Rio Ferdinand warns Wayne Rooney over decision on Everton job
Wayne Rooney should think very carefully about missing his opportunity to take over at Everton in case he never gets another chance, says Rio Ferdinand.
According to Times journalist Paul Joyce, the Blues have been in contact with Rooney’s representatives as they aim to hire a replacement for Rafa Benitez, who was sacked on Sunday.
Ferdinand believes the Derby manager would be equally happy as boss at Pride Park or Goodison Park but warned his former Manchester United teammate about staying.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel, the former Manchester United defender said: “What if they [Derby] go down and that opportunity to go to Everton never comes around again?
“Everyone was saying Frank Lampard… he’s going to be here forever. How many jobs have gone since he lost the Chelsea job?
“This isn’t forever. There’s people coming on the bandwagon immediately when you get the sack or you get moved on, and your name can be up in lights one day, and down in the dumps the next, very quickly.”
Spectre of Lampard
The risk that Ferdinand highlights is sure to be running through Rooney’s head as he contemplates the possibility of taking charge at his boyhood club.
It is believed that England’s record goalscorer is happy at Derby but would struggle to say no to the Toffees (Sky Sports).
What is particularly interesting in this situation is how heavily the third former England international, Lampard, figures in the discussion.
Not only is the Chelsea legend due to be interviewed for the Everton job himself (Sky Sports), but his own path in management is so similar to Rooney’s.
The former West Ham midfielder went from moderate success with the Rams to being parachuted in at Chelsea, where he has such a strong personal connection, but only lasted a season and a half before being sacked a year ago.
That he has been out of management since then could be held up as justification for arguments on both sides.
After all, he did make the jump and has been left in limbo since as clubs find it hard to judge how good he is as a manager.
But equally, if he had stayed at Derby and not managed to get them promoted, would he be considered for the Everton job currently?
Rooney has slightly longer in management, and is at more risk thanks to the perilous state of Derby now, so perhaps he is more prepared to step up, but the heart may rule the head regardless of the example set by his rival for the appointment.
In other Everton news, this former Goodison man had a clear reaction to this big move at the club.