Sam Allardyce would be open to becoming the new manager of Everton - but believes the time has come for Duncan Ferguson to step up and take the role.
Everton are on the hunt for a new boss following Sunday’s sacking of Rafa Benitez, who became the fifth man to be dismissed by Farhad Moshiri.
The ECHO understands that the Everton hierarchy are exploring the possibility of bringing Roberto Martinez back to Goodison Park.
But as well as Martinez, Wayne Rooney, Jose Mourinho, Frank Lampard, Graham Potter, Lucien Favre and Niko Kovac have all been linked with the role.
READ MORE: Everton confirm four backroom staff departures after Rafa Benitez exit
READ MORE: Farhad Moshiri can only blame himself as embarrassing Rafa Benitez truth emerges
Allardyce spent six months as Everton manager during the 2017/18 season, guiding the club to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League before being sacked by Moshiri.
But despite his sacking, Allardyce has revealed he would love to return to Goodison Park in some form, but would first like to see Ferguson step up from his role on the coaching staff and become the club's new boss.
He said: “He’s seen so many managers come through the door since Moyesy, he’s learnt from all those managers.
“Now the only question is, can you handle the pressure? The full burden of pressure comes on your shoulders when you are in charge of such a big club as Everton with the expectation of the fans and the media.
“You have got to be able to cope with that pressure and his decision to employ the people to help along the way if he gets the job full-time, which I think he deserves, will be crucial to him and crucial to the future of Everton Football Club.”
Before Allardyce continued: “If they needed me to help them out, or felt they needed me, yes I would. I wouldn’t say that would be a long-term effect as I don’t think that would be right for Everton and for me.
“The first time round, I felt I’d done all I could do to secure the job on a long-term basis and I put the plans in place at the time.
“Unfortunately they didn’t want to go down that route. I put the club in a position of strength, I thought at the time, by finishing eighth from the position we were in was pretty good managing that squad of players at the time.
“Now, it’s Duncan’s time and I think he’s ready. If I can help Duncan in any way, shape or form I will. He’s a fantastic guy. He’s Everton through and through and maybe that’s what they need at the moment.”
Moshiri, the Everton owner, has come under-fire from the club’s fanbase for the appointment of Benitez and the way the club is currently being run.
The Blues have wasted over £500million in the transfer market and are currently looking for their sixth permanent manager since Moshiri joined the club six years ago.
But Allardyce doesn't believe Moshiri is the problem and that those working alongside him must accept responsibility for Everton’s current problems.
“Farhad is no problem. Farhad has been learning and learning as time has gone on,” the former Blues boss told talkSPORT on Tuesday morning.
“When you are new into the game, as an owner, you have to trust people at the club and running the club at that moment in time.
“He’s got to look at the whole situation from top to bottom as it’s his responsibility. He’s done nothing but support the club. He’s supported the club financially more than any other owner in Everton history has done.
“He is responsible because he’s the top man, but those alongside him have to accept responsibility as well and try and all pull in the same direction.
“Everton need somebody from top to bottom to pull in the same direction. Personally, I don’t feel that’s the case and needs to be sorted out as well.”
