The Everton board is split over hiring Wayne Rooney as their next manager, with Chairman Bill Kenwright and owner Farhad Moshiri clashing over the Derby County boss’ credentials.
That’s according to The Sun, who report Moshiri is ‘wary’ of handing Rooney the Goodison Park reigns given his lack of experience. But Kenwright is pushing the former Toffees striker as a candidate to replace Rafa Benitez, as he would love the Rams coach back at the club.
Rooney is one of a handful of names Everton are assessing to replace Benitez after sacking the Spaniard last week. The former Liverpool boss only lasted six-months in the role after a controversial appointment. His tenure ended after an 11th loss in 22 games, winning seven.
Former Derby head coach Frank Lampard and Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro are also under consideration. Everton also explored a return to Merseyside for their former boss Roberto Martinez. But the Belgian FA refused to release the Spaniard.
Duncan Ferguson will now oversee a second interim spell, beginning with the Blues’ facing Aston Villa on Saturday. The 50-year-old oversaw four games as the caretaker manager in December 2019 after Moshiri sacked Marco Silva. He beat Chelsea and took two draws.
Everton chiefs clash over Rooney return as next manager
Rooney confirmed on Friday he has not received an approach to discuss leaving Derby and becoming Everton’s next manager. He also said he is ‘flattered’ by the speculation linking him with a return to Goodison, amid their coaching search.
But Moshiri and Kenwright clashing could see Everton overlook Rooney, who is in his first managerial position with Derby. The 36-year-old took interim charge in November 2020 before earning the job permanently the following January. He has overseen 64 games in all.
Rooney is also having to manage Derby’s worrying financial crisis and a 21-point deduction that threatens their future. But England’s all-time top-scorer has impressed rival managers whilst at Pride Park. Especially with the reputation he carries from his playing career
“I think Wayne has done a really, really good job of maintaining a focus and maintaining that positivity,” Millwall boss Gary Rowett said, via quotes by London News Online.
“I know he’s an experienced football man. But for anyone’s first job, I can’t imagine having to deal with that when I first walked in at Burton. He’s been highly commendable, how he’s dealt with it.”
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