Everton are set to give Duncan Ferguson the reigns for their meeting with Aston Villa, and he has told Farhad Moshiri he would happily replace Rafa Benitez as their next manager.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report Ferguson is on standby to serve as the Blues’ caretaker boss. Everton host Steven Gerrard’s side at Goodison Park this Saturday without a head coach after sacking Benitez following a run of one win in 13 Premier League games.
Moshiri is giving serious thought to a return for Roberto Martinez as the Belgium boss eyes another spell in England. But the Toffees have not yet agreed a deal with the Belgian FA to rehire the Catalan they fired in 2016. He has a £2m break clause in his Red Devils contract.
Everton want to avoid rushing into replacing Benitez, so will carry out a thorough search for their next manager. Their hunt will, therefore, see Ferguson step in as interim coach, as he did following Marco Silva’s sacking in 2019. He will now start by taking training on Tuesday.
Ferguson oversaw a tough three-game run as Everton searched for Silva’s successor before Carlo Ancelotti arrived as their new manager. The 50-year-old beat Chelsea, while drawing with Manchester United and Arsenal – along with facing Leicester City in the EFL Cup.
On paper, Everton’s next four games are easier for Ferguson, should Moshiri retain the Scot while seeking Benitez’s replacement. The Blues visit relegation-threatened Newcastle, host Leeds and travel to Southampton after facing Aston Villa, before hosting Manchester City.
Ferguson eyes permanent Everton manager role after Benitez sacking
Ferguson repeating his run as interim manager could land the Everton hero the permanent job of replacing Benitez. He has made it clear to majority owner Moshiri that he is happy to take the role full-time. But the Blues shareholder is still to decide if he shares that stance.
Ferguson threw his hat into the ring last summer, as well, whilst Moshiri sought Ancelotti’s replacement. The Daily Mail reported in June the Goodison legend impressed the Toffees chief with his prior interim run. He also felt ready to step up after working under Ancelotti.
Ancelotti was full of praise for Ferguson’s caretaker stint upon joining as Everton’s manager in December 2019, too. The Italian told BBC Sport, via quotes by Goal: “The job Duncan Ferguson did was fantastic. The spirit [in the dressing room] was strong when we arrived.”
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