Sam Allardyce offers to take charge of Everton but admits he’s not the right choice as Toffees step up manager search

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."

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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.