Pundit fears Everton fan fury after Goodison source’s manager update
Alan Hutton has suggested Everton face a potential fan backlash if Roberto Martinez is appointed manager.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, questioned whether the 48-year-old could “galvanise” the club after Rafael Benitez’s disappointing spell in charge.
An Everton source told Football Insider on Monday (17 January) that Martinez is among the candidates in the running for the vacant manager’s post.
Sky Sports have since reported (17 January) the Belgium boss would be open to a return to Goodison Park.
Martinez was Everton manager between 2013 and 2016.
However, Hutton questioned how supporters would take to his potential appointment.
Asked if Martinez would get supporters back on side, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I’m not sure. It didn’t end well for Martinez, if we’re honest.
“For that to happen and then for him to go back, are you really going to galvanise the club? You need someone to galvanise everyone and get the fans back on side.
“If you’re bringing someone who’s not done it, are they going to be happy?
“It’s a difficult job again. Everton have gone down the route of Ancelotti, the big-name signing. It didn’t work. Rafa Benitez, who is proven in the league, he’s won things, he’s done well. That didn’t work.
“I mean they’ve really struggled.”
Benitez was sacked after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Norwich City left the club sitting 16th in the Premier League table.
Martinez has been in charge of the Belgium national side since August 2016.
He led Everton to a fifth-place finish in his first campaign in charge but finished 11th in both of his final two seasons at the club.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Everton owed up to ‘£8million’ after a High Court ruling.