Everton need to get the right man in quickly so he can settle prior to the domestic action kicking off once again.
Given Everton’s ongoing struggles, it was no surprise when Ronald Koeman was finally shown the door last month, but the longer the Toffees go without appointing a permanent successor, the more trouble they leave themselves in.
West Ham United quickly ditched Slaven Bilic in favour of David Moyes, allowing the Scot time to settle into his new surroundings and take training – albeit with a reduced squad – during the current international break.
In contrast, Everton still have David Unsworth in caretaker charge, at the ideal time for a permanent boss to lay the groundwork for the vital matches to come.
The Everton hierarchy may want a big-name boss but they are in a mess right now and the likes of Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti are not going to touch a club fighting a relegation battle without a quality striker to their name.
If a short-term appointment is the answer – be that Unsworth, Sam Allardyce or someone else entirely – they should have been thinking that way weeks before ditching Koeman, preparing for a scenario that looked increasingly likely with each passing defeat.
Everton need to act decisively. Their season could depend on it, with uncertainty a dangerous ingredient in an under-performing squad.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
