Everton fans ‘worried’ by Wayne Rooney becoming the new manager – Whelan
Noel Whelan has suggested a large portion of Everton fans would be “worried” if manager Frank Lampard is replaced by DC United boss Wayne Rooney.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, questioned whether the 37-year-old has the right “top-level managerial experience” to steer the Toffees clear of relegation.
Everton were beaten 2-1 by Southampton on Saturday (14 January) – meaning they have picked up just two points from a possible 21 in their last seven games.
According to The Sun (4 January), Rooney is among the list of potential candidates to replace under-pressure Lampard compiled by Goodison Park chief Farhad Moshiri.
The former Everton forward was approached regarding the job last year but rejected the opportunity – and is now in charge at Major League Soccer outfit DC United.
He couldn’t prevent the relegation of cash-strapped Derby County during a two-year spell with the Rams between 2020 and 2022.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Look, this one would pull on the heartstrings obviously, as he’s an Everton boy.
“But he’s got very little top-level managerial experience.
“Rooney was under no pressure at Derby. He wasn’t expected to survive, but he did a fantastic job.
“He’s gone out to America, but it’s not a league you would hold in the same regard as the Premier League – let’s be honest.
“There would be lots of question marks if he were to come in. I’m sure some fans would be excited, but plenty would be worried if Rooney came in.
“We don’t know if he’s got the experience needed in a dogfight like this.”
In other news, pundit claims Everton must stick with Frank Lampard as club board slammed – “it’s a shambles”.