Marco Silva’s in-tray: what is laying in wait for Everton’s new manager | Andy Hunter


Instil an identity into a drifting squad, dovetail with the director of football, stay put after four short-term appointments, and show he appreciates the opportunity he has been given

Contrary to what Sam Allardyce’s friends at TalkSport/Sky may suggest, Everton fans did not expect the former England manager to transport the team from 13th into European contention during his six months in charge. Nor did they expect a seriously flawed squad to become the great entertainers. They did hope, however, for some sort of style, identity or a modicum of entertainment to develop. Instead they had to endure football that yielded the fewest shots, the fewest shots on target and the fewest chances created during Allardyce’s brief tenure. Silva inherits a team with no identity – a factor in the widespread disenchantment among fans – and needs to implement a clear and positive philosophy to repair that fracture.

Related: Marco Silva's history suggests Everton should prepare for fun and drama

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