Everton appoint Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as their caretaker coach for a temporary basis, after the dismissal of Rafa Benitez only seven months into his tenure with the club. 

He was previously appointed in a similar role in 2019, and will be asked to take charge of the first team yet again. Everton face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, and have an FA Cup clash against Brentford lined up afterwards. 

Everton announce Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager 

Everton confirmed their decision to appoint Ferguson in an official club statement, which read: 

“Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as Everton caretaker manager for the Club’s upcoming games.

The Blues legend took charge of training at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday morning as the squad began its preparations for the visit of Aston Villa to Goodison Park on Saturday (12.30pm GMT).

Ferguson will be supported in his caretaker position by John Ebbrell and Leighton Baines, along with Goalkeeping Coach Alan Kelly.

It is the second time Ferguson has taken caretaker charge at the Club, having guided the Blues to five points from three league games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in December 2019.

An announcement on a permanent managerial appointment will be made in due course.”

Roberto Martinez has been linked with a return to Merseyside, but the Belgian national team coach is seemingly out of the discussion according to Fabrizio Romano. Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Niko Kovac are among the other options for the Toffees, and talks with other candidates are set to continue in the coming days.