Ratcliffe: Dyche’s facing big battle
KEVIN RATCLIFFE believes Everton have ignored relegation alarm bells for too long and fears a drop to the Championship is a big possibility for his former club.
As Goodison Park’s most successful captain when silverware was almost taken for granted in the Eighties under Howard Kendall, the one-time Wales skipper is hurting over the sad plight of the tarnished Toffees.
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche looks set to be named as the new Toffees boss following the sacking of Frank Lampard.
And Ratcliffe said: “The tell-tale signs that Everton could get relegated have been there for a few years but we’ve not really done anything about it – problems have not been addressed.
“What’s happened under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership has been disheartening.”
Ratcliffe (below) fears a fire will engulf a club which has enjoyed 72 years of top-flight football unless the downward spiral is reversed.
He added: “In some respects it doesn’t matter who comes in as boss because there are as many problems off the pitch as on it.
“As a former captain what is going on at the club is hurtful. The recent recruitment of players has been abysmal. We’ve been buying Championship players so where does that take you? Into the Championship.
“If we are relegated will the players who remain be motivated enough to play in the Championship and win promotion?
“I bet none of them have clauses in their contracts reducing their wages after relegation, causing more financial problems.
“That can cripple a club if you don’t get back up first time.
“Some people say it would be the best thing to be relegated so you can regroup.
“I don’t agree.
With Everton in the Championship it will be everyone else’s cup final when they play us. That puts enormous pressure on you every week.”
Ratcliffe believes that Moshiri has to take a look at himself over the trigger-happy firing of managers.
“Since he took control I think it’s seven who have come and gone, which is scary,” he added.
“Ronald Koeman, Carlo Ancelotti, Marco Silva... but look where it has taken Everton. Is that down to every manager?
“The first danger signs of the direction the club were heading in was when Sam Allardyce came in as a firefighter. Has it got any better since then?
“No it hasn’t. At too many clubs – Everton included – owners employ people but then don’t allow them to do the job.”