SAM ALLARDYCE says he would be be happy to step into the vacant managerial hot-seat at his old club Everton.
But he thinks the ideal man for the job is already at the Toffees – in the shape of loyal club servant and caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson.
Former England boss boss Allardyce has thrown his hat in the Goodison Park ring after Rafa Benitez was sacked on the weekend.
Allardyce, who was Everton boss for six months in the 2017/18 season, told the Liverpool Echo: “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.”
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
PERMANENT bosses only
Games Win rate
Carlo Ancelotti 58 43%
David Moyes 427 41%
Ronald Koeman 47 40%
Roberto Martinez 113 38%
Joe Royle 98 38%
SAM ALLARDYCE 24 38%
Marco Silva 53 36%
Howard Kendall 98 32%
Walter Smith 143 29%
Rafa Benitez 19 26%
Mike Walker 31 19%
Former Scotland and Everton striker Ferguson has been part of the first-team coaching set-up at the Toffees since 2014 and was Benitez’s assistant.
And Big Sam, 67, says it is Big Dunc, 50, who should take over the reins now.
Allardyce added: “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.”
It has also been reported that former England team-mates Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard will be interviewed for the Everton job.