Wayne Rooney would be interested in Everton manager’s job
Wayne Rooney would struggle to turn down the manager’s job at Everton if it was offered to him, despite being happy at Derby, according to Sky Sports.
England’s record goalscorer is currently in a relegation battle at the bottom of the Championship after going into administration, despite good form, but his history at Goodison could tempt him away.
The ex-Manchester United forward started his career on Merseyside and captained the side upon his return after a thirteen year absence.
The broadcaster reported on Sunday night: “Wayne Rooney is happy and focused at Derby County, but it is understood he would find it difficult to turn down the Everton job considering his history and association with #EFC”.
Strong bond
Despite the turmoil at Everton currently making it an unattractive proposition for many managers, the special place the club holds in certain figures’ hearts might mean the positives outweigh the negatives.
The suggestion that the ex-England captain may be appointed to replace Rafael Benitez undoubtedly represents a risk, as Rooney only retired from playing to become the permanent manager at Pride Park a year ago.
However, despite being deducted a total of 21 points this season and being chronically short of players at the start of the campaign, he has done well enough to prevent his team from being completely adrift at the bottom, and on current form could manage an unlikely survival from relegation.
The situation mirrors that of Frank Lampard, himself named as a potential candidate for the Everton job (Liverpool Echo), who also went from showing positive signs in a short reign at Derby before being appointed to the club where was a legend as a player, Chelsea.
At the time, the European Champions were a similarly unappealing job as they were operating under a transfer embargo and had just lost their best player in Eden Hazard.
The Blues all-time leading scorer ultimately did not last to the end of his second season at Stamford Bridge, but did guide the club through a difficult period with support from fans while reaching an FA Cup final.
With Everton supporters currently very unhappy following the reign of Benitez the club could do worse than bringing in a fan favourite who will have good will behind him, even if he is relatively unproven.
But Rooney himself should perhaps take heed of his former England colleague’s story as Lampard has been out of work for a year now, so listening to his head over his heart may be the sensible option.
In other Everton news, this Liverpool legend shared how Anfield reacted to the news of Benitez’s sacking.