David Unsworth: 'Everton need to make managerial appointment soon'

Everton caretaker boss David Unsworth has insisted that he is still unsure whether he will be handed the job on a permanent basis, but admits that a decision must be made soon.

The 44-year-old has lost all three of his matches at the Goodison Park helm since stepping in to replace Ronald Koeman, who was sacked following a disastrous start to the campaign.

Everton continue to linger in the bottom three of the Premier League and have lost five matches in a row in all competitions, most recently going down 3-0 to Lyon on Thursday evening to end their Europa League campaign, and Unsworth is now hoping for a swift decision over whether the club intends to stick or twist.

Asked about his future, Unsworth told reporters: "It's as it was. I spoke to the chairman last night. I speak to the chairman every day, which is great and he's been a great support - so have all the board members, who have been with us all the way through this last couple of weeks.

"Everybody has been fantastic. The communication has been great. No indication [has been given to me about my future] but the sooner it is resolved the better it is for everybody. I've said it in a couple of press conferences that it's not about me. I stand here proud to be Everton manager but it's about what's best for the club."

Sam Allardyce is the current odds-on favourite to be appointed permanent manager, while Sean Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo have also been linked.