furniture.

So how many on here would have said no thanks to Bill Shankly, because of his Liverpool connection.

At the time I would say almost everyone, but as the years passed and he appeared at home games, Everton fans warmed to him.

So if Benitez had not managed Liverpool, would you still have the same not a chance attitude to the guy.

We had the same reaction, when we signed two Liverpool fringe players in Alan Harper and Kevin Sheedy, usual shouts of we do not want players that cannot even get regular game time for them.

So take the Red shite connection out of the thinking, then do your thoughts then change to, he might actually do a job at Everton.

There is the nub of the problem, he hasnt been winning for a very long time and a lot of Evertonians myself included think this is the worst appointment we could make.

Just watch the club go South when he starts to lose a few games and blames the board or the players and the crowd turn toxic.

This appointment has tears all over it. Just look at the poll with over 50% against him. That is not a recipe for success.

And the truth is he is getting it because he retains big Dunc as his assistant.

This has Kenwright's Machiavellian hand written all over it IMO.

The only reason he wants the job is because of his family not because he sees Everton as an opportunity to win things.

Brian #695, it's not just the time he spent in China, it's the fact that he failed there. He won 12 of 38 games at Dalian. Even brought Rondon with him from Barcodes and still couldn't cut it in a very easy league.

Rob #712, we await your report.

If it wasnt for the Blue Union we would be playing in a stadium attached to a tescos in Kirkby.

100% crap your post

However I am posting because without doubt every single post is based on supposition and news from any journo who wishes to comment.

We have no idea what is happening in the boardroom. For what it's worth Kenwright is an Evertonian and any suggestion he would support a move for Benitez is unthinkable! But what the hell do I know - literally sweet FA.

At a guess we will end up with Favre and that would do me even though I was praying for Galtier.

https://twitter.com/NilSatisNews/status/1405223259742867463

Brian #740, I know you're kidding about Galtier, but apparently some Blues haven't given up on him, especially since there's been no news in two weeks concerning his move to Nice: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/christophe-galtier-social-media-campaign-20826698

Strewth. World War 1 veteran?

Seriously, I would much rather have Rafa as Dunc has done nothing in his career that would suggest he is capable of managing a Premier League team with top 6 ambitions.

Unless of course you include that stroke of genius where we lined up with a back 3 prior to kick off against Utd, only for the big reveal that Holgate was playing in midfield!
That that the opposition completely bamboozled for all of 5 seconds!

Time to Forget your fucking history blues and move into a new era of forward thinking without the baggage.

Just bailed on Fiorentina after three weeks. He and Italy appear to have had enough of each other.

No tactical genius, for sure, and like Nuno a Mendes client... but what a motivator. Our sleepy midfielders wouldn't know what hit them when Gattuso landed at Goodison. And he showed at Milan that he knows how to win games.

We'd never be bored.

Even money favourite.

Gatusso bailed as apparently Fiorentina wouldn't allow his pay master Mendes to call the shots on transfers. I'd say that's a red flag for him and Nuno. That apart, other than being a loud mouth roughneck he hasn't done much to prove his coaching credentials.

That would suggest that he isn't going to Everton either.

As for his coaching credentials, I disagree. He won half his games at Milan with a weird and unbalanced roster, and won almost 60% of his games at Napoli. And remember he's only 43 and still learning. Would certainly fit the expressed desire of many here for a young, growing coach. He's also great in a press conference.

News reports today have Spurs in for him immediately upon his departure from Fiorentina.

- London base
- Squad quality
- Stadium
- Recent pedigree
- (possibly) transfer budget

If the Fonseca deal broke down over transfer kitty, I guess there's a sense of realism / pointlessness about some of these appointments. Unfortunately there is almost no chance of breaking the domination of 4 big, valuable squads.

They still wouldn't appoint Benitez though.

I still think we'll get Santo although not sure why. Spurs might give Scott Parker a go.

10th-minute tribute is planned. And I really hope he's chosen to hand the trophy to the champion, if he's able. He's the face of this tournament now.

