New Everton manager Sam Allardyce comes out fighting when asked about rival candidates: 'Marco Silva's track record has got no comparison whatsoever with mine'

  • New Everton boss Sam Allardyce was asked about rival candidates for the job
  • The former England manager came out fighting when Marco Silva was noted
  • Many expect Silva to take over once Allardyce's contract ends in June 2019
  • Allardyce, however, envisions himself leading the Toffees for the long term 

Sam Allardyce got on the front foot immediately as he started his reign as Everton manager with a withering putdown of Marco Silva.

The 63-year-old looked at ease at USM Finch Farm on Friday, describing the task he has been given as arguably the biggest of his club career and stating his ambition to stay beyond the end of a contract that runs until June 2019.

Farhad Moshiri, Everton's major shareholder, returned to Allardyce after Watford rejected a £10million offer for Silva, who has received significant praise since he arrived in England for his work at Hull and Vicarage Road.

Sam Allardyce has defended his record as a manager and put himself above other candidates

Sam Allardyce has defended his record as a manager and put himself above other candidates

The theory is that Allardyce will leave Everton next summer and the Portuguese – who will then have no release clause – will be appointed.


But when that issue was raised with the former England manager, he dismantled the claims of Silva while seizing the opportunity to firmly state his own abilities – and why it grates that his critics are quick to pigeonhole his style.

'Let's put it this way,' said Allardyce. If you look at my track record, why wouldn't I be here irrespective of Marco Silva? I have every respect for Marco Silva and I am not criticising Marco Silva but Marco Silva's track record has got no comparison whatsoever with mine.

'He got Hull City relegated (last season). That is perception. We have not to live in perception at our level. We have to live in reality and the reality is that I was spoken to. I pulled out and then I came back in because they felt it was the right thing to do.

'I don't know what went on before with Marco Silva whether he was before me, after me or in between me. All I know is they (Moshiri and dealmaker Keith Harris) came for me and I said "yes". I said "yes" when I was on holiday in Dubai.

The former England manager has signed at deal at Goodison Park running until June 2019

The former England manager has signed at deal at Goodison Park running until June 2019

'The club, I think, wanted to give David Unsworth the job, first and foremost, before me and Silva. That's how it is. I don't worry. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, do you know what I mean? You can't say "I'm going to go for one manager and that's it". You have to see what is out there.'

It could not be said Evertonians were thrilled by the prospect of Allardyce succeeding Ronald Koeman and he is well aware he faces a challenge to turn public opinion. What was noticeable at USM Finch Farm, though, was a sense of calm had been restored after five weeks of turmoil.

Allardyce tried to remove some preconceptions about him, insisting he would stick to the club's tradition and play youngsters from the Academy while deploying an attractive style. 

He was lavish in his praise of Wayne Rooney, while realistic about Ross Barkley, whose contract runs out in six months.

'The first thing he needs to do is get fit,' said Allardyce.

But what was most clear was his enthusiasm for the challenge. Deep down, he knew retirement was not right after he finished with Crystal Palace last summer and though Everton have been in a difficult position, this is not the kind of salvage act with which he has come to be associated.

Allardyce hit back at the mention of Marco Silva and outlined his superior record as a manager

Allardyce hit back at the mention of Marco Silva and outlined his superior record as a manager

'Our relationship and our success determines how long you stay as a manager,' said Allardyce, who has been joined by Sammy Lee, Craig Shakespeare, head of performance Ryland Morgans and will soon have goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson on board.

'Contracts are important to start off with but we all live with the fact if you don't get results then your job gets under threat. Five managers gone already? That's a quarter of the Premier League managers gone after 14 games. If you don't get results, you don't keep your job.

'It is only the players who are going to get us out of trouble. Hopefully with the backroom staff's guidance, we will give them the right tools to do that.'