The former player Michael Ball on the club’s battle to find a new manager and avoid top-flight relegation.
How toxic are things at Goodison Park right now?
It’s been a crazy few years since (owner) Farhad Moshiri came in. Initially, we saw expectations rise because the one thing Everton had not had before was money, so we hoped we would be able to progress on and off the field. But we’re going backwards and every day as an Everton fan you’re waking up just hoping it’s going to be a normal day. Unfortunately, this is normal for us now!
Was it the right decision to sack Frank Lampard?
I felt sorry for him but I felt it was the right decision, though he was on a hiding to nothing. Matches have just gone by this season and Everton have been on the back foot – we’re a soft touch. Going to Goodison should be enjoyable but a lot of supporters are drained.
With a decision imminent, would you back Marcelo Bielsa as his replacement?
My head is scrambled. They have gone for so many different types of manager previously – young to old and experienced. But there could be a rude awakening for the players if Bielsa walks through the door given how he likes to set up his teams.
Would you be saddened to see local boy Anthony Gordon go to Newcastle?
We all questioned his mentality when he stayed in the summer and it was fantastic. But as soon as the transfer window opened, his performances dropped and you wonder, ‘Is he sulking?’. If he leaves, I would be very, very disappointed because you don’t ever want to lose quality players.
Everton have not been relegated from the top tier since 1951. What sort of impact would it have?
Everyone at the club is proud of that record. We’ve seen teams go down and struggle to come back up for a number of years and that’s scary for the fanbase. Even Liverpool might be disappointed to lose out on the derby games. But we’re only halfway through the season and have a good few months to turn it around.
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