Ancelotti 'agrees deal in principle' to join Everton

Get it done and back him with quality signing’s he is a proven winner just give him the tool’s he need’s and let him work!

Given the last two games Dunc deserves a chance. He has brought passion and belief to the team. His rapport with the fans is superb. His interview at the end of the game on Sunday and his acknowledgement of the fans was a joy to behold. Surely he deserves a chance rather than another manager who doesn't give a monkey's bollock about us and is just coming for the cash.
That's not to say I don't rate Ancellotti, but I've enjoyed the last two games so much and I want more of it. Dunc appears to me to be a natural in the job, on limited evidence I admit.

We wanted proven and all the baggage that goes with it, so here we go.

A gentleman by all respects, so hopefully he should work well with Brands & Moshiri and be less problematic as Mourinho.

My only concern if this comes off, is that this is his first real punt at a team with a limited budget and an average squad like ours. Our squad and its depth is beyond awful and I'm sure his first day in training will be a sobering moment for him.

We're going for a manager with a superb CV, as a player, played on the AC Milan team, I still believe was the best club team, of all time. He won everything as a manager, isn't it great that we are now going for a proven winner. The only downside for me, has he still got the appetitive, at his age.

Dunc collected him from the airport and no one has seen him since.

I'll go with Ancelotti. A proven manager, at the highest level, and he also has Premier League experience.

If it doesn't come off I'd give it to Duncan, at least until the end of the year.

Pat; love it!

Proven winner, not a smooth talking pretender.

Ancelotti knows exactly what to do. He knows how to set teams up and he knows how to win.

Get him in.

Dunc has stated he doesn’t want the job on a permanent basis.

What's the chances of Ancelotti V Arteta on Saturday?

Will he learn Scouse is the question or just convey his tactics through that eyebrow of his?

Will if he gets the job bring Paul Clement with him?

A smart Carlo retains Duncan and gets Cahill on board too.

Christy @4.
Check this listing out Link

I accept that our spending these last 5 years is no guarantee of same or more, but we aren't exactly "mingebags" these days are we ?

If Ancelotti comes in today, we can all cry at the amount of money thats been wasted,squandered by Walsh,Martinez,Koeman,Silva Brands ect.
If and its a big if Moshiri sanctions a big spend and hes got to given the injuries Ancelotti knows he has two windows to clear out the dead stuff, assess what hes got and get a squad together to challenge for trophies.
He has to secure our Premier League status first.Take a look at what hes got.
Moshiri can not be talking to Acelotti and not know hes got to have £200/300 million to give him.
Would Acelotti keep Keane??But Carlo will be given promises and who buys what.
Cant see him allowing Brands to buy who he wants.
What style will he deliver ???

He aint in Liverpool for nothing,hes here to take charge tommorow and Wed night.
Buy if he is in, good luck with what we have available to put on the field.
He is a very smart coach, he will discuss options with Duncan,in fact you can bet on it, Duncan will decide who and how we play.Ancelotti will tinker and tweek us with Duncan alongside him.
If you are an Everton player Wed night with Ancelotti on the touchline interviewing you,you think you will put a shift in.
100% he will play Moise Keane at 9,do it or your out lad,here is ya chance. A Brace we win and we get a No9 £28.5 million, instructions in Italian.

Master stroke him and Duncan on the touchline Wed and Sat, Thurs at City.
Then its Ancelotti's head on the block.
Is Clement coming with him as a coach.

Can only sit and pray now.

Pat "Dunc collected him from the airport and no one has seen him since".

Cracker!

Ancelloti is everything Marco wasn’t. Inspiration, good in game manager and an more Alex Ferguson in style.

He often lets his coaches do the job and he pulls it together. That’s why if we do go for him, he should bring someone he knows but retain the Everton core.

I do doubt the ‘fit’ however not his credentials so he has to get his back room staff right.

He's a winner. Seen it, done it, bought the t-shirt. There's a nagging thought in my mind that he could be the classic rich owner goes for past it big name coach, but if you're going to gamble, do it properly.

If he does come, I'm looking forward to the well-thought out 'fancy Dan tippy tappy foreign mercenary' nonsense too often spouted on here.

Balogue and some bloke from The Athletic tweeting independently that Ancellotti is in Rome today and about to go on holiday. Cloak and dagger or Sky manipulating the markets?

Comment at the weekend on Ancelotti.

"He is a very good coach of very good players"

I'm not convinced but hope to be proved very wrong

I’d give Dunc a go til the end of the season. However if Carlo has the drive and ambition then it is difficult to ignore him. One plus would be that as a renowned Italian football man he might be able to get Moise going on the pitch which would justify his salary at a stroke. Knows the league, a proven winner- let him groom Duncan to take over from him.

I’d give Dunc a go til the end of the season. However if Carlo has the drive and ambition then it is difficult to ignore him. One plus would be that as a renowned Italian football man he might be able to get Moise going on the pitch which would justify his salary at a stroke. Knows the league, a proven winner- let him groom Duncan to take over from him.

John @15, There will only be 'a fit' if Moshiri shells out another £250M to give the guy the kind of players he's used to. He's managed an array of top clubs always with money to spend. No doubt he will bring a gang of his own support staff and Dunc will be back 'on the cones.'

Not excited one little bit.

If Ancelloti was on Merseyside to speak with EFC, there would be mobile phone footage of it somewhere on social media?

Mmmm. Ancelotti or Moyes? Spent all of 0.0003 milliseconds pondering that one.

Just hope Ancelotti keeps Dunc on his coaching team, which would be a smart move for both of them.

Alexander Murphy@12, Don't understand what your reply has got to do with my comment?

Apparently its all bollocks Ancelotti is on holiday with his wife,

Holiday in New Brighton, Daniel. Reportedly.

I suppose the simple question is has any one seen him?
I know that merseyside covers a large area but I imagine he would be spotted at either F.F., Goodison or the Liver Building.

He met Moshiri in a Cheshire Health Spa. Bill, Farhad, and Carlo enjoyed a hot tub together and then had a vigorous rub down from Duncan.
Eyebrows were raised all round.

Are any of these things actually true? Last week it was Moyes. This week it's Ancelotti. Obviously rather have the latter but not convinced.

Eddie do you mean he would rather do that instead of a dip in the river Mersey,

sky now just saying in talks, rather than on Merseyside which is an entirely different fucking thing

Cheer up Derek @21 (sorry I mean Phil).

Must be a right laugh in your house

I don't think we'll recruit a permanent manager until the summer. Too much of a risk to make a panic appointment. Let Dunc have it until May.

I can't see it happening, it may well be that we keep the big man until the summer then go all out for a Ten Hag or Marco Rose?

Plays 4-4-2 with a high press, likes his full backs to overlap and his wide men to cut inside and support the main stikers. Likes to vary it with long balls from the back to catch out disorganised defences,
Maybe he has been reading Big Dunc's book of tactics.

If it’s not true, can we hijack Arsenal’s move for Arteta

I believe it will be Ancelotti. I don’t think he’s the right man for this job. I don’t think he’s a bad manager, in fact I think for some jobs he’s the best manager. If you have the best team then he will deliver, and not everyone can do that. Lots crack under the pressure, but not Carlo. His in game management is great. He can bring the best out of players.

Let’s concentrate on the positives, though. So we need a top coach to work under him. Not just his old mate Paul clement but someone with a bit more defensive nous too.

Carlo might be coming for one last pay day, but I don’t think he’s going to go through the motions. I think he’ll give it his all. I think he’ll accept that he needs a coach as he won’t be doing the hard work on the training ground.

As for long term, well lots want Duncan to have the job. Duncan has had different bosses to learn off so far, but he’s another who’s completely different again. If Carlo is only here two or three seasons, then maybe Duncan can step up then?

Carlo can work at Everton, but he needs the right team around him. Hopefully brands can hone in on the nuts and bolts and see what Carlo has in mind for the day to day.

Sky Sports are full of sh!t as usual.

Ancellotti will do for me. Win a title or two, plus a couple of cups and he can retire back to his Tuscan farm happy as a pig in shit. Benvenutti Carlo.

I've more chance of being the manager, unless we spend god knows what on players he's not coming.
With our squad give me Dunc. every time, but if he doesn't want it - strange that - we have to find someone. The only other manager that should give us the stability is Benitez.

If I was Moshiri I'd get down on my knees and beg Dunc. to take the job.

I agree with all posters, who say Everton will not appoint a Permanent Manager till the Summer.

I've been crowing about Ancelotti since Silva went, and I for one hope they pull this off. For too long we've been employing losers, so to my mind, a proven winner is just what we need.

The culture at Everton needs to change, and Ancelotti will bring in a new mindset. The question of course is whether he can manage a second tier club like Everton, rather than the top tier jobs he's been used to.

Maybe he'll see it as an interesting challenge, something a bit different from what he's been used to. All the top jobs are taken anyway aren't they?

Being reported that Ancelotti is in Rome with his family about to go to NAples and then to VAncouver for a family holiday so any speculation he will be holding up the Blue shirt at FF is very premature.

I wouldn't read to much into the Sky reports of him being in the UK. Meetings have allegedly been held, but on more reputable news sites they don't specify where. Sky love to sensationalise things - their reporting is no better than those c**ts at the Sun.

Oh ok, so if Carlo isn’t coming, arriverderci Carlo.

Not bothered at this moment in time, I am just enjoying the feel good factor with Dunc in charge.

Cannot wait for the cup game Wednesday, already a sell out, Goodison will be rocking.

We will sort the a Manager situation out, with a Dunc in charge, we do not need to panic and bring Moyes back.

Enjoy the ride for now fellow Blues.

It occurs to me that if Ancelotti came in, had over half a team out injured, forced to play a CB in midfield, adopted a 4-4-2 formation, got DCL amongst others playing out of his skin,and started with a win over Chelsea and a draw at OT the media, including sites like this, would be acclaiming the effect of a world class manager and patting Moshiri on the back for a great choice.
Well we’ve already got that man on board!!
What Dunc has done so far is pretty incredible and very radical with how he has changed formation, managed games, got players performing with grit and energy and has conducted himself very well in interviews and resisted the temptation to blow his own trumpet.
If he gets a win on Wednesday he will have made a compelling case to be asked to take over at least until the season end.

