Everton news: Managerial candidate David Unsworth only wants what's best for the Toffees

DAVID UNSWORTH gave a broad toothy grin when the statistic was put to him – the only silverware put in the Goodison Park trophy cabinet since the Second World War was with a former Everton player at the helm.

David UnsworthGETTY

David Unsworth admits he would love the Everton job but will support anyone that comes in

“Let’s hope that is the same case this time around,” he said. “It is one that I’m aware of and let’s hope I can follow Joe Royle and win something.”

A new manager can quickly swot up with the history of a club using books and DVDs but understanding the unique fabric of a club such as Everton is never quite so straightforward.

Ronald Koeman seemingly failed to get that and it explained in part why Everton fans never really warmed to the Dutchman.

It always felt like Koeman was passing through and, when times are hard, that seeps through to the players and supporters. Unsurprisingly both turned.

Unsworth may not be Liverpudlian by birth – he hails from Chorley – but having climbed through the youth ranks to the first team at the Merseyside club, he possesses an inherent understanding of its culture.

After beginning his stint as caretaker manager, in what may effectively be a four-game trial to see whether he is up to scratch to take over permanently, Unsworth spoke about his Everton passion.

And did so with the kind of humility and warmth that has made him such a popular and respected figure at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground as manager of the club’s academy and Under-23 side.

Rooney shows off skills during Everton training

I want what’s best for Everton. You might not believe me but that’s the truth. I love this club and I’ll always want what’s best for it

David Unsworth

“I want what’s best for Everton. You might not believe me but that’s the truth. I love this club and I’ll always want what’s best for it,” he said.

“We all backed Ronald, we all backed Roberto Martinez before that and, as a player under David Moyes and Joe Royle, we all want the manager to do well and succeed, because that means the team is succeeding and hopefully winning trophies.

“Yes, I’m keen – I’d love this job. But whoever gets the honour of being Everton manager, we will shake hands, back them and want them to win.”

Unsworth has maintained a strong Everton connection with those supporting him in the role.

John Ebbrell and wise sage Royle, who both have academy roles, will both be involved, while Duncan Ferguson will remain part of the first-team staff.

Alan Kelly, Unsworth’s former colleague at Preston North End, has also arrived as goalkeeping coach.

On the pitch, Everton became a team that were so slow under Koeman that even watching the highlights on fast forward they appeared pedestrian.

Unsworth immediately talked of addressing those concerns.

“I’d like to see a greater tempo,” said the ex-Everton defender, who made 304 league appearances in two spells at Goodison.

“A pressing game, a game where we create opportunities, we cross the ball and we have attempts on goal and we keep clean sheets.

“We need to play with a tempo, especially at Goodison Park. We need to get up for the games and give them something to cheer about because that’s what they demand.

“I have a set of values and a way of playing I want to take into the first-team environment. I believe the game should be played in a certain way and I know Evertonians want it played in a certain way.”

There was also an olive branch to midfielder Ross Barkley – currently out injured – who fell out of favour with Koeman for his performances and reluctance to sign a new contract.

“My opinion of Ross is I would absolutely love him to stay,” said Unsworth. “He is a top talent, Everton has done great for him and he has done great for Everton but he could be one of the all-time greats here.

“I would love him to be persuaded by myself, the chairman and Farhad to stay and sign a contract. We shouldn’t be losing players of his quality.”

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