Everton sack manager Marco Silva following Merseyside derby thrashing

Everton have sacked manager Marco Silva after a run of results which left the Toffees 18th in the Premier League.

Silva’s final game in charge of the Merseysiders saw Everton lose 5-2 to fierce rivals Liverpool on Wednesday.

Former striker Duncan Ferguson - who has been working at the club as a first team coach - will take the reigns for the weekend clash against Chelsea.

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A club statement read: “Everton Football Club can confirm that manager Marco Silva has left the club.

“Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and the board of directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future.

“Duncan Ferguson has taken temporary charge of the first team and will manage the side for the game against Chelsea on Saturday.

“The club aims to confirm a new permanent manager as swiftly as possible.”

Everton have lost nine of their 15 league games this season and occupy one of the three relegation spots.

The defeat at Anfield continued a dismal run against their table-topping neighbours, with Everton’s last victory at Anfield coming 20 years ago.

Silva replaced Sam Allardyce in May 2018 and has since been backed handsomely in the transfer market.

Last summer, Everton spent more than £80 million in an attempt to establish themselves in the upper echelons of the Premier League - bringing in players like Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi.

But that recruitment drive has not produced results with Everton winning just four times in the league so far this season.

Former Toffees manager David Moyes is favourite to be named the next permanent manager, according to Betfair. Mikel Arteta, who used to play for the club, as well as Eddie Howe and Mark Hughes are being in the frame according to the bookies.

Moyes, who spent 11 years with the club before leaving for an ill-fated spell at Manchester United in 2013, is said to be keen to bring former fan favourite Tim Cahill with him as an assistant.

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