To cut Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright some slack, they have been dealt with a situation they never expected to walk into.
Carlo Ancelotti unexpectedly left Everton three weeks ago and while they were planning their recruitment for the summer ahead, they are now wasting precious time in having to find a new manager as well.
What’s the word?
The favourite for the job at the moment appears to be Rafael Benitez.
He has been in talks with the club for a few weeks now but he also faced competition from Lucien Favre and Roberto Martinez.
Indeed, judging by fan reaction, they’d accept anyone besides Benitez at Goodison Park.
However, a big twist could be on the cards if you believe reports in the Italian press. Calcio Mercato reported this week that despite thoughts to the contrary, an agreement between the two parties is yet to be found.
They went onto claim that the Spaniard’s profile is liked by the Toffees hierarchy but they are keen to avoid a Spurs/Gattuso 2.0 situation in Merseyside, aware of fan discontent.
Will Benitez become the new manager?
That’s impossible for us to say at the moment but reports from the English press specify that the 61-year-old is still close to being appointed at Goodison Park.
Though, with the board now aware of the uproar amongst fans at his potential arrival, it bodes well that they may actually look towards somebody else.
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Fan power has been all too apparent in the last few months with supporters of the big or greedy six as they’re now being referred to, battering down the proposed European Super League.
Some of the continent’s biggest clubs aimed to break away from the Champions League but fans rallied around in protest against their team’s ownership.
Tottenham have witnessed a double dosage of that, not only protesting against the ESL but also taking aim at the board for their handling of the managerial situation.
They are on the hunt for a new boss after Jose Mourinho’s sacking and were close to hiring Paulo Fonseca. Though, after the deal collapsed, they targeted Italian stalwart Gennaro Gattuso.
Supporters instantly hated the idea and the plug was eventually pulled the plug on talks. Everton fans will now be hopeful that the same eventuality befalls their club.
They have voiced their displeasure at seeing a former Liverpool manager in the dugout and if Moshiri wants to appease those who hold the Toffees so dearly to their heart, he will have to look elsewhere.
After Benitez called Everton a “small club” back in 2007, they’d be delighted at seeing him walk away from negotiations. The board need to act sensibly on this one.