Pundit issues ‘100 per cent’ Everton claim after Rooney news confirmed
Everton should keep Duncan Ferguson in charge for the majority of this season despite “a poor result” against Aston Villa, according to Kevin Phillips.
The ex-Sunderland and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the Toffees “could live to regret” a quick managerial appointment.
On Tuesday (18 January), Everton confirmed Ferguson had been placed in interim charge of the first team following the dismissal of Rafael Benitez.
A host of names have been linked with the vacant position at Goodison Park, including Frank Lampard, Roberto Martinez, Fabio Cannavaro, Graham Potter and Wayne Rooney.
Speaking to Sky Sports (22 January), Rooney said he’s “flattered” by the speculation but revealed there’s been no approach to Derby from Everton.
When asked if Ferguson could get the job permanently if he impresses, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “It is a hard question to answer.
“The best solution for Everton is not to rush in. Do not go and get someone else straight in when they have someone like Duncan Ferguson already there.
“He gets the best out of the players. Everyone at that club respects him. Of course, it was a poor result against Villa but it was not a massive surprise given the form they’re in.
“If they rush into an appointment now they could live to regret it. The players and the club know what Duncan Ferguson is about. They have worked with him before. It makes sense to keep him there for most of what is remaining of this season.
“They’re not going to get relegated, I’m 100 per cent sure of that. Take your time and identify the right man.”
In other news, Everton have been told to complete Cahill deal as top-level shake-up reported.