The good news - I just saw Ancelotti peering in my window.

The bad news - I live in Los Angeles.

Would certainly be a surprise if we get him and don't want to think about what salary he'd be on. However, the guy as a manager and player has probably won more trophies than Everton football club!

He's certainly a winner and this would raise a lot of eye brows and he cetainly won't take any shit for Kenwright.

If we get him no one could complain about not getting a winner so I'd certainly be fully behind him and would be super curious to see how it turns out. He's going to demand a budget and I hope he keeps big dunc as assistant with a view to grooming him to take over in a few years' time.

Or he's using us to get more wedge from Arsenal!

Damn sight more exciting talking about him than Moyes.

Steve, I’m in complete lockstep with the post. I posted a similarly thought post myself. How weird to agree!! 😂

Talk Sport reporting it’s a done deal ?!

I just don't see anyone new moving in until after Christmas and if Carlo is in the frame then he will surely have a break with his family and agree to start in January.
We are in fine hands with Dunc until then.

We will be the worse squad and stadium hes ever had, if he comes that is? Duncan is doing ok as interim and we should be in no rush. Duncan is a much better option over Unsworth, he really has surprised me.

I’ve heard this is pretty much signed and sealed. He will be in charge for the Arsenal game!!
Quite a statement from us I think. Whether it turns out to be successful will be told in time, but he’s got as many European cups as that lot at Mordor I think (open to be corrected)

Don't get your hopes up yet everybody, Ancelotti still in Italy and going on holiday next week. Sky news got it wrong again.

Have we all put a bet on this with Sky bet? That's what they want isn't it? However. Its also been on talksport so not just sky. Wait a minute what do you mean there is a connection between the two?

Simon

You are correct

For those who think Duncan is in for the long term, why haven’t Everton gone and got a few more coaches? We’re cut to the bare bones with the exit of Silva’s team. The first team are using ebbrell, Jeffers and Kelly from the u23s. There’s no one in who coaches conditioning (and suddenly we have injuries increasing). Not sure how the u23s are coping but note their results have suffered. If Duncan is keeping the job then we need coaching reinforcements. We got them last time under Unsworth. That we haven’t tells me they think they will appoint someone soon who will bring in their own team.

Let’s see what developes, this week. Interesting times at Goodison Park.

Duncs doing great there’s a feel good factor, and bounce that’s been missing for too long. Let’s hope we can beat Leicester.

What a night that would be.

Great if he’s genuinely interested but is this just preliminary talks, as some media claims he’s on leave.

But if we can get Carlo, then, who knows what potential can be achieved for the club. His nous of football can’t be ignored but I still think he’ll have to convince the EFC board, that he’s here for the good, the bad and the ugly.

But two weeks on, it shows in football as in life, that hope eternal, and hopefully EFC, is getting back on the right track.

If Ancelotti were to come, I think James (42) has the right idea. After the Napoli debacle, he may be fed up with the top clubs and their unrealistic expectations and crazy ownerships. As long as he's convinced of Moshiri's ambition, he could see this as a different sort of challenge. Who knows?

Sky sports news & Sky Bet they go hand in hand

I would love Ancelotti as manager but can't see him coming to Everton, he has already been sacked at Goodison!!

I must say that I have been totally proven wrong by Duncan. He has been nothing short of a revelation and restored my faith after the fiasco at Anfield just one and a half weeks ago. Amazing turnaround.

Alan, I’ve heard 100% that he was in a flight to London that arrived this morning, so he’s definitely in the country.

Pat [5] … wonderful! … Dave [47] … can't disagree with a single word you say.

I have a nagging thought in the back of my mind that, the only managers who have won trophies at Everton are former players of the club? Is this correct?

I’m feeling about Everton right now, what I felt about Everton as a young lad! Excited.

Presently, there’s no team in the Premier who would relish playing our weakened first team! That’s saying something considering the Derby game...

Steve, maybe the Board are hard pressed to convince Duncan to take the job. Considering what Seamus has stated, Ferguson probably believes he’s not good enough yet...

True leaders don’t seek power, they have it thrust upon them, and realise they wear it well...the penny may just drop yet

I’d be happy with Carlo though, with the correct team in place, as, as you say, he’s a tactician not a coach

Deal agreed apparently

Wouldn't touch him with a barge pole his cv is that of a man constantly involved with elite clubs any involvement here would merely be a top up to his pension.

You would think we might have learned from the Koeman debacle the folly of employing a "name" unsuited to the task ahead. Unless he has a secret list of mid table clubs he's transformed.

Incredibly he even wants to finish his holiday as per the dutch part timer

Sky reporting that a deal in principle has been agreed

On sky hes agreed deal in principle whatever that means

Only manager to beat the RS this season - and beat them last season - and during pre-season?

Simon. The plot thickens. According to BBC in Italy he is still there. Then again who would trust the BBC liars. Sure we will find out sooner or later. As long as we don't get the gingerman back were safe with Dunc till the end of the season.

It makes me wonder how you could keep Dunc on with Ancelotti. Two completely different approaches and style. Which also makes me think what was Dunc doing with Silva. Either one or the other.

It's on sky's strapline but no breaking news being reported by those in the studio.

Dominic King on Twitter:
“Everton and Carlo Ancelotti: it is not done, he is not on Merseyside. Talks would not take place in Liverpool, as board based in London. However... Ancelotti is due in London and face-to-face talks are planned with Farhad Moshiri. Moshiri has previously held talks with Moyes”

It might not be done, but it looks like it’s happening.

Who do we get then Barry@67? There is risk involved whoever is given the job. Best to get a winner who has done things with more than one Club than losers like Martinez, Silva and Allardyce. Koeman had done a good job at Southampton and looked a good appointment but we all now how that turned out.

Deal agreed, according to twitter world.

Sky Sports News reporting that Ancellotti has agreed to become manager ‘in principle’. So a deal looks a bit nearer but not yet in the bag.

I understand that Dunc will let Ancellotti manage for 18 minutes then replace him with Niasse

We all love Duncan but does anybody seriously think hesa better option than a managerial mega star.?

At least Moise Kean will hopefully be understood

Here in London - Various media outlets suggesting Carlo is (or isn’t) about to become Everton manager. No comment from either Phil McNulty or Alan Myers (who seems to have been abducted by aliens) - so Take your pick I guess.

Meanwhile Arsenal seem to be going into panic mode after yesterday’s thrashing. They might be in trouble if Arteta turns them down as (allegedly) Sam Allardyce doesn’t fancy moving darn sarf again and Alan Pardew is going abroad (also allegedly). Anton Du Beke rumoured to be leaving strictly so he may be a possibility.

Duncan is being praised to the rafters on the back of 2 games, with zero pressure on his job. Simple risk assessment alone tells you that appointing Dunc would, at this point, be very dangerous.

Ancelotti, on the other hand, is automatically a lower risk option because of his pedigree. The top clubs all work on the basis of minimising risk these days; so should we.

How can the options be Ancelotti or Moyes?

Doesn't exactly point to there being a strategy in place.

Arsenal better not hijack this

Seems like Ancelotti is going to be our man, according to Sky and the Beeb anyway

Joe, they should get Ancelotti out to Monaco, far from London and arsenal. Spot of dinner on Alisher’s yacht. Hopefully Bill will be too busy to get involved and little miss dynamite will be stuck in Liverpool. Leave the negotiating to Brands and Moshiri. With Moshiri only speaking when Brands let’s him.

No, no, no. Ancelotti is the past and we want the future. Keep DF and make a decision in the summer. DF points wise is the best manager we have ever had.

Brian (46) that’s the way I feel at the moment we’ve suddenly got our team back. City and others get headlines with their injuries but nothing like the bare bones were down to but Duncan’s managed to get performances from them. Holgate midfield maestro.Roll on Wednesday. If it is Ancelotti fantastic no disputing the guys a winner. Re. him only managing elite clubs Napoli have way less silverware than us. Staying up and we’ll win the cup.

Sky news reporting he’s agreed a deal in principle.
This this would be the perfect appointment with Duncan as his Number 2. Fingers crossed

Now that Brian Clough's been reincarnated as the new Welsh Secretary, can't we just go & nab him?

Ancellotti wouldn't be in Liverpool until he's being unveiled. All negotiations will take place in London or remote. This guy is the dream ticket, I just don't believe it will happen.

Ancellotti and Dunc together, great team.

Steve Ferns, absolutely 100% agree. Bill will be to busy rummaging in the loft looking for his old Tommy Steele VHS tapes and Val Doonican Christmas Compilation 1975, as a welcome gift for Carlo.

Welcome Carlo.

Now let's see you do some magic with this squad.

Hopefully a big turn around in fortunes.

COYB

Apparently Carlo is a big fan of 4-4-2 - and getting the ball forward quickly. Or at least he was in his last job.

Seems like he and Duncan sing from the same hymn sheet. That would be an interesting ‘dream team'.

Betting suspended. Looks like this is happening lads.

The idea that rational people are actually saying that Ancelotti wouldn’t be a good choice as manager. My god the mind boggles with Evertonians..

SSN are saying he has agreed in principle to becoming our next manager. How has Moshiri persuaded one of the World's best managers to take over, especially given our position?

Brands will become surplus to requirements, Ancelotti will be choosing which players we buy. My only slight doubt is has Carlo still got that burning ambition? What am I saying... of course he has!

3 Champions League trophies, 2 Premier League trophies, a total of 15 major trophies. The most successful manager Everton have ever appointed in their history. Make sure there is no slip-ups with this Moshiri.

Great point Si Pulford and it is baffling.
The man has done it all. He is exactly what you want. The rest is up to the board in what they support him with.

Call him clueless, you are clueless. That about sums up the logic in appointing a manager like him.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11888482/carlo-ancelotti-agrees-deal-to-become-everton-manager

Link

Incorrect Mike. He is tactically flexible. He played 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 mostly for Bayern. He's played variations of 4-4-2 at Napoli. He played 4-2-3-1 with Chelsea. He is willing to shift formation and system to suit our players and their players.

He likes to set up in the Double 6 formation which is not quite 4-4-2:

Keeper
RB CB CB LB
DM DM
AM AM
CF CF

Narrow formation which could see Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin up top and pulling wide with say Gylfi and Iwobi begins and going forwards into space. Or the AMCs pulling wide into space.

