Ray Parlour has tipped Derby County coach Wayne Rooney to succeed Rafa Benitez at Everton if the Spaniard is soon dismissed from his role at the club.
Speaking on Talk Sport via the Daily Mail, the pundit claimed that the former Toffees star would be a sensible pick to replace the Spanish manager should he face the sack from Everton this season.
The Merseyside club languishes in 15th in the Premier League table with just one win since September. Benitez’s tenure at the club is on the line, and it is starting to become a situation of ‘when’ the manager will be dismissed rather than ‘if’.
Indeed, a completely new change of direction could be what Everton need, and Parlour believes that Rooney could be the ideal coach to take over from Benitez this year.
The former England captain has done a remarkable job with the Rams this season, with the Championship side now having a fighting chance of survival from relegation after being deducted 21 points.
Rooney could be suited for Everton, and Parlour agrees. The former Arsenal star said: “Would it be Wayne Rooney who is doing a wonderful job at Derby County? Would he want to go to Everton with Duncan Ferguson as part of that backroom staff still?”
Parlour added: “Lots of people respect Wayne Rooney for what he’s achieved but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be a top manager, I must admit, but maybe that is the way forward.”
Rooney appointment could be wildcard option that fixes Everton
Everton and stable managers have been a hard combination to come across in recent years. Every type of coach seems to have come and failed for the Toffees, which is why Rooney could be the left-field appointment that actually works.
The former Everton attacker is only just starting his managerial career, yet signs with Derby have been positive. And hiring a coach who has a true connection to the Merseyside club could be the missing formula for someone to take the Blues to the next level.
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