It was as bold as it was dangerous, a huge gamble to try and win the hearts and minds of a fanbase who are at war with the owner that wants to appoint him.
We will find out soon enough if Vitor Pereira’s unprecedented step to address head on the criticism of angry and frustrated Everton supporters has worked - at least in the minds of the club’s decision makers.
They want to make the appointment of a new manager before the weekend, to give time to bring new players in before the transfer window closes. If it is the Portuguese coach as owner Farhad Moshiri wants, then that particular question will have been answered.