It's about being flexible and being hard to pick up. I believe it originates from Brazil.

Steve - Coral’s Twitter feed saying deal is done.

People don't want Ancelotti!!!!! He is exactly the type of manager we need after the last four chancers.

Sky saying deal.

It's not Carlo, it's Enzo the bakers lad.

Brian Harrison, managers like Ancelotti have spent their career working alongside somebody like Marcel Brands. English football was late to the game on Directors of Football.

The Kopites are boiling over with bitterness and spitting venom at us again:

https://socceronsunday.com/article/carlo-ancelotti-on-everton-link-its-depressing/

This has to be them behind the scenes doing 'Black Ops".

A few weeks ago, it was: "We need a winner and the jock does the cones." Now, two games in, it's "Give it to Dunc [first-name terms] and fuck Ancelotti!"

On the pitch at Man Utd, Ferguson replied when asked about wanting the job; he said "No, we're getting the best manager in the world". Seems he knows what's happening and, if it means us winning stuff and him back on the cones, then so be it for now.

Arteta has learned from his boss; why not let Ferguson do the same for the next three years? He will still have input with the players and can only learn from the Italian. Who, by the way, may get the best out of Kean.... who, believe it or not, actually can kick a ball – not like Slipper Foot.

Mike, I meant on your comment that he loves a 4-4-2.

If this is true, we need Eugene, to give us part two of Moyes telling his son, that he cant believe Everton have picked Ancellotti, over his cardigan!

How are Arsenal not in for Ancellotti? Their fans must be livid but it's great for us.

Haha yeah Tony. I’ll tweet him!

Steve 103] Double 6!! Bloody hell if he can get 12 players on the field he must be good - and it explains why he’s won so many trophies 🏆

John @ 110 -

Just people giving their opinions regarding the situation at that snap-shot in time.

It's time for everyone to get behind the Ancelotti, and allow him the same passion and bear-pit Goodison that Dunc enjoyed.

He's our guy now. And failure is catastrophic.

Haha, nice one Mike!

So what happens if we beat Liecester playing Dunc way they start losing a few games when Ancelotti comes? I believe all the defence and keeper have different style boots. Under Dunc they put the steelies on to launch it and the slippers for playing out from the back.

Let's hope he doesn't change his mind when he sees Martina, Niasse and Sidibe.

Jamie Crowley 100% get behind him. The shite are already in meltdown on the internet.

I heard Carlo likes a fag so BK’s out looking for some vintage Woodies like the ones me dad used to smoke - unfiltered. A bottle of plonk and a packet of ciggies should seal the deal.

Gutted if this news is true!

I had my 'Welcome Home Davy Boy' banner printed at the weekend after hearing the news on Talksport last week that my hero Moyes was returning to us.

We don't need some fancy dan that has won loads of things as a player and a manager. We need someone who knows our club and can keep our feet on the ground and not get ahead of ourselves.

Before we know it he will be bringing in a load of fancy superstars from around Europe, when what we really need is a few 'real' Everton players, like James Beattie, Per Kroldrup or Andy van der Meyde.

Kevin Latham (79) still wiping away the tears of laughter. Priceless.

Brian 122 belter

COYB and Forza Azzuri. I’ve had a go at the board for not thinking big before but I’m happy to see my arse over this. As should all those experts who told us that he’d go to Arsenal. For avoidance of doubt I mean they should see their own arses, not mine 😳

Ian, nothing wrong with Sidibe.

Everton Fans Logic: We demand a proven winner.

Moshiri: Ancellotti?

Everton Fans Logic: no he's won too many trophies, probably lacks hunger. We need someone less successful but is really keen.

I'm really scared about this.

Ancelotti is just a "buy the players" manager, not a "develop" manager. Can he make due with this squad?? We can't afford to go out and buy the talent he's accustomed to!!!

I think we're about to find out just how good Carlo Ancelotti is as a manager. This isn't his modus operandi.

I think it's a huge risk! But the potential upside is massive.

Fucking Moshri, I've got a riverboat on the Mississippi here I'd like you to visit, you big-cocked gambler, you!

I seriously don't know whether to rejoice, or break down crying.

Phil. The concern is that he’s more of a tactician than a coach. That he’s used to elite teams and not lower half sides. The concern is that Carlo’s skill set doesn’t fit in with what Everton need right now.

Crying never solves anything. Jamie. Fucking rejoice, man, get on your riverboat, put yer feet up and scream!

On the bright side, at least Kean can come on as sub with some Italian in his ear... lol!

The concern is Moshiri. He has been the most dangerous of owners when all is considered.

His fast track approach has not worked at all so far and this looks like more of it.

The next signings have to be absolute spot on.

Tony -

OK.

**feet up**

AHHHHHH YEEEESSSSSS WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!

Ah, fuck, just shed a tear.

I'm bi-polar about this. Off to work. Welcome Carlo, don't shit the bed you suave Italian bastard.

Jamie, we’re Evertonians mate. We live in fear and uncertainty. You could have the big man himself (JC) as manager, multiplying the fishes and raising the dead and all that, and we still wouldn’t trust him 100%.

Even during the glory years in the 80’s I knew we would end up fucking things up and that we wouldn’t build on it. But that’s another story.

Read his book and tell me if you still want him to be Everton’s manager!

He’s yesterday’s man and how motivated is he likely to be?

No thanks. I’ll take big Dunc until further notice.

What a message this would be! We need players in January right down the spine. We have way more chance of attracting them with Carlo. I love Duncan, he’s turned us round and reminded us what passion is. A few years of Carlo, and the big man comes back to lead the new champions of England into Bramley moor. Fuck it, it’s Christmas

If this happens, I'd love to be eavesdropping on Teary Bill's phone call to his beloved son Davey.

Paul, if Carletto comes in (as his mates call him), then we need everything to be spot on. This can’t fail. Everton if Ancelotti fails, doesn’t bear thinking about. And I don’t mean relegation, I mean if moshiri just gives up and loses interest and we’re left with mass debts.

Steve Ferns his skill set doesn't fit in with Everton ????? You couldn't make it up.

Paul Smith (113) I had exactly the same thought, feels a bit like a mix up, they should be talking to our guy and we should be talking to theirs? Maybe the whole deal has been brokered by Koldrup's agent??

Colin -

Jamie, we’re Evertonians mate. We live in fear and uncertainty. You could have the big man himself (JC) as manager, multiplying the fishes and raising the dead and all that, and we still wouldn’t trust him 100%.

And that, dear un-met internet friend, is why Everton fits me like a glove.

A lifetime of pain, suffering, and heartache - Boston Red Sox pre-2004.

I love my purgatorial existence, really do.

UTFB, long-distance style.

Colin, Corbyn is out of work now.

Ian (119) - Why are you lumping Sidibe in with those two?

Ah, come on Steve, we'd be hearing none of this if he'd done the business at Estoril & Olympiakos!

Joe @ 94 ie, Val Doonican- what knitwear, his 'Kuala Lumpa's' were legendary.

Colin. Had JC been Everton manager 2000 years ago VAR would have ruled out the Loaves & Fishes, raising of Lazarus and Water into wine miracles due to an infringement earlier in the build up on the road into Jerusalem.

Big Dun has got Everton playing with passion, but will Ancelotti be able to? All the technical know how in the world does not get footballers playing with passions. Everton lacking passion got Silva the sack inspite of his technical know how.

Steve best post was on another thread, were he’s tried to criticise Carlo, but ended up giving him more praise than Silva, and then his next paragraph starts with an now I’ll give you the pro’s!

George, you wouldn’t get Guardiola in to do the same job as Big Sam. Different managers are better at different things. Ancelotti is better at managing elite clubs in big games.

He’s never been a top coach. He doesn’t roll his sleeves up and get his hands dirty. He’s not built a side in well over a decade, almost two.

So let’s hope he can bring clement and a couple of other top coaches with him. I’ll be positive about him if appointed. Don’t worry about that. Just don’t think he’s the right man.

I'm also not convinced Ancelloti is the right choice, but I also think Duncan Ferguson isn't the guy either. Sure he's got the team fired up, but that's only going to take us so far.

I will be truly amazed if this comes off, the man ticks all the boxes and has a cv that even Klopp can’t better.
The only concern I have is that as we have seen the team and the Goodison crowd react to Duncan Ferguson’s pride and passion to be the manager of Everton and unfortunately Ancelotti is not the most charismatic of managers but can’t turn a chance like this down, the guy has won the lot !

I will back him 100% and cannot fault the board for their ambition. I have a friend who has worked with Carlo and says that he is a class act. A leader of men in the truest sense.

If I have a slight reservation it’s that Carlo is not an invasive force. He isn’t going to build the club top to bottom and rewrite the ‘blue’-print. I kind of feel like we need a force of nature. Ideally, we would have waited until the season ended and give Duncan a run. However, I accept that when a world class talent becomes available, you can’t wait and see. I hope they find a place for Duncan close to Carlo. I think he provides the passion and understanding of all things blue.

I really do wish I could get as excited as many who have posted.I don't have the slightest doubt that he is a good manager and I sincerely wish him all the success he can achieve. Unfortunately we have managed to screw up in the last few years regarding both players and managers that I would have concerns about whoever we sign.

I just hope he will be able to show the desire and inspiration that big Dunc has demonstrated in the last two games. Ferguson should be given a more visible roll in the coaching area.One certainty is that this appointment does show that Moshiri does have serious ambitions to make us a successful club.

Just checked and it appears Paul Clement is out of work having been linked with the Watford job. So he can be brought in as a coach, but he might prove expensive.

He's likely to bring his son Davide Ancelotti with him. He's had roles at Bayern and Napoli.

Only evertonians could criticize the appointment of one of the top managers in the world over the last decade.

We criticize Martinez and Silva (rightly so) and then appoint o top manager and because Duncan has got us fired up a bit we have reservations about a man who has organized and motivated every club he has been at to as Cheever’s things we only dream about.

