The market for the new manager is currently very fluid. I wouldn’t pay too much notice to it. It is a remarkably open debate at the moment, which I put down to 3 factors.
1) A quite wide disagreement over the reign of David Moyes.
2) A disagreement about where Everton are currently
3) People not really understanding how Kenwright will conduct the process (as it’s happened infrequently)
If we consider the first point. Clearly the majority of fans think Moyes had done a fantastic job, and is a club legend. However there is certainly a very vocal minority, who feel he could have done a better job. Even within those who support his reign like myself, we can see that there were clearly areas for development.
People’s criticisms include, an unwillingness to play youth, conservatism in formations, an overly defensive style, not winning at top 4 teams, not winning trophies. Those in his favour point out his league performances being significantly above the money we pay in wages and transfers.
At one extreme, you have people who want a continuity. This might be with a similar style of manager (Malky Mackay) or continuity within the club (Stubbs, Weitr or Neville).
Those who want quite a sharp change in philosophy, will look at the areas the club his struggled. They may be bringing in a foreign coach (Tuchel,Pereira) or perhaps looking at a manager who was won a lot of trophies (Benitez).
When we consider the second point, this causes the most consternation. On the one hand, people point out we are an ageing squad, that has over-achieved, is without any financial clout, will be losing their best players this summer, and is on a hiding to nothing.
On the other, you have people who point out, we have a very talented squad, with a first team capable of beating anybody this season. While the funds are limited the TV money, plus a high price for the top players will provide funds which a new manager can add to an already strong squad. When Fellaini has not been fit, Everton have not suffered as much, and 25 million pounds could provide a great opportunity.
However, those who argue against this, point out all clubs will have increased revenue in the PL, so any increase will be cancelled out by inflation.
It is not clear just how attractive a proposition Everton are. Some people, clearly think we could attract people like Benitez, even Klopp, while at the other extreme some think we’d do well to attract Malky Mackay or Martinez. While it’s fair to say one is pie in the sky, and the others are “showing no ambition”, such responses are a little unfair. All fans would like to show ambition, and all fans would like to be realistic. But it is very difficult to fully understand just how attractive a proposition Everton would be.
On the third point, Kenwright, as with most chairman is something of a wild card. He hasn’t done this very often. When we appointed Moyes, we were in a panic situation, heading out of the league, off the back of a recommendation by Smith. The same situation is not occurring, so it’s hard to see how we can get a “read” off this.
As for me, I would like a European coach. The increase in revenue is a mute point for other managers at English clubs, but not for clubs on the continent. Tuchel would be an ideal choice. Lauren Blanc is currently out of work. Other names such as Van Basten, De Boer and the former Basel manager should also be considered.
