Six other managers with Everton connections will play a pivotal role in whether Sean Dyche's side survive in the Premier League
Everton manager Sean Dyche and (inset) David Moyes, Sam Allardyce, Frank Lampard, Marco Silva, Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe
Everton manager Sean Dyche and (inset) David Moyes, Sam Allardyce, Frank Lampard, Marco Silva, Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe
It's often said that “a friend in need is a friend indeed” but with Everton currently on course for their first relegation in 72 years, can a 'old pals act' help preserve their Premier League status given the prominent role that managers with Goodison Park connections will play during the run-in?
Sam Allardyce's dramatic appointment at Leeds United last week took the number of such bosses to seven and while one of that number, current Everton manager Sean Dyche, insists that his own side just have to do their job, the table is such that the Blues know that they will have to rely on favours from somewhere along the line.
In taking the job at Elland Road for their last four fixtures of the campaign – starting with Saturday's 2-1 defeat at leaders Manchester City – Allardyce has become a direct rival of Everton in the battle to stay up.
In contrast, other ex-Blues bosses, Marco Silva at Fulham, and Frank Lampard who is back in charge of Chelsea on a caretaker basis, can both potentially help their former employers by taking points off other teams fighting for survival. It's a similar position for West Ham United's David Moyes, who was in charge at Goodison Park for more than 11 years between 2002-13. But given that Hammer is still likely to be overhauled by Dyche's men, perhaps Scot will fill a hybrid role.
On top of that, there's ex-Everton player Mikel Arteta, in charge of Arsenal, and boyhood Blue Eddie Howe taking over as manager at Newcastle United, and the two can help together so they can hit the mark. beat the other teams downstairs.
Here's a full look at nine games where other coaches have ties to Everton that are likely to shape the future of the Blues.
Monday May 8
Fulham v Leicester City (3pm)
Everton hope Silva can help them at Craven Cottage.
Saturday May 13
Leeds United v Newcastle United (12:30pm)
Big Sam got off to a bad start at the Etihad and now the Blues must hope Howe's men can undo the pain with another impressive performance like their recent 4-1 win at Goodison Park. Chelsea v Nottingham Forest (3pm)
After six consecutive defeats since returning to Stamford Bridge, Lampard finally found his form in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth. So the Evertonians have to hope he can get back-to-back wins here.
Southampton v Fulham (3pm)
The Blues still need one more trick from Silva on the only away field they have triumphed this season.
Saturday May 20
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (5:
30h)
Everton must hope Arteta's Gunners still have a chance to win the Premier League after that and make their way to the City Ground with plenty of goals in mind.
Sunday May 21
West Ham United v Leeds United (1:
30h)
While at the time of publication the Blues have yet to be able to overhaul the Hammers, at this stage they can do anything to cheer Moyes' boys ahead of Allardyce's side.
Monday, May 22
Newcastle United v Leicester City (8pm)
Dyche will pin his hopes on a Champions League title in pursuit of Howe Magpies, who will look to win the final game of the campaign at St James' Park. Sunday May 28
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