Comeon

How much more definite is this really than the made up story of Moyes' return? If true then great. As someone said recently our last few managers have come from preston, wigan, palace and watford. So a track record with Parma (finished 2nd with Buffon, Cannovaro, Thuram and Crespo), Juve, Milan, Real, PsG, Chelsea and Bayern looks promising (although the Napoli job obviously didn't work out). Sort of a weird appointment. But at least it shows ambition. Hopfully he keeps Dunc on to help keep energy levels high. And hopefully Moshiri has some spare dosh to buy some better players for him to work with.

If this happens, it shows that, for all his faults, Moshiri is determined to make us successful. We're not that little club that wanted to go back to the heady, trophyless days of Moyes, are we? Are we?

I'm just glad we're trying to reach for the stars and not settling for second best.

Robert, the bookies have suspended the betting. That's further than Moyes got. They must know something.

He also does a magnificent solo eyebrow raise in all interviews. It ends up about 3 inches higher than the other eyebrow. V impressive. Moyes' personal best is a measly 0.5cm.

Ancelotti is a great appointment and is the elite manager that Moshiri has always craved. However, there needs to be longevity and a well thought out plan. That for me, is making Ferguson his No.2 with the idea being that Duncan will learn and eventually take over from Ancelotti. Fingers crossed, this happens, because it would indicate a long term plan and way to go forward

First manager that comes to Everton with trophies under his belt. Whats the alternative moyes or ferguson?

A big name manager attracts big players. I do feel this is the big one for the owner. He finally has a manager with credibility but has Carlo the hunger for the challenge? The team needs rebuilding and the wrong end of the table. Ferguson as number 2 with him learning to take over as manager in three years?

Next chapter to be written, title "the Carlo years".

If this is true, I hope Carlo is rich enough to have the confidence to say, very soon, “Mr Moshiri, you have appointed me to manage. I know about how a big football club is run, you don’t. With respect, please go away. I, Duncan, and the rest of my team will sort things out”.

Marvellous news

Everton close to signing Ancelotti - say it slowly, just dwell on that prospect. Ancelotti of all coaches. Everton of all clubs. Ancelotti would come to Everton? And some want better than that?!

If this is true, and he is revealed on Wed eve, watch the players play...

"Duncan will decide who and how we play. Ancelotti will tinker and tweek us with Duncan alongside him." Agree with this statement out of an excellent post earlier on from Adrian Evans. I was going to suggest that Anceloti was used to guide Dunc and to be the mouthpiece of the way players perform. However, even though his pedigree is excellent he has had a poor run of form at Napoli recently but has got them in contention for Champions League place.

I will believe it when I see him with the Everton scarf. but if it is true it must have been negotiated by Moshiri and Brands with instructions to B.K. there is a contract on its way don't worry who it is for, just sign it immediately, that is all your responsible for. And tell your friend D.M. to stop hanging around unless he wants a scouts job.

Brands does all the DoF stuff. Ferguson can do the gorilla team spirit stuff. Ancelotti can do the tactics and Kenwright the theatrics what could possibly go wrong.

sneering disbelief on Rawk. Most enjoyable Also can't wait for the ferret like look of disbelief on Rogers' face when the announcer says on Wednesday night 'and please give a big Goodison welcome for Everton's new manager Carlo Ancelotti!'

You have to be chuffed with this appointment. Big Dunc and Tim Cahill as his wing men, thank you santa.

Exciting times, let’s see what happens,the next few days.

A pre Christmas tonic, if it comes off. Hopefully it does and now to beat Leicester.

Has Farhad Moshiri realised and learned from the last 3 years almost 4 years of anguish?

Football makes and breaks reputations, let’s hope that this time the corners on the turn to better times for Evertonians.

Great move if he still has the desire to win. I’d prefer Duncan who has shown potential with a bare squad- can Carlo work with our players. I recall Bally in that training session when he turned to the trainer and asked “ how can I be expected to play with this lot?” Can Carlo sort these players out like Duncan appears to have done?
I don’t know the answer but exciting times ahead.

Brands is going to find Ancelotti will have his arm up his back and Moshiri in his ear. As for Duncan picking the team and giving the teamtalks, you guys have gotten a bit too romantic here!

Carlo Ancelotti will be in charge of everything, and so he should. He might not make the training ground every day, and when he does, he might be like Koeman, stood on the sidelines and watching, but he'll be calling the shots. Make no mistake about that.

Carlo's website and his honours list. A link to his books on there too. No doubt we'll all be getting it for Chrimbo now. Link

Steve, sounds to me that we have an actual manager that many of us have been hoping for, and Brands will be under pressure to deliver from both sides. Sounds good to me!

Maybe he'll employ the great coach that is Marco Silva

This is both sad news and hopeful news.

Duncan's leadership has made m enjoy football again.

But, being hard to beat and playing on the counter won't get us into the CL.

Ancelotti might get us there within 3 years.

You can’t fault Moshiri’s ambition it shows genuine intent. A real coup if it comes off

Steve Ferns, with respect, you thought Marco Silva was the right man for Everton. He's the worst Everton manager I've seen since I started going in 86.

I'm quite happy with Ancelotti

Balague is still claiming it's not happening.

Ryan, you clearly have a short or bad memory.

Steve #174

Yes, you're absolutely right. Ancelotti won't be hands on everyday but will of course oversee, tactics and the formation etc. That's why it should be imperative that Duncan is the No.2. One thing he seems capable of is motivation and he has passion in spades. He'll be learning from one of the best in Ancelotti. I just hope we don't mess this up and let Ancelotti bring in a completely new set of guys who won't be at the club in the long term. We need to look at the bigger picture and build long term success.

Name me a worse manager than Marco Silva at Everton

If it is to be Ancellotti then he needs to be given (virtual) total control of all football related affairs. This dysfunctional mess with DoF Brands, money man Moshiri and drama queen Bill all pulling their own way just doesn’t work and has proven to be a disaster.

If you want an A-List manager then you’d better trust him to implement his own team, style and tactics.

In my opinion Carlo Ancellotti would be a great appointment and give the whole club a tremendous and immediate lift.

He is a world class manager and would get the best out of our squad. I for one would be honoured to have him as our manager.

Ryan, Walter Smith, Howard Kendall III, and Mike Walker for starters. The latter two never worked again. Marco Silva will have another job before the start of next season and you will not have heard the last of him.

How on earth can anyone not want to employ a serial winner ffs! If Ancelotti signs it will be the biggest signing this club has ever made and it kicks in to touch the small potatoes/ corner shop thinking chairman’s ideas too. Embrace this Evertonians, no more overthinking idiotic management and someone who demands instant respect and will also attract a different quality of player we couldn’t dream of signing before. Make This Happen!!!

Not sure how anyone can be upset at this.

We were close to getting Moyes back... repeat that slowly. Then relax...

Andrew #80 Big Dunc has just taken 4 points from 6 not a bad start for a novice with no midfield and players dropping like flies, even Superstar Managers have to start somewhere.

He's a decent pick but I'm gutted for Dunc.
Felt like something special was about to happen and I felt he deserved a run till new year at least.
The passion he's brought back to the club in the last week has been incredible.

Ancelotti has a big coaching team. There was over 10 guys at Bayern. Not as many went to Napoli. If he comes in here, we'd be mad to force him to have certain people. If you want Ancelotti, then let him have his own staff and do his own thing. If one of them is Paul Clement then at least he's got recent experience of successfully battling to stay up. He also seems a better coach than manager. His son, Davide Ancelotti, will be in charge of fitness.

Brands is a director now isn't he? His director of football role may have changed in some aspects.

No way would he want Ancellotti if he is the Director of Football we define? I just cannot imagine it.

Moshiri is asking for a quick turn around with the appointment. Is that possible without major improvements to the starting 11?

If Moshiri has now learnt that quality matters over quantity it will be a good move. If we carry on buying cast offs and the best of the bottom half I think the Ancellotti deal is as pointless as Koeman.

Ancelotti and BMD planning application within a week. There will be better days after all.

1. Reggiana
2. Parma
3. Juventus
4. Milan
5. Chelsea
6. Paris Saint-Germain
7. Real Madrid
8. Bayern Munich
9. Napoli
10 Everton?

(It's not a bad list is it? … All big clubs except for Chelsea!)

The backroom staff / assistant will be critical though, as I am concerned about Ancelotti's long term commitment and ability to grind out multiple seasons, especially in the EPL. Hopefully this would also help resolve the Moise Kean situation to our satisfaction i.e. he starts to play to his ability and our needs, given the direct communication possible in Italian

An Italian journalist called Nicola Schira, is saying Ancelotti is going to be earning £3.75 million a year from Everton?

Ryan #183, much as I was glad to see the back of Silva, Mike Walker is in a league of his own in the worst manager stakes. The only manager I've seen that I genuinely thought would get us relegated.

Still makes me sad to think we missed out on Bobby Robson all those years ago. If we’d have appointed the right manager back then our history would’ve been so different. Don’t make the same mistake Everton.

Steve, the bookies suspended betting on Moyes last week.

Tony #195. Maybe he's getting a more incentivised contract? Though I havev to say that's a good basic salary. I'd take it, but I'd have to sell a few of my cars.

Some fun stuff:

Ancelotti stopping to help a Napoli fan fix his bikeLink

Ancelotti pretending to be a member of the audience to ask his players a question: Link

He's meant to be a funny guy, which is probably how he gets the best of out of his elite players by making them relax. Let's hope Carlo knows how to unlock the best from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Phil Martin 127.

Welcome to ToffeeWeb.

Steve#159
The bookies will know little more than the rest of us. They will only suspend betting if there's a sudden rush of money on something and it looks like they'll cop a loss

Steve Ferns

I'd argue that Walter Smith was better than Silva before, during and after Everton. He won the Scottish league 7 years in a row, while here he kept us afloat after having the rug pulled out -- versus Marco spending millions and doing nothing. After he left he got to the UEFA cup final and had some great results with Scotland.

Tony 195, still only about half of what dithering Dave was earning before he dumped us for the mancs.

Silva was bad, football and results wise. Mike Walker’s ineptitude will never be surpassed in an elite European professional league ever again and was by far the worst manager we have had in the Premier league. Mike Walker looked, acted and set his teams up like a used car salesman. I believe “due diligence” originated in the business world straight after his sacking

Your opinion Kieran. He had a miserable win percentage. But worse than that he sent teams out with 6 centre-backs on the pitch. I'll never forget the time we played Derby County and neither side had a shot all game. That was my worst time as a fan. When we were shite at other times, at least we tried to win games.

