Everton hero Leighton Baines firmly in running for first manager’s job as odds slashed
Leighton Baines is among the favourites to take over at League Two club Barrow in what would be his first permanent managerial role.
Barrow sacked Andy Whing last week, with the club sitting 18th in the fourth division after winning just five of their opening 20 games.
The Bluebirds are considering several names in discussions over his replacement, with the former England international among them.
David Moyes returned to Everton in January, taking over from Baines after the 41-year-old had managed on an interim basis following Sean Dyche‘s departure.
The Scot was happy to keep his former player among his staff, although he could now face losing Baines to his first permanent managerial role.
Odds shorten on Leighton Baines after Barrow opening
Baines retired at Everton in 2020, after spending 13 years at Goodison Park. The full-back was signed from Wigan Athletic in 2007, and is regarded among the finest Toffees of the Premier League era.
The defender made more than 400 appearances for the Blues, with nearly 350 of those coming in the top flight.
The left-back was also capped 30 times by England, scoring once against Moldova in 2012.
Baines built up a reputation for his fantastic free-kicks – scoring two in one game against West Ham in 2013 – but he was an extremely consistent full-back, too.
The defender would spend little of his career out injured, but decided to hang up his boots at the age of 35 and began coaching at Everton‘s academy immediately.
He would take on the role of Under-18s manager in 2022, before being thrust onto the big stage when Dyche was sacked in January.
Baines has been a part of Moyes’ staff since, but could now head for the next stage of his coaching development.
The Everton man is 7/2 to take over at Barrow, and is led by the likes of Noel Hunt (2/1), and Neil McDonald (5/2) according to one major bookmaker.
‘Very good coach’ Baines to take next step
Baines would ultimately only lead Everton for one game, a 2-0 victory over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
But the former defender has been pegged for management in the future, with Toffees assistant coach Alan Irvine among those touting the Englishman for big things.
“He’s already a very good coach and could become a manager one day,” Irvine told The Athletic in September.
“He’s got good ideas about the game and he’s very well prepared for sessions. He has a good way about him in terms of delivering it, real attention to detail, which is important.”
Baines could well be in line to take the Everton job in the future, but for now, a role like the one at Barrow would seem the perfect opportunity.