Everton Have A Six Man Shortlist To Replace Rafa Benitez

Wayne Rooney is one of six manager's who could potentially replace Rafa Benitez as Everton manager, following the Spaniard's sacking.

There was very little surprise on Sunday afternoon when it was announced that Everton had decided to get rid of their manager, just six months after his appointment.

It wasn't like fans wanted the Liverpool legend, who managed them to the 2005 Champions League win over AC Milan, in the first place and, having lost eight of their last 11 league games, the loss to Norwich City on Saturday was always likely to be the final straw.

Whilst fans in the Red half of Merseyside sang their former manager's name, Everton fans will be wondering who they get in next, after five managers in the past six years.

According to Sky Sports' Alan Myers, Rooney is amongst six names being considered, along with Graham Potter, Rudi Garcia, Frank Lampard, Duncan Ferguson and former Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

Understand amongst the names being considered:

D Ferguson
Graham Potter
Roberto Martinez
Rudi Garcia
Frank Lampard
Wayne Rooney

— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) January 16, 2022

Rooney is currently Derby County manager and has had to deal with a tumultuous time at the club, due to their dire financial problems.

He has struggled to sign players, with a transfer embargo in place, and the Championship side were given a 21 point deduction due to the issues at the club.

However despite the troubles, the former Everton striker has won eight games in the league this season and yesterday's win over Sheffield United took them off the bottom of the table.

Martinez being linked with the job might come as a surprise to some, with the Belgium manager being the first boss to be sacked by owner Farhad Moshiri during his time at the club.

The former Wigan Athletic boss has a better win percentage than any other manager during the owner's spell other than Carlo Ancelotti, who left in the summer for Real Madrid, and had a three year spell at Goodison Park.

Duncan Ferguson is another man who has sat in the hot seat previously, with the former striker having been caretaker between Marco Silva and Ancelotti, taking charge for four games.

Brighton's Graham Potter, who Paul Merson thinks should be the next Manchester United manager, former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and ex Lyon and Roma manager Rudi Garcia are the other names on the list.

Whoever comes next will be hoping he doesn't end up facing a fan running onto the pitch to confront him, as long as it's not Jurgen Klopp or Brendan Rodgers they might be okay...