Shouldn't this be about Ancelotti though?

Steve, I'm open to Ancelotti having his own team. I do however think that Ferguson should be his No.2,. the same way as Ryan Giggs was meant to eventually take over Louis Van Gaal at United. Ancelotti and his team may not be with us longer then 3 seasons, and after the way Duncan has handled the team, albeit in 2 games, it's likely to mean he'll be the favourite to take over when Ancelotti leaves. I think the guy who is a strong contender to be our future manager should be working closely with one of the best in the game, otherwise, we could just end up making the same mistake and going back to reset when another managerial regime ends. Let's look at long term continuity just for once.

saying Ancelotti May have lost his hunger because of all the trophies and success is like saying ‘swerve signing Messi and Lewandoski-they’ve already won loads and scored loads. !’

Everton set to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as manager. Just repeat that to yourself and let it sink in for a moment.

Hold on - 'hes yesterdays man, hes not a great coach, hes only ever managed at elite clubs, did we not learn from Koeman, hes not got the hunger!'

Sweet fuckin christ almighty. Let me repeat, Everton set to appoint Carlo Ancelotti as manager. One of the most decorated managers in history!!

Dont think for a minute hes chosen to come here without having assurances about players, budgets etc, clearly we are going for it in a big way and this is a huge statement from the club.

Let's get behind and not pretend we know anything about Ancelotti or his hunger or abilities. The evidence is that simply he has won more trophies as a manager than we have in our entire history!!!
As for not learning from Koeman, cant remember who said it but tell me which elite club or clubs had Koeman managed before us, of that's right Southampton.
But hes not a great coach! Yeah clearly, oh no hang on the evidence suggests exactly the opposite as does testaments from some of the best players in football that he has managed. And I'll tell you what if this is what 'not a good coach's achieved then I'll have some of that.

Walker, Royle, Smith, Moyes, Martinez, Koeman, Allardyce, Silva. Now, hopefully, Carlo Ancelotti.
This is by far the best managerial appointment our club has made in my meagre 40 years, except HK. I know it's not in our nature to get excited, I know wev been let down so many, many times. I know until hes here and holding a trophy, we still might not yet believe it but this is simply the best thing to happen to our club in a long long time. Let's enjoy it ladies and gentlemen because this is only the start.
Welcome Don Ancelotti, thank fuck it's not Moyes!!!! :-)

The same as the last 4 managers. NO THANK YOU, NOT WANTED!

But money and an easy 'get out' will entice the 'best ever manager to Everton' bulls hit game we have played for a few seasons and seem to want to play again.

F K in Amsterdam springs to mind.

See you all in another 12 to 18 months for another meaningless debate. Aaaahhhh!

Interesting fact: Everton have won 15 major titles/cups in our history. Ancellotti has won 15 major titles/cups in his managerial career. I think he’ll do for us.

Gavin, Louis van Gaal's tenure at Man Utd is hardly a template for success, and Giggs didn't do well enough to take the job permanently.

Ancelotti is 10 years younger than Hodgson, he might think he has a 5 year project in him. He might want to be grooming his son to take over. If you want Carlo Ancelotti, then let him be Carlo Ancelotti.

Marcel Brands must stay in charge of all player transactions.

Giving Ancelotti control would result in our average first team age going from around 23 to 38 in one transfer window!!!

I also found the Walter Smith era truly gut wrenching for its sheer defensive awfulness and the appallingly bad first eleven. Possibly why I liked Moyes (and still sort of do provided we never employ him again). But let's not dwell on the past, let's get all excited about the January transfer window. James Rodriguez anyone?

GJ 207. Never a great fan of DF but have to admit he has delivered over the past 2 games. Ancelloti may well have 'his team' but there should be room for Duncan in there somewhere to learn from the best on offer at the mo. and prepare for his role as Everton manager in his own right - when the time comes.

Steve - your suffering inbuilt bias there on Silva. Mike Walker took ineptitude to a new (low) level but the circumstances Walter Smith and HKIII had to contend with were very choppy waters - Silva had calm seas and huge resources by comparison and still messed up. Add in Hull and Watford and a fundamental weakness in his DNA is revealed. Also unfair to judge HK on III alone - he is first or second on our managers list in anyone's eyes depending on your Catterick or Kendall allegiance - I marginally favour the former but hold huge respect and affection for the latter in all his guises at the Club

I'd prefer Mike Walker to be honest. This is marketing a big name... Nothing of substance to show for the last 5 years... Very uninspiring and zero energy.. And crap English too... I'm despairing to see us throwing a load of money out the bloody window again. Might as well get Trappatoni in.. At least he had a bit of energy.. I really hope I'm proved wrong but for now I'm just depressed.

Steve#150.
You don't think he's the right man.
That'll do for me because you banged on and on, and on some more, with unbending conviction, about how Silva WAS the right man. 🤣

Re Walter Smith: seven words.

Steve Watson playing centre-forward. For Everton.

As for Ancelotti. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL. Hopefully his team of elite coaches can make sense of the muddled squad list we have. On the plus side he has heaps of options for his renowned in game tactical genius

Jamie, don't be mistaken. Ancelotti is a continental manager, a head coach. He is not a British Manager. He will get what he's given.

He is not going to be demanding Brands go and sign Messi. He will demanding that Brands goes and finds him someone like Messi. Although, he is likely to have a shopping list of former players and make demands for some of them. More often than not, he will just give a list of criteria and let Brands find a player who fits that criteria.

Carlos record against Klopp?

If this all proves to be true, it rather begs the question: who's paying for it all? Has Moshiri made another billion since taking over the Club? He may well need one, or two!

Roger that, Steve Ferns.

God man, just think about this. Carlo-fucking-Ancelotti!

Yougoddabekiddinme

I think we might have an infiltrator, or two, on here. RAWK closed for the night?

My god this thread defies belief.

If we get him, I really hope the rest of the club can step up.
My preference was always a big name, but more of an organizer. I’m very surprised it looks like Ancelotti.
He will be used to the top drawer workings of a big club. If we don’t get our shit together he’ll be looking for an annulment before he starts!
It wouldn’t surprise me if we shelled out for a big cash money forward in January.
FFP really doesn’t matter at this stage, and breaking it is worth it for the rewards, first offenses are usually fines and we have an accountant as our owner
I firmly believe it’s now or never...

Ancelotti was unpopular at Munich and slated by their players. But that said, they all slate each other and there seems to have been a communal blame game going on in German football since the last world cup so I am not sure if we should worry.

Shame this is likely to bring Dunc's term to a premature end. I'm sure we were all hoping to see something special happen under Ferguson.

Ancelotti does represent a coup for us though. Let's hope he has a league cup semi final to contest early in his reign.

Ancelotti coaching Bayern on Day 1Link

Still a load of Journos saying no to this by the way.

Is it just me or does the article we're all commenting on now sound a lot less definite than it did about an hour ago?

you've only got to look at the instant impact Klopp had to see the change an elite manager can make. It is tremendously fucking exciting

Brian 218,

100% agree. Steve the man hasn’t even signed yet and your already telling us how often he’ll take training, what coaching staff he will have, what tactics he’ll play etc.

If he does sign for us can you just give it a couple of games before you start telling us why we are all wrong and what tactics should be played etc,

Steve, United and Van Gaal isn't a template that was successful, but had LVG had more success, it could have meant United building something long term and avoiding the chaos they have at that club now. Duncan also has a lot more about him than Giggs, or Paul Clement being a manager.

Ajax have been doing this for years. The RS also did it until Souness dismantled the back room staff and promoting from within. I'd just like to plan ahead this time, and I already think Duncan could be a very good manager. There's no point demoting him back to a none specific coaching role again. It's a perfect opportunity for him to be an assistant with a view to eventually succeeding.

The other thing is that Ferguson would be a direct conduit between Ancelotti and what Everton is all about. We've got that back in the last two games. The criticism at Bayern was that Ancelotti didn't drive the players enough, and some of the players had to get their own fitness coaches. At least with Ferguson he'd have a strong No.2 who will work the players hard. Ancelotti can be the master tactician and man manager. I think it could be a dream team that could build long term success. Of course, you may be right and Ancelotti might look at it as a 5 year project, but even then, I'd still be looking at an internal appointment in Ferguson so he should be No.2 IMO. I've forgotten what it was like being an Evertonian over the last few seasons. The last 2 games have galvanised and given us our identity back. I'd like Ancelotti to come in and build on that, like Martinez did in his first season, until he got ahead of himself and disregarded the foundations he'd inherited.

The great news with Ancelotti becoming manager, the type of player he'll be trying to buy in January, Messi !!

As far as I am concerned the jury is still out, if Carlo is appointed. I can see him being a Italian Big Sam with a attacking option , appointed by Moshiri who really knows how to pick a Manager suitable for Everton.

As far as I am concerned the jury is still out, if Carlo is appointed. I can see him being a Italian Big Sam with a attacking option , appointed by Moshiri who really knows how to pick a Manager suitable for Everton.

I am getting mixed messages about the possible signing of Ancellotti.
Many posters seem to be more concerned about what Steve Ferns thinks about Ancellotti than what Everton think about getting him.

While I usually enjoy Steve's point of view I am also worried that Ancellotti might not come if he feels that Steve may have some concerns about his appointment.

My only other concern is that Big Dunc may have to start taking Italian lessons

Maybe "Agreed in principle" means he wants a rest till the end of the season and if Big Dunc manages to keep us up in EPL this season he is prepared, in principle, to take on the job. ???

Everton just released Statement saying no one has been offered a Contract.

Jerome shields. No offence but you’re talking absolute wham. What has Big Sam won? What has Ancelotti won?

End of conversation.

Gavin, looking at his last 3 clubs, he always has guys that were there before. He's not going to get rid of Duncan, and he might even keep Ebbrell or Jeffers. He's a fan of nepotism though. He has 3 family members on the coaching staff!

David, I merely pointed out the same coaching staff who have followed him. For example, Paul Clement was at Bayern but not at Napoli. I haven't said what tactics he will play. I have said he is not a committed 4-4-2 man, as he has been flexible in the past. His best quality is his tactical brain and his flexibility.

