Michael Ball believes that appointing Duncan Ferguson as the new Everton manager is the only way to win the fans back.

Everton are reportedly set to name Rafael Benitez as their next boss, which has led to a huge backlash from the Toffees faithful due to his Liverpool connections.

The Spaniard spent six seasons at Anfield from 2004 to 2010, winning both the Champions League and FA Cup, with Everton supporters having been left angry with the imminent appointment.

This comes after ex-Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo was on the verge of replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the Goodison Park dugout, but attention quickly turned to Benitez.

It's been almost three weeks since the Italian left to re-sign for Real Madrid, and Ball has suggested that only club legend Ferguson is capable of reuniting the fans.

Ferguson impressed during a caretaker stint prior to Ancelotti's appointment back in December 2019 but has no other experience of management.

However, Ball exclusively told Football FanCast that Ferguson would bring the club back together:

"Duncan, I feel that's a good one, and one the fans would want.

"The fans have lacked watching the players with desire and passion over the last few years and that's what Duncan would bring, so I feel right now to get the fans back on board, that's the only option for the board."