Duncan Castles: Big internal dispute at Everton amid Nuno Espirito Santo saga
There have been huge disagreements in the Everton boardroom over the appointment of their next manager, according to The Times journalist Duncan Castles.
Speaking on The Transfer Window podcast [11/06/21], Castles claims there have been boardroom quarrels over Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, with ex-Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo now waiting for the Blues to send him a contract.
“Nuno was approached very early by Everton and told he was first choice for the job, and he has spoken to them extensively,” Castles said.
“Those discussions with Everton came in the midst of what we’ve described as a big internal dispute at Everton.
“You have different camps in the boardroom. You have Bill Kenwright who has been trying to get David Moyes and has been pushing for Roberto Martinez, and I understand he now has favourable words for the idea of bringing Rafael Benitez to the Everton dugout.
“Then you have Farhad Moshiri, who is the titular owner of the club. You have Kia Joorabchian as an advisor to both of them. You have Marcel Brands who, as director of football, should have one of the most important says, but it doesn’t seem to be working that way.
“Nuno stepped away from Crystal Palace because Everton continued to phone him and tell him ‘no, come to Everton instead, we want you as manager’, and that put enough doubt in his mind with Crystal Palace.
“He is waiting for Everton to come up with a formal contract offer and the expectation is that he will be their next manager, but until the offer is there and the contract is signed that is not guaranteed.”
Shambles
This looks set to finally come to an end this week.
It has been reported heavily that Nuno has now agreed terms, and will become the next manager at Goodison Park, but it hasn’t happened smoothly.
We are supposed to be one of England’s most prestigious clubs, recognised globally as one of the most respected institutions, but the board are making an absolute mess of this manager’s appointment.
It was never going to be plain sailing with Ancelotti upping sticks in such rapid fashion, but there should always be a plan in place. That’s what smart club have, anyway.
Even without that plan firmly installed, there should have been emergency meetings where a clear philosophy or approach was outlined, with the key stakeholders putting their views and opinions across.
Ultimately, shouldn’t Brands be the individual entrusted to identify the next manager, given he is the one who will work most closely with him? Particularly in regards to signings, it seems strange not to get someone in that will align perfectly with his vision.
There’s something to be said about Kenwright’s ideas and candidates as well, but Moshiri should be the one making the big decisions and delegating control.
Hopefully, the club can now nail their man in Nuno, and we can all put this charade behind us.
In other Everton news, BBC journalist shares Moshiri’s personal stance on Benitez amid links to Blues.
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