Everton managerial candidate reveals why he turned down interview opportunity

Everton were stuck in a managerial crisis after sacking Rafa Benitez over poor results. The search began and the Toffees stumbled upon the names like Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Martinez, Graham Potter, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Vitor Pereira.

Soon, the list was shortened to four choices – Pereira, Lampard, Rooney and Duncan Ferguson. However, Rooney turned down the opportunity of managing his boyhood club. Ultimately, Lampard emerged as the favourite to take over and he eventually became the new manager.

As for Rooney, he continues to stay at Derby County. Appointing former players as managers has somewhat become a custom in the modern day game. Barcelona appointed Pep Guardiola, Chelsea hired Lampard, Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta, Manchester United hired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and there are so many more.

Perhaps the outlook behind this decision is that hiring managers who have played at the club during their player careers understand the ethos of the club. They can relate to the ethos of the club and the culture at the club.

Wayne Rooney turned down the chance to interview for the Everton job

Back when Everton were in search of a new manager, he was asked about the Everton job, the 36 year old admitted that he was approached for the job but he turned down the chance to interview.

"Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job. I turned it down. I believe I will be a Premier League manager and am ready for that 100%. But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me. (via Simon Stone)"

At Derby, Rooney is fighting to keep his side in the Championship against all odds. The former Manchester United man is trying to save the club who are in administration from sinking into the third tier. He opened up about rejecting the chance to go to Everton.

"I have been here now for over three years as player and manager and you build relationships up with players, first of all as team-mates, then as manager, and with staff. Everything I am asking of those players in terms of hard work, honesty, trust, commitment…if I was just to turn round and say “I have had an offer, I’m off”, I honestly couldn’t do that to the players and the staff.I could see once Benitez was sacked and my name was getting linked with Everton that the staff were down and they were scared that if I left, where did that leave the club. I know they have been looking to me to try and help rebuild this club.I spoke to the staff and said: “I am stood in front of you and I am with you. Whatever is being said out there, I am with you. I think that was big for them.” (via Mirror)"

Rooney has done a commendable job to keep Derby in the running as a myriad of issues piles on. Despite the club going into administration, 21 points deduction and players leaving the club in a fire sale, Rooney has kept it all together and the Rams are seven points adrift of safety.

Having Rooney back at Goodison Park would be poetic but he is committed to Derby and in Lampard, the Toffees have a bit more experienced manager who should be able to save Everton from the drop.

Will Wayne Rooney manage Everton in the future?