Hopefully our players can be clever enough to play a variety of ways, something Marco Silva said he could not get them to do. As for how often he'll take training, watch the videos and you will see what he does. Just because you can't be arsed watching stuff doesn't mean I can't comment on it.

Jerome

I know exactly what you mean I’m struck by the similarities between Allardyce and Ancellotti the greying coiffure, the tendency to defend, the top clubs they have both managed and all trophies they have both won - oh yeah hang on - one is a manager who has managed successfully all over Europe and the other is?

Thanks ian, Everton said this:

“In the 11 days since Marco Silva left the Club, the Everton Board has been working to recruit a new permanent manager – and has held meetings with a number of candidates.

We can confirm that thus far no contract offer has been made and no candidate has chosen to withdraw from the process.

While the Club is keen to confirm a new permanent manager as soon as possible, the only important duty is that the right appointment is made.

While our process continues, Duncan Ferguson will remain as caretaker manager and will take charge of the side for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester City."

Looks like more money for Sky Bet.

Sky Sports now backtracking after EFC issue a statement indicating we've spoken with a number of coaches but NO contract offers have been made.

Everton are blameless in this shitshow. Sky, on the other hand, are a fucking disgrace. I wonder if Everton still have to sort out Napoli, hence the need to deny it's done.

Could it be the wrong time to appoint Ancelotti ? Ordinarily most Evertonians would jump at the chance given his record as a serial winner, but the timing seems all wrong. When your lodged in a relegation battle you need a special set of skills to climb out, Duncan seems to have those skills and it maybe a mistake to make a change right now. The summer would be a better bet.

If Ancelotti struggles to make an instant impact it could cost us dearly, it's Moshiri's decision to make. As usual the fans just have to take what comes and pray for a successful outcome.

Ah well get Moyes back in.

"and no candidate has chosen to withdraw".

If he can raise the players to perform like he raises that eyebrow of his they will perform wonders.

Steve, Tbh, I think Everton have been guilty of nepotism in some of the backroom appointments. I don't know why Jeffers is anywhere near the club.

I also used to think that Ferguson was a token employee. Now it's becoming clear he has something about him and he wasn't given a chance to do what he wanted. Maybe Silva would still be here if he'd had Ferguson as a No 2 instead of Dead Snake.

Pardew's hat still in the ring people. Still in the ring. Seriously, did Sky just prank us? Is that what happened?

Better just saying fuck all.

.
David Moyes and son Wee Sandy are sitting in the living room of their Peebles Holiday home, ‘Dunskowlin’.

They’re watching a re-run of Taggart on ITV4+3.

Moyes: “It has tae be the Vicar that’s the killer”

Wee Sandy: (looking confused) “The Vicar was murdered in the first five minutes pa.”

Moyes: “Ah think they done that just tae throw us aff the scent, you watch, it’ll be him awright.”

Wee Davey: “Ah think yer wrong pa.”

Moyes: “Wrang am ah? Didn’t ye recently telt me ah wouldnae get another job back in fitba?”

Wee Davey: “Well…ye didnae.”

Moyes: “No but am favourite tae get back the job that’s RIGHTFULLY mine.”

Wee Davey: “JOINT favourite pa, you and big Duncan wuz both 3/1 last time ah looked”

Moyes: “PFFT!! Big Duncan? Big galoot mair like! Believe me son, any day noo, like Bonnie Prince Charlie returnin’ hame, I’ll be returnin’ tae mah rightful pla..”

Suddenly Taggart is interrupted by an announcement from Jock McStrapp, Scotlands' leading sports reporter.

Jock: “We’re just getting news that Everton look likely to appoint Carlo Ancelotti, more news when we get it. Now, back to Taggart.”

David Moyes is stunned - he sits open-mouthed with tea and shortbread crumbs falling from his mouth and staining his (2 for £16) beige Matalan cardigan.

Moyes: “Ance-WHO?”

Wee Sandy: “Ancelotti pa, he’s fae Italy, guy’s a born winner, won everythin, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, Champions’ League..”

Moyes: “He’s won EVERYTHIN’?”

Wee Sandy: “Well mebbeez not everyth…”

Moyes: “No no, that’s whit ye said - everythin’!”

Wee Sandy (sighing) “Ok, ok pa, he HASN’T won the division two title.”

Moyes: “Thank you!”

David Moyes looks over to the picture of himself on the mantlepiece, receiving his only trophy as a manager, the div 2 title…in 1999/2000.

Moyes: "Take it fae me son, any flash Harry can win they big glittery baubles in fitba' wi' all the money in the world. But it takes a special kind o' chap to take a team from the pits of division 2 and lift them to the heights of division 1, on a limited budget. THAT is fitba' management."

Moyes dunks a piece of shortbread into his tea.

As he lifts it to his mouth, it breaks off and falls back into his tea.

Moyes: "ACH JINGS!!"

(for Steve Ferns)

Mixed feelings, I know he has a terrific record but due to his age, has he the passion for it now, and hope he won't be coming for a last pay off.

Haha brilliant Eugene! It almost makes you want Moyes so we can have more of them!

Sid #240 and Ed #242

Ancelotti has the attacking option in his plan and has won competitions with elite Clubs. Everton is a rebuilding job on the field and Stadium wise. It's a lot different than what Ancelotti career path has been. Ancelotti will be on a big contract and won't lose out whatever happens. Also , it is Moshiri who is deciding whether to appoint him or not.

Mike Walker
17% win percentage

.
Steve (253) - No it DEFINITELY doesn't!

At least its got Carragher worried!!!

Jesus to get inside that brain. Please, God.

Jock McStrapp.

NO rather than a Yes. It sounds, feels and doesn't seem right. But... Could he be the better italian Moyes to sort it out for the rest of the season?

I don't want to hire short term but if I he's good, gets results playing good football I don't think I would begrudge him a second season.

So the moral of the story, we don't get Ancelotti or Arteta, why am I not surprised.

This is Everton!

Just read through all comments on this thread, many have made me laugh out loud, equally many have brought me to tears.

To the doubters:- Who the fuck would you rather have as Everton's next manager than Ancelotti?

I think this is the superstar signing that Moshiri has been after since he joined. Absolutely the direction we should be travelling

Have a feeling Moshi has spoke to Jim White, then got him to backtrack on announcing it.

I fully expect Ancelotti to be sitting in the stands for the cup game before taking over before the Arsenal game.

Looks like Bill has got some pictures of Moshiri in a compromising position.
Moyes it is then.

Just taking a step back for a moment, ignoring where Ancelotti actually is and when his holidays are, the TalkSport website is currently running the headline “Ancelotti Set to be Named as Everton Manager.” That’s a very, very strong headline for something uncertain. I don’t recall ever seeing a headline like that which didn’t come to fruition.

We all know Moshiri has links with Jim White who works for TalkSport and Sky Sports News so it’s hardly a surprise that they would be the first to hear. It’s also no surprise that Everton have moved quickly to temper expectations. Moshiri has been guilty in the past of saying too much too soon and I suspect he’s done it again.

Carlo Ancelotti at Everton. Wow. I always said that, when City got their billionaires, the first thing they did was sack Hughes and appoint Mancini and that Everton needed to do the same. Go out and make a statement of intent. Regardless of whether Ancelotti is ultimately a success, what a statement of intent that would be!

Joe#266

I very expensive statement of intentwith consequences.

Prophecy is a affliction of the articulate. Recent threads have shown how far this affliction can go. If any of these reports or threads where true, Moshiri is a Kenwright with money, causing damage to Everton Football Club. He is not only the Goose with the Golden Egg, he is a Goose deciding who is the next Manager of Everton.

Sky reporting now that Ancelotti is expected to be named as ours on Thurs or Fri this week.

This would be a real coup for the club if landing someone of Ancelotti's pedigree and certainly make other clubs in the UK and Europe sit up, he may well have the odd bargain player on his radar too with his wealth of managing so many different players.
It looks as though Captain Black could be heading to Arsenal, if so we have the better deal as our man has done the wide Spectrum !

Ancelotti has said nice things about Moise Kean in the past, and obviously they both speak Italian - coincidence? I think not!

I really hope we don't Everton this up and end up with the ginger loser.

Sacked more times than the Grinch...keep Dunk till the summer ffs.

This beautiful club will never go anywhere with lard arse Bill having a string to pull.

Darren - he's 60 years old, he's been a manager since 1995, of course he's been sacked.

I wish people would get over this idea that we need either a loser or a novice in charge purely because he used to play for us.

Eugene (252), I don’t think Moyes was ever as happy and easy going as you portrayed him in your post.

Interesting that many want a proven winner. And a notable few would prefer someone younger, hungrier and more raw but with impressive potential.

Broadly speaking I think Ancelotti is the perfect manifestation of the former and someone like Arteta might be the poster boy for the latter.

If we go Ancelotti and Arsenal go for Arteta it will be fascinating to see which club moves forward and which falters.

Ancelotti has won ALOT of trophies. But its been about 20 years since he has managed a mid-table side. If he thinks he can improve us then i'm inclined to believe him. And if he takes the job then for the most part I will be excited to see what he can bring to the table.

One note of caution; at his last two clubs Ancelotti oversaw drops in win rate. Napoli won 66% under Sarri but only 52% under Ancelotti. Bayern won 75% under Guardiola and 70% under Ancelotti. So it would appear he has not improved the lot of his last two clubs. Third time lucky?

Sam@276

We're a very different animal to Bayern or Napoli. The way things were under Silva, I reckon I could improve our win rate.

People need to get over this Kenwright drama now its fucking tedious and cheap. The jokes are shit and the gossip is embarrassing.

No wonder we can't move on. If its Ferguson or Moyes then Kenwright must be pulling the strings, now its Ancellotti and the temptation for a shit joke and some negatives is just too much for some to pass up.

Fancy dedicating every post to a cheap soppy joke about a soppy individual that doesn't define Everton.

Best coach possible for Everton to pursue and we have Kenwright shite and psyche analysis on how much Ancellotti likes to coach.

Go back to champ manager or join the Ramblers where boring old repetitive chaps will chat negatively about Bill with you.

