Everton are looking to strike whilst the iron is hot in finding their next manager.
A whirlwind Thursday is now behind Everton, who made the late decision to sack Sean Dyche just before their FA Cup clash.
Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines managed Everton to their first victory of 2025 against League One side Peterborough United.
The Friedkin Group will now be looking to make a quick appointment on Merseyside with their next game coming up on Wednesday in the Premier League.
But there has already been one individual to publicly rule himself out of the running to replace Dyche.
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Leighton Baines rules himself out of Everton job
Although Dyche has not been out the door for long, Everton already have two names on their shortlist of managerial options.
David Moyes and Paulo Fonseca have emerged as two of the frontrunners.
Speaking after the game Baines said in his press conference that his name was not one to be considered in the running.
“I’m not, no. I am happy to help in whatever way I can,” said the 40-year-old.
“I am really proud I got to help out today and support the club, which is what we love to do. What happens next, I don’t know, everything moved that quickly today.”
Baines was able to do something which Dyche was unable to this year and win a game as the Everton boss.
However, it seems as if Everton are now set to appoint Moyes on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign.
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Leighton Baines expected to make a good manager
Since 2022, the former Everton left-back has been managing Everton’s U18s at Finch Farm as he dips his toes into the world of management.
Baines is going to be the first Everton manager to sit in the dugout of the new stadium with his side playing in the first test event.
And there are big expectations for the 40-year-old as a manager.
Everton fans have been excited by Baines’ development as a manager through the relative success his U18s side have had.
Everton’s U21’s manager Paul Tait has showered praise on Baines from what he has seen at Finch Farm.
“Leighton is such a professional and has got such high standards. I’m sure he’s going to carry that over into his role now. He is meticulous in his planning,” Tait told the Liverpool Echo.
“He is very detailed for someone who hasn’t coached very long.”
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