David Moyes ally shares what he's heard about Everton manager change and Wayne Rooney taking over

Wayne Rooney likely would have been a strong future contender for the Everton job had his managerial career not stalled.

That is according to experienced former Everton senior scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 40-year-old made his breakthrough as a player with the Toffees, leaving them for Manchester United in 2004 before returning in 2017.

Rooney retired in 2021 and has had stints in charge of Derby County, DC United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle, with the latter two having gone poorly.

The former England international won just two of 15 games in charge of the Blues and five of 25 in the job after, with that last role ended by mutual consent in December 2024.

There is always the chance that Rooney will attempt to make a return, and there could potentially be an opening at Everton if David Moyes takes the Scotland job.

Bryan King shares Wayne Rooney verdict

Following Scotland's exit from the World Cup last week, Steve Clarke announced that he would step down from his role as manager.

The 62-year-old has overseen a transformation of the Tartan Army since his 2019 appointment, but failure to qualify for the knockout rounds is a significant disappointment.

Immediately, Moyes emerged as the favourite for the job after confirming his interest in it many years ago.

The Everton manager has one year remaining on his contract and is more likely to take the role next summer, but decision-makers are likely already assessing potential replacements.

"Of course, there's always been talk about Wayne Rooney, but I think he's gone through the managerial bit, hasn't he? And he hasn't had great success in it," King told Football Insider.

"He's now working for the BBC. No pressure there, is there? All you've got to do is say what you think and you get well paid for it. No real pressure. Moyes will manage Everton this season."

Rooney does not rule out management return

Rooney's first-ever role came at Derby when the team were rock bottom in the Championship and on a run of four consecutive defeats.

The former striker got them out of the relegation zone and ultimately oversaw their survival. He would later resign amid the club's points deductions and entrance into administration, but he had shown his managerial chops.

And it cannot be ruled out that Rooney gives management another go. "Would I return to management? Probably not," he told BBC Sport last week.

"Of course, I'd never close the door and say never, but at the moment, where my head space is, I wouldn't."