Everton legend Kevin Sheedy hails Carlo Ancelotti appointment and tips Duncan Ferguson as future successor

Securing a manager of Ancelloti’s calibre is a huge coup for the Merseyside outfit, and with a salary at a reported £11.5 million a year, it’s clear that owner Farhad Moshiri envisions battles at the top of the division rather than the lower reaches.

Former striker Ferguson remains as Ancelotti’s assistant and that’s a move that pleases Sheedy.

“Until Duncan Ferguson took over the reins and told the players some home truths they were struggling,” Sheedy told The Irish Post.

“This set of players really listen to Duncan, he gets the club and the players understand that. Ancelotti will know that and keeping Duncan on is a smart move.

“Duncan was unlucky not to get the job full-time to my mind. But a manager of Ancelotti’s quality doesn’t come around very often. Duncan can only learn from someone of that calibre and experience. He’s already shown he can deal with the pressure associated with the role and he could be in a good position for the main job in a few years.”

1989: (left to right) Kevin Sheedy, Tony Cottee and Pat Nevin all of Everton celebrate a goal during the FA Cup Semi-Final against Norwich City at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Everton won the match 1-0.  Simon Bruty/Allsport

But Sheedy – part of the Everton side that won the European Cup Winners Cup in 1985 and the league in 1987 – doesn’t automatically see it that way.

“All the managers Everton have had recently, be that Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman or Marco Silva, they can’t complain about lack of funds,” he said.

“They all spent a lot of money. The owner has got a track record of backing his managers and when you see someone of Ancelotti’s experience and quality, they’ll have a plan and philosophy to use those resources and get the absolute maximum from them.

"This year might be about stability, but he’s coming here to win things.”

It’s exciting times for the club on and off the pitch, with a move to a new purpose-built 52,000 stadium edging ever closer.

Everton formally submitted their plans for the £500 million development at Bramley Moore Dock to Liverpool City Council just before Christmas.

Sheedy admitted to mixed emotions about the move but feels it’s necessary for the long-term future and sustainability of the club.

“Goodison Park has so much tradition and I’ll be sad to see it go,” he said.

He added: “Some of the newer grounds have suffered from a lack of atmosphere and that’s always the concern.

"But Everton fans are a noisy bunch, so hopefully that won’t come into it.

“The support is already first class, so hopefully the team and stadium will now mirror that.”