Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Big Sam’s disgust at Blues chiefs
SACKED Sam Allardyce has savaged Everton in a parting blast, claiming he is “disgusted” by their conduct.
Big Sam (right) is furious with the Goodison Park hierarchy for overhauling the club’s management without consulting him.
The 63-year-old only heard of the sweeping boardroom
EVERTON have been warned Marco Silva is not the right manager for them.
Silva is Everton’s first choice to succeed the sacked Sam Allardyce and the Toffees hope his appointment can be confirmed in the next few days.
Silva has been out of work since being sacked by Watford in January, but former Everton striker Tony Cottee is not sure he has the right credentials for his old club. Cottee is concerned by the Portuguese’s record during his brief time in the Premier League. He was relegated with Hull last year, before getting the chop at Watford after his head was turned by Everton.
The Hornets’ form nosedived after the failed approach for Silva in the autumn and he managed just five points from his last 10 league games. Cottee, 52, claims majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri needs to think long and hard about the new manager. “Silva was someone they tried to get from Watford about six months ago and it certainly disturbed him in terms of what he was doing at Watford,” Cottee said.
“I’m not so sure whether he’s the right man to take the club forward. Everyone said he did a good job at Hull but, ultimately, they did get relegated. Then, after a pretty good start at Watford, he got the sack, albeit down to Everton’s interest.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns up, but I’m not quite sure he’s the right man.”
Silva’s commitment could also be questioned and he has not lasted longer than a season at any of his last four clubs. Now 40, Silva only stayed longer than one campaign at his first club Estoril, before quitting for Sporting Lisbon in 2014.
Everton fans have greeted Allardyce’s sacking with glee and his departure brings to an end one of the most acrimonious spells in the great club’s history
The supporters never accepted Big Sam because of his style and arrogant manner, and waged an open campaign to drive him out. He could not deliver the entertainment Goodison Park fans craved and instead produced dull football.
But he led Everton to eighth after they were 13th when he took over in November and in danger of being sucked into the relegation fight. Cottee (above) added: “He did a good job. When he took over there was no doubt they were heading towards relegation.
“The club was in turmoil after the poor start from Ronald Koeman, but Sam came in and did what Big Sam does.
“His teams don’t get relegated and he’s done his job, so he can walk away with his head held high. There will be plenty of job offers for Big Sam.”
Everton have continued their overhaul by confirming Dutchman Marcel Brands’ arrival from PSV Eindhoven to replace Steve Walsh as director of football.