A look at five possible managers who could take over from David Moyes at Everton.
5. Mark Hughes
The former Manchester United star has had a mixed time in management. After promising spells with the Welsh national team and Blackburn Rovers, things have not really worked out for Hughes as manager of Manchester City, Fulham and QPR. Still, he’s shown enough that he could be a good choice for Everton if given time.
4. Roberto Di Matteo
Recently harshly sacked by Chelsea, the Italian has strangely not been snapped up by another club. Under-rated by Roman Abramovich despite his incredible Champions League win last season, and seemingly under-rated by many in the game, could Everton land themselves a real coup by luring the 42-year-old to Goodison Park?
3. Roberto Martinez
Perhaps currently the favourite for the job is Roberto Martinez of Wigan. The Spaniard has remained loyal to the Latics despite their relegation worries every season, and has impressed neutrals with his liking for technical and attacking football. He was linked strongly with the Liverpool job last year, but could he now be set for the hot seat at Merseyside’s blue club?
2. Phil Neville
A surprise choice perhaps, but Neville’s name is reportedly in the frame as he seems to be considering retirement from playing at the end of the season. Already a member of the coaching staff for the England national team, the 36-year-old is keen on a career in management, and having played for so many years under Moyes, could be the ideal man to carry on his fine work at Everton.
1. Michael Laudrup
Everton’s preferred choice is understood to be the highly-rated Michael Laudrup, who has worked wonders with Swansea City this season. The Dane has already been mentioned as a candidate for the Real Madrid job, and Everton would be wise to snap him up quickly before his stock rises even further. One stumbling block is that he arguably has more money to spend at Swansea and therefore more potential to build and take the club forward than at Everton.