So as I understand it (but let's be honest it could change again because it's Spurs) Gennaro Gattuso was Fabio Paratici's preferred choice and he wanted him at Juventus before he left, but he wasn't available for Tottenham.

So Fonseca became the available top choice. Everything was agreed between him and Spurs. Even yesterday they were sorting stuff for his visa and all the administrative stuff. Paratici and Fonseca had meetings this week in Milan and Como, to prepare for the season ahead.

Everything was going through. Then Gattuso left Fiorentina today and everything has gone haywire and Spurs have now switched their attentions to him. Fonseca's people are completely bewildered (sound familiar). A day in the life of covering Tottenham for you there.

In reply, a Spurs supporter tweeted:
Tottenham are running the most important managerial appointment issue like a ninth-division club. The board are all to blame

See it isn't just us that have misgivings about the leadership at a club.

Please go and peddle your political views on an appropriate political website - what on earth has the appointment of a manager got to do with Socialism or Thatcherism or any other -ism???

What time do the pubs open in your neighbourhood?

So Tottenham got Mullered. Remember that joker, showed up having agreed terms then said "wait a minute, we have to pay taxes on this?"

But as far as Fonseca goes, tax or no tax, he is not exactly going to be short of a few bob if he manages in England. Don't see him getting many other highly paid jobs in Europe.

Gattuso would certainly fix their issue with softness, although I doubt he'd last more than a year there.

Let's not forget, Carlo Ancelotti was not sacked, he moved on, yes he shit on us however he went on to what was bigger and better for him, for this you call for Duncan's head, like he had something to do with it. I'm sure Duncan did his best to embrace Carlo in this city, looked to me like he was trying to bring him closer to the fans and the people of Merseyside, do you not think Duncan effected by Ancelotti's departure?! Nope you want him sacked!!

Then Nuno - some of you are stating he was offered millions but has declined because Duncan is part of the set up, absolutely garbage, really where do you get this information from?

Another says “is Duncan is a true Evertonian” FFS, that's ludicrous.

Do you think the club are stupid, the club need Ferguson on the bench… What happens if the next manager walks out or is sacked mid season and we are bottom of the league, please tell me what would the club do. They would turn to Ferguson or the U23s coach to take over and steady the ship until a new manager was appointed. Makes sense doesn't it….

And another “they won't leave there cosy set up”…. Really what garbage… Let's consider how cosy Ferguson felt taking on Chelsea, Man U, Leicester and Arsenal when our football club was on the absolute floor and facing the championship.

Some fans on here have really short memories however it seems to be the same minority, the ones that don't go the game!!

And please tell or show me a quite when did Duncan declared he wants the job. Let's see the facts…

That's a good first step to making yourself more unpopular than any of the managerial options mentioned on here.

You are talking out of your arse it was Thatcher and her kind who fucked this city and the rest of the North. What a brilliant idea for any nation to decimate its manufacturing base, deregulate credit and fuel a debt crisis. Decades later public money is used to bail out banks and effectively renationalise the rail network.

Sorry to say it but you have no idea of the city's history – nor the clubs'.

Some potholes you just steer around and ignore them.

Credit where due: he saw the spirit of the people of our city and changed his tack. He deserves the thanks of all people who live in the city for the regeneration he encouraged.

I well remember a lad, during the two-night drinking binge we had to celebrate Thatcher's death, proposing a toast to Michael Heseltine. Well received.

I am beginning to think that, as long as these billionaire owners of football clubs can keep using football to launder their money, they couldn't really care where their club finishes as long as they remain in the Premier League cash cow.

But, having said that, what a shambles of a recruitment process. In my article, Blood Brothers, I did think there were two camps, but never thought it would manifest itself so blatantly as we are now seeing this unfold. It's like the negotiations between two power blocks, when an election throws up no outright majority. This is not the way for a club to recruit a manager.

Now we have Neville putting in his bit. Who does he represent? The fans or stalwarts in the club?

I'm loving this thread.