Sam Hoare, shouldn't we make sure The Manager whoever it is, gets the resources to succeed? Not former relegation battlers or players Arsenal won't use?

It’s done ladies and gents.

James@277, we certainly are; yes it would seem an open goal of sorts as surely the only way is up?

Paul@278 not quite sure of your point? Don't think I made any mention of resources made available to a manager? But yes, of course any manager should be given the tools to succeed. I think with a DOF the manager is expected to work within the clubs philosophy and recruitment structure though; in order to maintain consistency.

Looks like it's happening

Link

I don't know too much about Italian journos but Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano both claim it's done with a contract until 2024 and the Torygraph is running the story now too.

If Arteta wasn't an ex-Everton player we wouldn't be interested in him at all. He would just be another young up and coming coach. I think Everton have had enough of those in the last few years. We have had enough experimenting. What we need is a manager to match our ambitions. Someone who has been there, done that and got the T-shirt. Ancelotti has experience and a record of success that is a match for anyone and he is available. Who knows maybe he can get Moise Kean playing up to his alleged potential. Also his reputation alone can attract the calibre of players we need. Really it's a total no brainer. If he can get Everton back to the right end of the table playing exciting football that will do for me.

Why was he sacked by Napoli? I predict this will end badly.

Will be in the top 3 most successful managers in the Premier League alongside Pep and Jose if he comes.

The best manager since Kendall Mk 1.

Is better than Pochettino, Arteta, Benitez and Moyes.

Has knowledge of an array of World class players who will follow him to Merseyside.

January is around the corner, expect some excellent, young, future Italian stars to be coming our way.

Has won the double with Chelsea (so proven PL experience).

If things go wrong then Ferguson will always be there to step up and step in.

What's not to like? We are relegation shite and we could sign an Alex Ferguson level manager.

This could be a great appointment and finally the right man to lift the players heads, eyebrows, our status, our hopes and hopefully our league position.

Stumbling block in Carlo contract.
Roma wanna fee,???£10million who knows.

So give them Keane with an option to buy, €32million in two seasons.

So Ancelotti for Keane, no brainer.

Or tell the president to do one.We keep Duncan in the hot seat with Carlo assisting him through his son,Clement his head coach working with Duncan.
Buy who he wants,let Duncan get us safe,or better and Carletti comes in May ???
He can take a look at a distance 18 weeks.

Anybody bet Duncan wont keep us up mid table or better.
All the squad under the microscope of Ancelotti for 16 weeks.
Dont pay the President owt,hell back down if hes gotta pay the wages for a while.

We will be fine with Duncan for 20 games, a few buys,squad coming back together after injuries.

Happy days.Goodison will be leaping even with that arrangement.

You know Eugene, if you mocked another nation like you have the Scots, the pc brigade would have you on the rack.

I find it really sad that no one can take a joke anymore, no one is allowed to take the piss. A small amount of people now even take offence on behalf of some one esle.

Grow a pair Gordon.

He was sacked Gordon about a disagreement with the owners who cancelled the players Christmas holiday to take them away to a fitness camp. The players refused and ancelotti stood with his players. They won 4 nil in the champions league and then they sacked him.

My bet is that the 'owd boy' is past it and Moshiri has come up with another bummer. Carlo won all those Baubles by getting the best out of star players not the shufflers Brands has inflicted on us.
What is wrong with our owner ? He couldn't pick his nose and probably hit on Ancelotti to get one over his old club Arsenal.

Comedy Playhouse has got nothing on Moshiri's Everton !

He was fired on a point of principle. Carlo Ancelotti is a decent man, and someone that players love. He has a sense of humour, understands players (he was a top one) and knows the game inside out.

He is also one of the most successful managers in the world. At Everton.

Money talks as we all know, and Usmanov/Moshiri have money. Lots of it.

Gordon 287

Because he made his post read ad though it was in a Scottish accent? Maybe you read more into it than me.

If we can get him then we should jump at the chance!! His stock isn’t as high as it was when he took the Munich job, but his pedigree is without doubt. Plus, the squad we have is good, just needs utilising better. With a guy like him at the helm there is little doubt the level of ambition of the club. He won’t take the job without have some assurances on money to spend.

As for the Kenwright patter, give it a rest.

Older ToffeeWebbers may remember a Chelsea forward called Peter Osgood. Great player, but should have retired sooner. Towards the end of his careeer, opposing fans used to sing "Osgood was good, now he's no good". This is how I feel about Moyes. I will not deny that he was good and built a decent side without much money. However, for a long time he's been no good and his time has gone. We are in the Ancellotti business now, not the Moyes business.

Sam the point is we know Ancellotti's worth. Now its up to the club to provide him with quality and a strong squad.

If we do business like the last few years its plain obvious we cannot blame a top manager if things go wrong, again.

Paul, people were happy to blame Silva even though he clearly did not get the players he wanted. I think if you really are a 'top manager' then you improve the team with the players you have.

No-one will be having a go at Ancelotti for not winning the CL with this group of players but think its fair to expect him to at least get us back into 5th-7th surely?

these pundits, god on earth. McLaren did a gesture of wearing a dinner jacket before, coat and tails, when he was talking about Ancelotti, and then comparing him to working class Everton. These bellends are affecting concern that Carlo may be damaging his career, by coming here, and that as a fit it just doesn't work. McLaren clearly has an IQ in the high 60s, and views Everton as some sort of Huddersfield Town. I am not watching any more Sky rubbish until this is done

Gordon, #284

Why was Ancelotti sacked? Because he fell out with the owner. Why did he fall out with the owner? Because he tried to protect his players.

The story goes as follows:
1. President is upset at a run of defeats.
2. President gives players "detention" - known in Italian as "ritiro". Basically the owner makes the players live and sleep at the training ground, unable to see their families.
3. The players adhere to detention for 3 days. Then decide to leave. The President's son then comes to stop them and ends up in a fight or "altercation".
4. Ancelotti intervenes and asks the players if they would go back to the training ground. They say no and go home.
5. Ancelotti defends the actions of his players to the media, implying the President is wrong.
6. Napoli then issue a statement saying that it is up to Ancelotti - it is his power if they have to return to detention at the training ground or not.
7. This effectively invites Ancelotti to go against the President.
8. Ancelotti does so, and the relationship is then irretrievably broken.
9. Napoli, deep in civil war, start losing more games and slip down to table and so Ancelotti is sacked as the President now has justification to do so, but waits until after the conclusion of the CL groups.

By the way, I'm no Italian football expert. I just followed this bizarre story closely as it is insane, and I love the bonkers stuff like this you see in Italy and Portugal.

.
Gordon #287..

"If you mocked another nation.."

Is that what I did?

Is that what the feller who writes 'Oor Wullie' is doing?

Is that what Irvine thingy who wrote Trainspotting is doing, 'mocking' Scotland?

Well I think there's only one course of action to take.

Society should take racist filth like me and brand us (something like 'anti Scots fascist' burnt into our foreheads would get the message home).

That's AFTER we're released from Devil's Island.

Ken whit ah mean?

So what's wrong with 'working class', Kevin. I've spent over sixty years being just that. And proud of it !

Eugene, your latest Moyes tale was superb. It was actual laugh out loud funny. More please!

We were all worried Moyes or Hughes would get the job a couple of weeks ago. And some people aren't sure about Carlo Ancelotti.

Dunskowlin, was hilarious, and then Eugene, it only got better! I can’t believe Moysey has stained one of his cardigans though, I just hope Muerag, can get it out in the wash!

Fran, everyone will be delighted to see Ancelotti take his place in the dugout. Not many are saying Ancelotti is a bad manager, don't think anyone who has is a regular on here. Some, like myself, would have preferred someone else, and have some concerns. Surely, there's nothing wrong with concerns, as long as you park them when he comes in and get fully behind the manager. One thing is for sure, this is a shit or bust move and it does not bare thinking about if it goes wrong. I bet Ancelotti has his own song before he's had more than a couple of Goodison games, which hasn't happened for a long time for our various managers.

Derek, I think you should direct your question at Shteve, not me

Breaking news on SSN. Ancelotti agrees 4.5 year contract and first game will be boxing day against burnley.

If you have had the good fortune to watch the recent film/documentary about Maradona, Kevin, you would see so many similarities between Liverpool and Naples.

Downtrodden by the rest of their country, both city’s show plenty of fight and determination, loads of humour, and people who live for and love their football team.

McClarren hasn’t even got the sense, to actually realise what he’s just said, just like he never realised how fucking stupid he looked, when he got under the umbrella at Wembley, looking like a quilt, waiting for the bus to come and get him out the rain, instead of showing a little bit of grit and passion, because he was actually managing his country that day, the middle class c**t!

Rob, when I first read that, I thought why's he waiting so long. Now I realised that St Stephen's Day is only 9 days away, I better start getting my act together for Christmas. But then again that takes all the fun away from Christmas Eve, strolling around Liverpool One, with all the other blokes.

Tony, I was going to say that earlier, but I forgot. There's so many similarities between the places, although Napoli are a less decorated side, and Naples is a one club city. I think the fact that Carlo knows Napoli, it's people, and their demands and expectations gives him a head start on all the other managers we've had for a long time. The rest all loved being Everton manager when they were winning but weren't ready for the pressure when losing. This is the guy who thrives on pressure.

No Sam not with the best 11 we can pick. If all sides put the effort we have made the last 2 games I think we are pretty evenly matched with a few sides.

Silva was shorted with the squad I agree but he lacked the idea to fire a team up to win without quality.

I don't really believe in the perfect manager but as far as judging is concerned, this choice is as good as it gets.

When you said managers should improve poor teams if they are so great I total agree, its a myth, a fantasy but players it.

It would be rotten practice to see another manager not get the quality in and push the club towards the best.

Great finishing quote Tony Abrahams.

Gordon #287, ever seen Rab C Nesbitt? Written by, laughed with and loved by Scots of all ages and persuasions.

Tony yes, it will be interesting to hear what he says about Everton when he gets here. I think Evertonians are going to love him. Be like having Howard back, a calm assurance that things are under control

Have you watched the documentary on Diego, Steve?

