Everton look all but certain to have secured their successor to Carlo Ancelotti in ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.
The Spanish tactician was filmed by Sky Sports News arriving at the club’s USM Finch Farm training facility following the agreement of a three-year deal with Everton.
Arriving in a black people carrier with blacked-out windows this morning, it is likely that Benitez is due to meet club staff and tie up formalities ahead of an official unveiling of the tactician.
It is believed he will be unveiled as the new Toffees boss today and is already due to meet with coaches Leighton Baines, Duncan Ferguson and David Unsworth who arrived at Finch Farm ahead of Benitez.
Twitter: Rafael Benitez has arrived at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground ahead of his unveiling as the club’s new manager. (@SkySportsNews)
Journalist Vinny O’Connor confirmed the coaches’ presence, with every indication that they still remain at the club at present:
“We’ve also seen the likes of Duncan Ferguson arriving after Benitez”, declared O’Connor.
“Before that, David Unsworth and Leighton Baines [are] also here at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground.
“We understand that Rafa Benitez will meet with them throughout the day and we still await that official confirmation.
He added:
“We expect that official announcement to come later today.”
Read Everton Verdict
Everton’s hunt for a new manager is over.
It is extremely probable that preparations for the summer are already underway ahead of a transfer window likely to see the squad moulded in Benitez’ image.
Fan backlash and uncertainty over his suitability for Everton, in part spurred on by his history with arch-rivals Liverpool, means that Benitez will be under immense pressure to deliver results immediately.
With Benitez in charge ahead of the squad’s return for pre-season training, there is at least a small window ahead of pre-season for Benitez to settle in and lay down the foundations for his tenure as manager.
If nothing else, fans can look beyond the parapets of the club’s managerial saga ahead to next season.
