Everton manager search a ‘constant experiment, fans don’t want to be in the lab’

After Rafa Benitez was given the boot as Toffees boss, we asked the Everton Supporters Trust: why have the club gone through so many managers and who will be the next one?

Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti last summer, was axed after Saturday's 2-1 loss at Norwich City left Everton 16th in the Premier League table.

Everton are now looking for a sixth permanent manager since owner Farhad Moshiri took over in 2016.

Roberto Martinez, who was in charge at Everton from 2013-201, has been linked with a return although attempts to recruit the Belgian head coach could be blocked.

Scouser and former Everton player Wayne Rooney and ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard are both said to be interviewing for the post.

What’s been said

George McKane from Everton Supporters Trust said: "Benitez was a mistake from day one. It's not his fault.

“There's talk about going back to Martinez. He was hounded out and quite rightly in the end. He had one good season. It didn't just fail, it was an abject failure.

“ If they’re going to go back and make the same mistake with Martinez, they’re fools.”

George goes on to say: "At the top, Moshiri and Bill Kenwright - I hope they're embarrassed by the state the club is in.

“If they've had to go through six or seven managers in five years, something is wrong. If they're going to go back and make the same mistake with Martinez, they're fools.

“We've tried all the experiments; oh, it doesn't work if you promote within the club, we're just an old boys club.

“Oh, let's go for a young European manager - Marco Silva. Oh, let's go for an old experienced European Manager - Carlo Ancelloti and Benitez. We're running out of ideas.

“It's like a constant experiment, and as a fan, I don't want to be in the laboratory all the time."