Vitor Pereira's long-awaited move to Everton appears to be dead in the water as the club's chaotic manager search takes another dramatic turn. The Portuguese coach, who was once the frontrunner to replace Rafael Benitez, now finds himself on the outside looking in after a remarkable 48 hours of boardroom chaos and fan rebellion.
Fan Power Forces Moshiri's Hand
In an unprecedented move, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri was forced to abandon his pursuit of Pereira following fierce opposition from the Goodison Park faithful. During a live talkSPORT interview, Moshiri found himself confronted by angry fans who made their feelings crystal clear about the potential appointment.
The dramatic U-turn saw Moshiri backtrack in real-time, telling listeners: "The fans are the most important people in this club. The board should be in charge of the recruitment. I'm listening to the fans."
From Frontrunner to Forgotten Man
Pereira's fall from grace has been spectacular. The former Porto and Fenerbahce manager had been heavily linked with the Everton job during multiple vacancies in recent years. This time around, he appeared closer than ever to finally landing the position.
However, the tide turned rapidly when fan sentiment became overwhelmingly negative. Social media campaigns and vocal protests during Moshiri's radio appearance created a perfect storm that ultimately sank Pereira's chances.
Who's Next in the Everton Hot Seat?
With Pereira seemingly out of contention, Everton's search for their eighth permanent manager in seven years continues. The focus has now shifted to other candidates, with:
- Frank Lampard emerging as a serious contender
- Duncan Ferguson remaining as caretaker manager
- Other names likely to enter the frame as the search continues
The situation highlights the growing influence of fan power in modern football and leaves Everton searching for stability during one of their most challenging Premier League campaigns in recent memory.
