Sky Sports journalist shares major Everton updates on Pereira and Ferguson from outside Finch Farm
Everton have not agreed a deal to hire Vitor Pereira as their new manager and Duncan Ferguson could be in charge for the club’s next two games, according to Sky Sports journalist Vinnie O’Connor.
Speaking on Sky Sports News from outside Everton’s Finch Farm training ground on Tuesday [25 January, 02:00pm], O’Connor rubbished a claim from Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda when he said on Monday that Pereira is signing a deal until the end of the season at Goodison, with the view to an extra year.
While it is understood that more talks are set to be held with the former Fenerbahce and Porto manager, O’Connor says no deal is in place and that Ferguson could be in charge for upcoming games against Brentford [5 February] and Newcastle United [8 February].
“While it’s been reported it’s a done deal for Vitor Pereira, we understand that isn’t the case. But, as mentioned, we do understand he will have talks with Everton once more.
“Other candidates we know include Frank Lampard, Roberto Martinez – although again, Roberto Martinez appears to be moving further and further away given his commitment with the Belgian FA.
“Interest remains in Wayne Rooney at Derby, as well. Obviously, Everton will have to seek permission with the club’s administrators before speaking to Wayne Rooney.
“And then there’s Duncan Ferguson.
“He had his first game back in charge at the weekend in that 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
“We understand it’s looking like that not only will he be in charge for the cup game against Brentford, but also Newcastle in the league as well.”
Weeks away
Everton may as well make the most of this short winter break because it should give them the time to produce a list of managers, talk to those managers and then offer the job to their top choice.
So far, we haven’t seen anyone that we’d be remotely excited to see in charge of the Blues.
While we get the clamour for Ferguson and Rooney to get the job as they’re two men with Everton at heart and will give the players a much-needed kick, they are risks.
Ferguson has been on the coaching team for a long time now. What more can he do to motivate the players that he hasn’t been doing already? Whatever he did after Rafa Benitez was sacked, it didn’t help us against Aston Villa.
And while Rooney is working wonders at Derby, he’s doing so without any real pressure on him at Pride Park because relegation is a foregone conclusion with their 21-point deduction.
Where’s Christophe Galtier in the thinking? Where’s Lucien Favre? Where’s a manager who’s actually done something in his career?
In other Everton news, the club could be hit by a “devastating” financial blow if this chief walks away amid protests.