Coaches like Eddie Howe might sound better but it is no surprise that Big Sam was the man for Everton this season.
Everton’s transfer business last summer was hailed, at the time, as the club finally breaking through the glass ceiling that has prevented them from pushing on in the past.
The resulting failure was a shock to both fans and Ronald Koeman, who could not handle the surprise and was replaced by Sam Allardyce in November.
Looking back, though, should it have surprised? Does it not make sense that Allardyce can manage this particular group of players?
Jordan Pickford, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michael Keane were rightly considered good signings for Everton but none have any successful experiences playing the type of football wanted.
Instead, all three made their names as the shining lights of plucky underdogs scrapping for what they can at the bottom of the table.
That also happens to be the game of Allardyce, as he proved by turning Everton’s season around.
Here is a team mixed with ageing players and those without the experience of what the club wants to become; with what Everton have right now, there may not be anyone better suited than the current man in charge.
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