Brilliant, scary and sad in equal measure, but the people seem similar, especially that dark humour, because not many people would think to make a banner for the dead, whilst celebrating something so spectacular!

Paul, on the continent, or particular to Portugal, the head coach does not make a Churchillian speech. The head coach concentrates on tactics and it is up to the players themselves to get themselves up for the game. The Captain, who is usually the longest serving player and so is most ingrained in the club, is responsible for "firing" the rest of the team up. This is similar to American sports where the players all get in a huddle and speak to each other away from the coach.

No idea on Ancelotti's ability to make speeches or fire players up, but his results in big games speak for themselves.

Yes Tony. If you like that one, I also recommend the one the same guy did on Ayrton Senna. Brilliant filmmaking. Even though you knew the story it was exciting and you were on the edge of your seat (for both films).

I also enjoyed the one on the "Kaiser", titled the "Greatest player to never play football". Not by the same guy, but also brilliant. And another recommendation, "The Two Escobar's", a brilliant commentary on Colombian football and the drug trade. Eye opening stuff.

If Duncan has proved anything, it’s surely that teams need both managers and coaches. It’s maybe unusual for one individual to possess both skills, so different are they.

As long as Ancellotti has both aspects boxed off in his management team, then great.

According to reports, he’s bringing both his son and son in law with him with Duncan as ‘Assistant’.

No idea how it all fits together, but it’s looking increasingly likely we’llsoon find out.

January might be interesting!

SSN - for anyone who hasn't seen it yet...

13.20 - "BREAKING NEWS

Carlo Ancelotti agrees four-and-a-half-year contract to become Everton head coach.

Ancelotti's son, Davide, to be assistant at Goodison Park alongside current caretaker Duncan Ferguson."

Steve I think every club is dealt with differently. We are not dealing with Portugal for a start and I don't believe Mourinho to a quiet step to the side at Porto, nor the Wolves manager.

I couldn't imagine Carlo Ancellotti having no influence in the dressing room and he doesn't need to be a cheerleader to get his message across.

Simple instructions with football logic will do just fine. I don't listen to philosophy fantasy, smart arse tactics or multi use of formations.

Its all jargon and bullshit, usually from a coach that was a shit footballer.

People think Pep coached Messi and Iniesta. What a load of fantasy football. Pep was such a genius tactician that Enrique reached 100 points quicker than Pep did. Who talks about Enrique.

Football is a mans game and its dead simple. Klopp the twat has nailed it. No bullshit information, no obsession with formation, no corner cutting lazy players.

Just fit athletes that have to show desire and directness.

Kim Vivian 315,if your mole is correct,a master stroke if Carletti has named Duncan and his son joint assisstant managers.
Best thing Duncan can do when there all there is take the lad into the Glady'St to watch a few games,especially against the RS.I few away game ends to.
He might get it then.
Utd,City Liverpool, we are the weak link.
Carlo wants to break into the three create the fourth,awake the giant and take some of the spoils.
He wants immortality in a great football City,part of UK. North West.

Its why hes up for it.

Two fingers up to the other three.Pit himself against Klopp,Pep,who ever is at Utd.Could have been Jose,Klopp,Pep what coach wouldnt want to go ahainst them.

Are we dreaming now.

The term "Assistant" needs clarification. Davide Ancelotti was "assistant coach" not assistant manager as has wrongly been reported. Assistant coach is the title Ferguson had already and really just means coach.

I'm actually starting to believe this might happen.

However - 11th hour setbacks 'n' all. Who can forget the dropped ball at Analfield almost exactly a year ago. Don't drop this one Mosh'.

Meanwhile, a nice interview with our current manager ahead of the Leicester game tomorrow:

Link

Interesting how he praises pretty much every player, with Mason Holgate getting a special mention as one who "stands up, a real leader, a 'go-to' man in the dressing room", confirming what some of us have said previously about the player and how ballsy he looks on the pitch.

Duncan also confirms Tom Davies is playing even though carrying a knock. Really sensible coherent stuff from Ferguson. Again.

At first I was a bit underwhelmed with Carlo Ancelotti, as he hasn't exactly done great at Napoli.
After some digging I found out that he didn't really get on with the owner De Laurentiis from the get go.

Steve Ferns @296 has summarized the events leading to his demise.
Napoli had invested heavily (I think more than 150m. euros) to close the gap with Juve,
They're languishing in 8th place...Emotions will run high, especially in southern Italy.

If Marcel Brands is convinced, who am I to argue.

Jay TY for the link.

[paraphrase] "We're at Goodison, we're at the Fortress. We need to make it a bear pit."

I have a feeling Duncan's plea will be heard very loud and clear.

I've not checked the TV schedule over here, but I'm already resigned to leaving work early to watch. It's the Holidays, why not?

Duncan Ferguson has done an amazing job. Just incredible. I'm thrilled the news is that he'll be staying on.

Four and a half years for Carlo. It's time to board the Italian train. We're in for one hell of a ride. 100% behind the new man. We're turning a corner here. I pray it all goes right.

I know.Paul, I wasn't being serious, I have as much.loathing for the pc brigade as any right minded person. I wish I could take it back but my finger refused the abort message.

@274 James, Maybe I didn't word that right man,

I DON'T want Duncan anywhere near management but he'll do for now till the summer.

I DON'T care what you think either, but sacked boy isn't the answer either.

I DON'T know who will bring us stable,forward or would come here to be frank.

I'm NOT frank so Darren will do.

Having played at a high level and doing my job i'd like to think I know a lil bit...maybe not. The team isn't great, injuries etc...is that team when fit top 6? dream on.

Moshiri may as well write his severance cheque now. He was a proven success, he's now a proven failure.

And we condone outright nepotism with a new man bringing his son FFS? What do we do with 2 assistant managers when Ancelotti will not be a manager? We have completely lost it.

My apologies to you too Eugene.

Martin how can you be a proven success and a proven failure?

Over a time frame you can be a proven success in the initial phases and, as you age, become then a proven failure as you lose it as most managers do. Most managers have one period of proven success and then never reproduce it. We are buying a pup and he's bringing two of his own pups with him. Why were the positions they are filling not go out for quality recruitment process? Disgusting, we deserve nothing when we act like cowboys as we are now.

Martin, you're a very naughty boy!

So is it really happening? Not at all what I was expecting. Not sure quite the right fit either. But then what do any of us really know? There's only Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho with better credentials - so if it doesn't work out its not for want of ambition. At a guess i'd say the popular choice would have been one of ten hag, howe and benitez (with a few shout outs for up and coming managers in Germany in particular). None of them are guaranteed success stories. Each are clearly less ambitious appointments than Ancelloti. I expected Genesio ex of Lyon because he's a good coach and (shortly) available. He might have been good but he's seriously b-list at best compared to Ancelotti. Pretty much everyone is

Ancelloti is not a team rebuilder, the miracle won't happen.

Brian (350), I think Martin has gone to the dogs with his last post.

Injury update from Duncan ahead of tomorrow's quarter final with Leicester:

Link

Gylfi Sigurdsson's and Sidibe recovering from their illness "will go to the wire." Digne definitely out with a groin strain. Delph is nearing a return but unlikely to play v Leicester.

A number of U23 regulars didn't play v Wolves last night. No surprise if some of them find themselves on the bench tomorrow, I reckon.

Martin #329, I don't have any inkling of what walk of life or business you work at but... Let's say, hypothetically, you land a big management job in a foreign country. You have had similar jobs in the past and have a dedicated and most importantly a trusted team, which have assisted you in those jobs.

Now the question, do you (a) ask your trusted team to come with you to help you hit the ground running, explaining your tactics and raison d'etre to a squad of players of over 25 and allowing you a bit of head space for planning or (b) start off a transparent recruitment process, interviewing the best candidates for the job, which process could take weeks or months. If you went for (a), would you seriously rule out members of the management team that are related to you and try to find alternatives, who will take time to bed in and slow the transitioning process ?

Fuck me Martin, you must be SO much fun on a night out.

Robert 331 in terms of trophies, Guardiola and Mourinho yes. Klopp is nowhere near their level yet.

Guardiola, Ferguson, Mourinho and Ancellotti are the most successful managers this century. No one else comes near them.

Am I missing something. Has he actually signed a contract?

Ancelotti Deffo makes me think of Herbert Lom from the Pink Panther. 😀

He doesn’t need to Paul. Remember Gosling? Verbal agreements are enough for bumbling Bill.

Scenes when Ibrahimovic taps home in front of the Kop from a Niasse knock down

Eugene. How could you forget the 2009 MLS All-Star trophy?

Having read your post again Eugene, I think my apology is misplaced. It was tongue in cheek man or should I say min. Aye a ken fine weel whit yer oan aboot. Feasgar Math!

Forget Ancelotti, forget Ferguson …. the REAL Everton news, is that Eugene Ruane is back, and on tip-top form. All we need now, is an 'assist' from John Daley, and the jigsaw is complete!

Nicholas -

John posted very, very recently.

And yes, it was hilarious. Shocker, I know.

Carlo and the "Moyes Prospect Effect" have brought the All-stars out of hibernation. Thank God.

Reassuring to see a little TW “Ancelotti Out!” faction forming before he’s even in. Granted, he’s no Davie Moyes, but his previous suggests he knows what he’s doing. Maybe we should give him a chance to prove it?

Don Carlo with Big Dunc as Luca Brasi - sounds like a dream team to me.

To those who say Ancelotti can't improve a mid-table team, and that he can only improve teams that are already great, I invite you to review his performance at PSG. He brought them from a solidly mid-table team to a league champion. Not terrible!

Scott, PSG were 4th the season before Ancelotti took over at PSG, and when he took over they were 2nd (which is where they finished) and 3 points off Montpellier. They then proceeded to spend more money than anyone else, and if I recall correctly, more than the rest of the division put together.

Brilliant post Eugene as ever. Please stay and post more! I still chuckle when I think of your Koeman post about having no plan!

Really not sure how anyone can be against this appointment, WHO exactly would they prefer?

Until it’s official on the OS though I’m still dreading a Moyes reunion😂

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50739844

Wow just WOW! COYB

Carlo confirmed on the official site. COYB! Forza Azzuri!

Carlo is in! And he's confirmed Hibbo as his attacking coach! Okay, I made the last bit up.