That would be Biddu, 1976, wonderful right-wing deep thinker. 😁👌

We don't need revolutions. We just need to open our eyes. Revolution is no solution, we ought to realise.

Rubbish.

I've said on other threads from the off, I have a funny feeling it's Martinez.

It's just too protracted for it to be any other scenario.

Forget that last comment... I forgot we're talking about Everton.

I realise that you are completely ignorant of Liverpool city history and indeed Everton FC history; I would recommend that you read Thatcher's cabinet papers. They called it Managed Decline and Thatcher intended to use it to bring the city to its knees.

If you can't be bothered to do that, I would recommend that you read Two Tribes by Tony Evans which explains the concept in words of one syllable.

Thomas #781 is entirely correct in his assessment of Michael Heseltine's contribution.

He may also be able to get a tune out of the shite he's inheriting, who knows?

As Greavsie said... "It's a funny old game!"

Liverpool, like many other northern areas, was callously written off by the Tories, Thatcher's cynical policy of managed decline destroyed many families and caused decades of desperation for countless thousands. You should read some books before you post contemptible shite or express vile ignorance.

Thatcher's main objective was to destroy socialism, the people behind the NHS and welfare. A little history lesson for you, in the days before socialism, if you were poor and sick, you just died and they replaced you. Destroying the unions was the key strand to destabilising Labour, the cost was Britain's industrial infrastructure.

In 2002, she was asked what her greatest achievement was... her reply: New Labour, fuckin diet Tories.

Socialism is still very much in operation, it's just the preserve of the rich. When banks are bailed out with public money, that is a perversion of socialism.

Big no to Benitez, the identity of Everton has suffered enough. Literally anybody else.

I'd be surprised if Deschamps and Enrique would come to us, I don't think we'd employ Joachim. The only other one is Mancini; I wonder if Conte is going to follow him coaching Italy?

Again though, would Mancini want the Everton job, particularly if he wins the Euros with Italy?

Unless there is another option managing there I am missing?

If we appoint FSW, that would be the end of Moshiri as the owner.

Barry @ 737 - I think that nickname will fly, should things play out that way.

Stephen, the managed decline approach is in play today on a much larger global scale, in a much more pervasive form.

Which increasingly makes you wonder... are they just yanking our chain back and forth? If it's not Benitez, then the chatter – especially via that twat Jim White – is execrable. A deliberate and calculated fishing expedition.

But my firmly held belief is that they have not a care in the world for the opinion of the fans in these situations. That's something they pay mere lip-service to when it suits, eg, the Fans Forum.

Guess I still can't get used to this modern system of advance news release that seems to dominate the media these days. It's like everyone panders to the needs of the Breakfast News programs by telling them what the news today is going to be, ahead of it being confirmed, instead of the old ways of news being reported after it has actually happened.

Thomas (#752), 'Twat of the month' – I think you were alluding to Paul Niklas. If you were, your odds were well out: more like 1/100!!

I think it might be an idea to contact Paul direct and ask him if he's okay?

It might be that he's suffering from this “long covid” we keep hearing about.

Either way, the lad's not well

Essentially the whole media structure benefits from the "Interest", by various measures. We just get flooded with info, 90% of which proves to be meaningless after the fact.

She was right to do all she could to rid us of it and it worked. Until we now have the corrupt labour Mayor and his socialist cronies again filling their back pockets, just like the unions and the militants of the 80s.

No wind-up merchant – just a Conservative point of view that's not allowed in my beloved city.

Rafa is perfect for the Blues, wake up and smell the coffee for once.

Thanks for making me laugh. It's been a while!! Ah if only. Galtier may not be able to speak English, but doesn't seem to be a problem for Bielsa!!

John at 745,

I understand that there is little affinity or loyalty with players or managers these days, but no other manager in the frame has shown the disrespect before managing us. And at least other managers wouldn't have an up side to seeing us relegated as Benitez would. Being celebrated as a hero by the Red Shite. Not to mention doing us out of millions. That's game, set & match to the Red Shite as I see it.

