Southall wants Ferguson as manager if Silva goes – Fan Reactions

Everton legend Neville Southall has claimed that he wants Duncan Ferguson to be offered the managerial job at Goodison Park if Marco Silva is sacked.

Silva has come under increasing pressure this season following a string of negative results, and all eyes will be on the Blues’ performance against Sheffield Wednesday this evening, with a loss likely to be detrimental to Silva’s Everton career.

Several names have been thrown into the mix as potential successors to Silva, and no one has emerged as the out and out front runner, with names across the spectrum including Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho.

Southall, who played 747 times for the Toffees over the course of 17 seasons, tweeted that he believes that former Everton striker Ferguson would be the ideal candidate as he understands the wants of the Everton fan base.

Twitter: If the manager goes I want big Duncan to have it for a bit give someone who knows what fans want a chance (@NevilleSouthall)

However, a number of fans disagreed with Southall’s assessment of Ferguson as a prospective candidate, taking to Twitter to share their thoughts on Southall’s idea.

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall @EvertonBlueArmy Nah he needs control at a smaller club to prove himself he has a blank CV at pres… https://t.co/XysDBi6qp4 (@wainyuno)

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall JESUS CHRIST , it’s not that bad (@goodisonblue2)

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall No thanks, Nev… (@EvertonBlueArmy)

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall Everyone is entitled to their opinion n I respect this is yours big man but I hugely disagree. Wha… https://t.co/DPCARi8NMe (@Catterick1966)

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall Sorry big man. I love you and the Missus adores you, but not for me. Mediocre player, despite hi… https://t.co/BzAr4eFJ3G (@Jaimeleblues1)

Twitter: @NevilleSouthall I don’t think Silva should be put under such pressure after just 6 games. At the end of last seaso… https://t.co/mI9YL6eZX4 (@LuvEvertonForum)

Read Everton Verdict

To clarify, Southall has explained that he would want Ferguson as the caretaker until someone more experienced can be found as the long-term successor. Essentially, Southall is proposing Ferguson instead of David Unsworth in that regard.

However, I’m still not sure that it the right way to go. As Southall admits himself, it is unclear what Ferguson’s influence at Everton is. Compare him to Arteta at Manchester City, and it is clear to see how the Spaniard works underneath Pep Guardiola. Ferguson’s role though is unclear, and it is difficult to predict if he has had any real coaching experience that would benefit him at senior level.

At the very least, we know Unsworth has week-to-week experience coaching players, and he would be the much safer option. Ideally, we won’t need to sack Silva, but unfortunately in football you do need to prepare for that eventuality.