Wednesday 16 May 2018 13:25, UK
Who next for Everton? Sky Bet looks at the frontrunners following Sam Allardyce's sacking after just six months in charge.
Allardyce's departure comes as little surprise as Marco Silva is already considered odds-on favourite for the job, with the Toffees having previously targeted him before turning to the former England boss.
However, if they fail to get their man again, there is an intriguing list of alternative options either out of work or ready to make the step up.
Here are the main candidates based on Sky Bet's next Everton manager odds...
Marco Silva is the early short-priced favourite, having attracted the majority of backing as Everton are expected to make their second move to secure his services. The Portuguese boss built his reputation in English football after bringing attractive football to Hull, earning plaudits for his free-flowing style.
Despite an eventual relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, Silva retained respect in the footballing community and landed the managerial role at Watford, where he made a blistering start before their form tailed off, with the club blaming Everton's approach for their slump after parting company.
Second in the market to succeed Allardyce is Portuguese native Paulo Fonseca, having attracted acclaim for his fast-paced football at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Everton could face stiff competition from West Ham after it was reported the Hammers were keen to secure his services following the departure of David Moyes.
Everton may provide the perfect opportunity to give Louis van Gaal his chance to re-write his name into English footballing history if they choose to look beyond the favourites. The vastly experienced Dutchman struggled to meet expectations at Manchester United, despite winning the FA Cup. He has since publicly expressed his desire to prove them wrong for firing him, and his high expectations may match those of majority stakeholder Farhad Moshiri.
Despite claiming he would not be keen to take another job in English football, Everton could provide the ideal platform for Arsene Wenger to bounce back into the game. After a 22-year-tenure at Arsenal, Wenger has openly admitted his hope of staying in the game and Everton could offer both Premier League status and a transfer budget without the same pressures that comes with being Gunners manager.
The Spaniard is currently odds-on favourite to replace Wenger at Arsenal, but could well be presented with another opportunity to take over one of his former clubs, where he became a fan favourite in 199 appearances. Now in a coaching role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta has gained a growing reputation for his work on the sidelines. However, without any managerial experience, the 36-year-old would still represent a risk to succeed the experienced Allardyce.
After being nominated for LMA Manager of the Year, Burnley manager Sean Dyce is one of the most respected bosses in the English game. On a constrained budget, Dyche managed to guide the Clarets to their first European finish, ending a place above Everton. However, at odds of 25/1, a move for the 46-year-old is still considered unlikely.
Dyche is joined by ex-Tottenham and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and Premier League surviving Huddersfield boss David Wagner at 25/1. The vastly experienced Carlo Ancelotti is a 33/1 shot along with Newcastle's Rafael Benitez, the same price as Everton legend and current coach Duncan Ferguson.