Socialism hasn't been erased, mate. Whether you want to lump socialism with communists, or take a more reasonable view and look at countries like in Scandinavia, it is alive and well.

Thatcher, on the other hand...

I thought the excuse was that his English wasn't good enough! The coaching staff story is for Nuno, lol.

We fall out with each other on this forum on all things Everton. I am sure all contributors have no interest in discussing politics or religion on here!!!

Focus on Everton the football club; if that's too difficult Question Time is on the BBC iPlayer, or tune in to Radio 4. TW has more than enough to discuss without politics, religion or stupidity.

I will believe it when it happens, whoever it is.

On a side topic, I am all for free speech but where on earth has Paul Niklas sprung from? Some pretty extreme views there – does he still have that long blond hair and cheeky smile from Just Good Friends?

I am wary of anyone who does charity work, as a so-called Celebrity, do they not get maximum publicity as being the good guy? Usually just after there is some sort of indelible stain on their character or activities. Get real, it's all PR, his Agent would have seen to that!

Don't want him, or his like anywhere near our shambles of a Club, we may be the laughing stock since Moshiri joined the Circus, but I had hoped we still had some pride left!

Now go and wash your mouth out with soap !

Either way, we are in the hands of a nincompoop!

Now it's Gatuso...

Moshri didnt pour 200M into our playing squad, invest in a new stadium, hire one of the greatest managers of all time, just to let all that investment rot because Bill wants Big Dunc to be a number two.

It's just not a thing guys. There are probably many reasons why we haven't got our manager yet, and many that if I knew would most likely terrify me, but I am 99% confident we are not basing the future of our club on the conditional that Duncan has a number two job.

Any stadium news?

I don't know, just about most of us don't, but if we are determining our next manager on whether they will keep Duncan or not, that is concerning. I hope not.

I'm happy for Duncan to stay on merit and because the manager wants him to be part of his staff.

But I genuinely hope that is not part of the negotiation process.

He then goes out and buys the players which he believes can fulfil this strategy, regardless of the manager/coach. That may be Dumfries, Nunes, whoever, but he has a clear formation and buys accordingly.

We then cycle through managers who have proven they can deliver against that formation with other clubs, if they fail here, fine, fire, move on. But our identify and our squad remains constant.

So if I was DoF with the above strategy, I'd be looking at Galtier, Hassenhuttl, etc.

We can't keep jumping from strategy to strategy with every manager and being left with players from the last strategy which no one wants.

Hahaha LOL. He's been on the coaching staff for SEVEN years. Name me one other club in the current Premier League with an ex-player on the coaching staff that has seen off five-plus managers….

I'll wait.

Why is Benitez perfect for us?? His teams are boring and negative; we have just had a season of that by the last manager? What has he done in the last 5 years?

We should go for Graham Potter: he is on the way up, he is young and hungry, and he plays a good style of football.

That style requires pace. We have none to speak of.

Benitez
Santo
Uncle Tom Cobly and all.

We don't know what we don't know (think about it!).

All the speculation re the above is media driven. Thank god Jim White has left SSN, his comments regarding Moshiri dried up years ago, and who was pulling whose strings?

Whoever it is we will have no say in the appointment. You will never please all the people all of the time.

If it is Benitez we are going to have to swallow the bitter pill. However, those in the know are keeping their cards close to their chest.

I gave my season ticket up due to poor health, however, once a blue always a blue (57yrs from the age of 14).

To those of you threatening not to renew your season ticket, or never watch the toffee's ever again, your not Evertonians (IMO).

Whoever takes over,true Evertonians will never desert the ship, whoever is at the helm.

It didnt work in this city, socialism is alive and kicking.
Mrs T isn't.
Happy days

An high press requires some pace... particularly at centre back - we have Godfrey, and Holgate is no slouch.

The system requires mobile players and high fitness levels. I think we've got plenty of players that would do okay: Godfrey, Holgate, Doucouré, Allan, Davies, Calvert-Lewin, Digne and Richarlison. With more pace added out wide, it would be my much preferred style of play. Not all high pressing teams have pace in every single position on the pitch. It's about getting the balance right.

