Everton finally recruit a full-time boss after five weeks of speculation and poor communication, by confirming Sam Allardyce as their new manager.
The Everton board appointed Sam Allardyce on Wednesday morning. Farhad Moshiri, the Blues’ major shareholder, confirmed the decision via text to Sky Sports journalist Jim White. White then broke the news on Twitter.
Regarding Allardyce’s appointment, White quoted Moshiri as saying: “We need a strong leader, [Allardyce] gives us that.” Moshiri, who holds a 49.9 percent stake in Everton, also confirmed Allardyce would attend the match against West Ham on Wednesday evening.
Allardyce’s recruitment signals the end of a five-week search for a manager, in which Everton have shown no clear recruitment strategy. The Blues’ board courted Watford coach Marco Silva to no avail.
The press also speculated on Allardyce, and a variety of other Premier League veterans throughout the period. Allardyce originally denied he would take the job.
This untidiness should have been expected. Everton have not needed to search for a manager mid-season since firing Walter Smith in 2002. However, communication with fans, staff and press has left much to be desired.
The confusion culminated with the announcement of Allardyce on Twitter, rather than through official channels. David Prentice, head of sport at the Liverpool Echo concluded:
"“So Everton’s latest managerial appointment is ‘officially’ announced by a sports broadcaster on Twitter … thumbs down to Moshiri for swerving club protocol and revealing such a significant, and sensitive, piece of news in such a fashion.”More from Everton FC NewsFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questionsTakeover talk again as 777 back in for Everton purchase after MSP withdrawalEverton striking legend Gray urges Dyche to put Beto and DCL up front"
Allardyce’s role in Everton’s long-term plans is also unknown. Many media outlets, such as the Daily Express, pitched Allardyce as a stop-gap option to fend off relegation this season. However, Big Sam has signed an 18-month contract, during which he will pocket £9 million.
As noted in the Daily Express by Bruce Archer, Allardyce’s monster deal will see him earning more than Real Madrid manager Zidedine Zidane, and PSG coach Unai Emery.
Moshiri also hinted at the former England boss as a long-term option. He stated to Jim White:
"“I really want to give him the support he needs. He can go as far as he wants.”"
Regardless of Allardyce’s dubious reputation, on, and off the pitch, he should offer some much-needed organisation to a beleaguered Everton side. The Blues’ defence is in tatters, and there is little offensive identity to speak of. In the short-term, Everton stand to gain from his appointment.
Allardyce will take charge from Thursday morning. In his first game as manager, the Blues will play Huddersfield at home. Caretaker coach, David Unsworth, will remain in charge against West Ham.
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What do you think about Allardyce’s appointment? Do you think he will be able to get the best out of the current Everton squad? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.