PL player claims 43-year-old is ‘perfect’ for Everton even though he’s linked with his club

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Andros Townsend told talkSPORT on Wednesday that Eddie Howe would be ‘perfect’ for Everton even though he has been linked with Crystal Palace.

Both Palace and Everton are on the lookout for new managers after Roy Hodgson’s departure at the end of the season and Carlo Ancelotti’s surprise exit this week.

Both Premier League clubs are seemingly fishing in the same pond for the same coaches, with Howe named as a potential target for the duo, according to Sky Sports and also the Times.

It’s been nearly 12 months since Howe left his post at Bournemouth, and despite the South Coast club’s relegation, the 43-year-old is seemingly still a wanted man.

Palace winger, Townsend, who could end up working with Howe if he lands the job at Selhurst Park this season, explained why he fits in at Goodison Park.

“I think whoever it is, it needs to be a five-year project,” said Townsend. “There needs to be a plan. They need to basic assemble a squad that can challenge the top-six.

“For me, if I am looking at it then I think Eddie Howe would be perfect. I know reading on Twitter that it’s not something the fans want.

“But you have to forget the last two or three months where Bournemouth got relegated, after COVID, and everything was up in the air. He had an incredible spell at Bournemouth.

“He took them from League Two into the Premier League and by playing an exciting brand of football. If he had that, what he had with Bournemouth but with Everton, with the resources and squad they have then, for me, he would be the best man to get them where they want to be.”

One thing is pretty clear, Howe overachieved at Bournemouth and for a club of that size to even be in the Premier League was a success in itself.

But whilst the Englishman raised the bar pretty high during his time in Dean Court, it saw many faults in his game, from his woeful defensive records to his poor business in the transfer market.

Whilst that may be off-putting for some, he still produced an eye-catching style of play, drove a team on the edge of expulsion in England’s lower leagues to the promised land.

And perhaps working with a better squad of players, resources and finances around him then Howe could thrive at either Palace or Everton if he’s given the key to either job.