We're crying out for some high energy footy that can get all the fans excited again. Ralph Hasenhüttl would be my choice to deliver that.

Bad news is normally released on Friday, so loyal old Joe can have three days to accept his situation.

But this is one shambles by Everton, so it could be the following Friday. Not hopeful of good news from the so call leaders at Everton, the longer this continues.

Someone in Everton is feeding the beast.

Open your eyes and don't believe everything the Daily Mail tells you. This Tory government are responsible for over 120,000 deaths and that is with the massaged figures going off those who tested positive. The actual figure is much higher.

We've lost members of my wife's family to it. So many mistakes that they make Kenwright look competent.

Those socialists left us world-leading stocks of PPE in the event of a pandemic. Cameron, May and Johnson let it expire and put stickers over the Use By dates in 2013 and again in 2016. Shameful.

As for Everton, I think Rafa won't be appointed. If it were to happen, it would have been done by now.

I still don't get the calls for Potter. He is this season's Chris Wilder. A one-hit wonder. There have been lots of them down the years.

Go for Galtier and at least get someone who all the fans can get behind.

I will always be a life long Evertonian irrespective of whether or not I choose to visit the Old Lady (first match 1959, season ticket holder since 1968) spent £10,000s following the Blues all over the world.

I am just not a Benitezian and frankly his appointment would be the final straw for me following years and years of lies and mismanagement by our illustrious Chairman.

Nuno, Benitez or whoever will not give one jot if Ferguson is there and to suggest that's the reason a deal for these managers is stalling is plain ludicrous. Everton know they have a capable coach to step up again if they sack a manger mid-season or, in this instance, a manager does a runner.

Ferguson will always have my respect for saving our club when in free fall and, if you were at these games, particularly the Chelsea and Man Utd games, you would be thanking Ferguson, not criticising him.

Keep lording foreign imports, who are mercenaries... and keep criticising a true Evertonian who stepped up and saved us.

Embarrassing.

That's exactly what we should be aiming for. Brands cannot be calling the shots on the managerial appointments; otherwise, he's the most schizophrenic DOF in Europe!

We've got no discernible style of play nor players that fit into a particular style. Instead, we are left with the inevitable conclusion that Moshiri is making the decisions on the managerial appointments and he hasn't got a scooby doo about football. Hence Benitez even being interviewed.

If Brands had anything about him, he'd resign. We are going nowhere under the present owner. If only we had the Brentford owner – he actually knows what he is doing!

Joe Pompliano on Twitter

Biggest surprise in that article – forty candidates under consideration. Don't know where they got that from, I'd struggle to come up with half that number.

The rest of it, I basically agree with. I really would prefer Ferguson by now.

Go for Galtier and at least get someone who all fans can get behind.

I would wager most Evertonians have no idea who he is (no bad thing btw)

The list comprised of FSW, Former Real Madrid manager, Former LFC boss, Former Milan boss, Bloke who resides on the Wirral, Bloke whose wife does sterling charity work, Former Everton boss x 3, Guy who managed in China, Spanish guy with a goatee, up-and-coming boss x5,

I am coming round to the idea of Ferguson and / or Unsworth. Let them work with Brands and a good crop of youth emerging out of our u18s.

If it goes wrong maybe then we can appoint the FSW because I guarantee he will still be out of work.

So he managed you know who….. his CV is far superior to anyone on the market. That cannot be disputed and this nonsense about modern football… he's won everything in the modern game – enough said.

Get Rafa and we will get into Europe. See the big picture, not the small one.

Here is one out of the blue: Why not Scott Parker? Hear me out; Fulham were made up of loanees and Championshp players. Terrible start but then became mean in defence and some good football.

If we all say no to Dunc, Howe, Potter as inexperienced or the others as past their sell-by dates. Then why not?

That made me laugh. Don't go for Potter because he's a one-season wonder, let's go for Galtier instead (the very definition of a one-season wonder).

Besides, he speaks very little English.