Everton chairman Bill Kenwright visited Finch Farm today to deliver a speech to the coaching staff, calling for unity.
Duncan Ferguson, who served as assistant manager to both Rafa Benitez and his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, has stepped up to become Everton’s caretaker boss for the second time, having previously fulfilled the role for four matches in December 2019 after Marco Silva’s sacking.
The 50-year-old, who had to playing spells at the club between 1994-98 and 2000-06, took today’s first team training session.
EXCLUSIVE: Neville Southall names his 'only' choice for Everton manager
READ MORE: Rooney and Lampard latest as Ferguson named caretaker boss
LIVE: Everton next manager: Mourinho 'admired', Ferguson 'decision', Martinez move 'stalls'
He will be supported in his role by Leighton Baines, John Ebbrell and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly as the Blues prepare for Saturday’s home game against Aston Villa.
As well as getting back to work after the 2-1 defeat at Norwich City on Saturday, which proved to be Rafa Benitez’s final game in charge, Everton’s staff were joined at their Halewood training base by the club’s chairman.
The ECHO understands that Mr Kenwright spoke to Ferguson and his colleagues about the need for unity within the club following recent events and a duty to put smiles back on Evertonians’ faces with what proved to be a 'well-received' pep talk.
Following Benitez’s sacking on Sunday, four of his backroom staff followed the Spaniard out of the Goodison Park exit door on Monday.
Francisco de Miguel Moreno, who like Ferguson held the title of assistant manager; Antonio Gomez (first-team coach and senior analyst), Jamie Harley (head of sport science) and Cristian Fernandez (first-team rehabilitation fitness coach) all left with immediate effect.
