I won’t forgive Rafa for calling Everton a small club... but now we have to back him
PETER REID believes Everton should stick with under-fire boss Rafa Benitez.
Support for Benitez among the Goodison fans is dwindling as rapidly as the club’s descent down the Premier League table. And Leicester’s visit on Tuesday night will once again see the Spaniard under the cosh from fans.
But former England midfielder Reid can remember Everton being in a far worse state under Howard Kendall before the massive turnaround that saw them win the top-flight title twice in the 1980s.
“Rafa Benitez hasn’t had a season in charge yet and I remember what Howard Kendall had to go through after being in charge far longer (two-and-a-half years),” Reid recalled.
“After a goalless draw against Coventry there was a clamour for him to be sacked.
“There were cushions tossed on to Goodison Park, slogans on walls, leaflets saying his time was up.
“I played during those days when the crowds were down to 13,000 but Everton stuck by Howard and they went on to enjoy their most successful era. I’m not saying those glory days will be repeated but it does show what you can achieve if you hold your nerve.”
Reid isn’t a fully paid-up member of the Benitez fan club – far from it – but he insists it’s too soon to jettison the former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Real Madrid manager.
The 65-year-old, who wore a blue shirt with pride between 1982 and 1989, added: “When he called Everton a ‘small club’ I wasn’t impressed. It was disrespecting the club so him getting the
Everton job wasn’t for me, especially given his
Under-fire Rafa Benitez is looking for a change of luck at Everton
this year
Liverpool connection. But he’s been appointed and you’ve got to get behind him, it’s as simple as that. I’ll never forgive him for what he said but Rafa is the only real option at the moment.
“If he is given time and it still doesn’t work out then I will hold my hands up – I got it wrong. “
Under Benitez, Everton have slipped to 15th in the Premier League table, with only five wins in 18 matches.
Reid said: “When I go to Everton functions I see the passion in the supporters but also the frustration. It reminds me of my early years at Everton. The last time Everton won anything was in 1995, Joe Royle’s FA Cup-winning side.
“There has been no real direction for the club in recent years. Look at the list of managers we’ve had recently. Top names like Carlo Ancelotti, Ronald Koeman, and Big Sam Allardyce. Chopping and changing managers doesn’t usually work.
“In any case, if Rafa was to go now who would you get in? I don’t think there are any obvious candidates. The owner has made his choice and we have to back him.”