Everton have sacked Rafa Benitez as manager.
The Toffees have confirmed the Spaniard’s departure after yesterday’s 2-1 loss at Norwich City.
Everton have been in wretched form and won just one of their past 13 Premier League games. As a result, they’ve dropped to 15th in the table.
Despite only taking charge at Goodison Park last summer, the axe has been wielded on Rafa Benitez amid fan fury.
Now the search is on to find his successor.
An Everton statement said: “Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as First Team manager.
“Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.
“An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course.”
Here are the early frontrunners to become next Everton manager, according to bookmakers Paddy Power.
*Odds correct at time of publication.
5. Marcelino Garcia Toral - 16/1
The Spaniard won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019 and the Supercopa de España with Athletic Bilbao in 2021. | Getty Images
6. Duncan Ferguson - 12/1
The former Toffees forward is a huge fans’ favourite. He’s managed Everton in a caretaker role twice previously and left the club in the summer to pursue a managerial career of his own. | Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
7. Wayne Rooney - 10/1
The former Everton striker did well at Derby County under difficult circumstances and is now manager of MLS side DC United. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Sam Allardyce - 10/1
Spent six months as Everton manager in the 2017-18 season when he guided the club from a relegation scrap to eighth spot. However, supporters were far from enthused by his style of football. Photo: PAUL ELLIS