Barry Fry insists Duncan Ferguson ought to become the new Everton manager instead of Rafael Benitez.

The Toffees have been heavily linked with a move to appoint the former Liverpool boss, and he would subsequently become the first manager to coach both Merseyside clubs.

It remains to be seen if Benitez will become the club’s new manager, as previous talks with Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo broke down.

Fry insists that the Goodison Park faithful would reject the move to bring Benitez into the club and reckons Ferguson would be a more sensible appointment.

He worked as the assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti and has previously been the caretaker boss, back in 2019, and famously guided the club to a raucous 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think Duncan Ferguson would play entertaining football and I think the Evertonians would like that more.

“I don’t think the Evertonians at all would fancy Rafa, not because he’s not a good manager, but purely because he’s been across the road.”

The Scot enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Everton, featuring for the club between 1994 and 1998 and 2000 and 2006, winning the FA Cup in the 94/95 season.