Everton legend Phil Neville has given his backing to “brilliant” player developer David Unsworth to become the next Everton manager.
Unsworth, 44, remains in the running after Everton’s failed approach to bring in Watford boss Marco Silva, with Sam Allardyce also looking out of the running.
The caretaker boss has overseen Everton’s last four matches, losing his first three before a rousing 3-2 win over Watford last time out.
While Unsworth’s tenure has seen Everton drop out of both the EFL Cup and the Europa League, Neville still believes he is the best man for the job.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I want David Unsworth to get an opportunity. He knows the club, he was a player he’s coached the U23s, he’s produced so many brilliant young players. I know he’s had four games but I hope he gets longer than that.
“Everton deserves the best, it’s a club that shouldn’t be down the bottom of the table with the investment they’ve made.”
OPINION
The longer Everton’s calamitous search for a new manager goes on, the more one becomes inclined to agree with Neville. The inclination to look elsewhere is always strong, but sometimes the best option comes from within the club. Unsworth has worked with Everton’s U-23s extensively, knows the club inside out, and is well liked by the squad. Granted, his first three games were not impressive at all, but the way in which they fought back to win against Watford showed that the players are willing to fight for Unsworth. In the situation that Everton find themselves in, that is a quality they will need in abundance.