Anthony Gordon has been targeted by Newcastle (Picture: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Former Everton player Michael Ball in the club’s battle for a new manager and relegation to the top flight.

How toxic is it in Goodison Park right now?

It’s been a crazy few years since (owner) Farhad Moshiri joined. Initially we saw expectations rising because the one thing Everton didn’t have before was money, so we hoped that we could develop both on and off the pitch. But we are going backwards and as an Everton fan you wake up every day hoping it will be a normal day. Unfortunately this is now normal for us!

Was firing Frank Lampard the right decision?

I felt sorry for him, but felt it was the right decision, even though he wasn’t hiding from anything. The games are just over this season and Everton are behind – we are a soft touch. Going to Goodison should be fun, but many supporters are exhausted.

Would you support Marcelo Bielsa as his successor now that a decision is imminent?

my head is confused You have chosen so many different types of managers – from young to old and experienced. But players can get a rude awakening when Bielsa walks through the door and thinks about how he likes to set up his teams.

Would you be sad if local Anthony Gordon went to Newcastle?

We all questioned his mentality when he stayed for the summer and it was fantastic. But as soon as the transfer window opened, his performance faltered and one wonders: ‘Pout?’. If he leaves I would be very, very disappointed because you never want to lose good players.

Everton have not been relegated from the top flight since 1951. What impact would that have?

Everyone at the club is proud of this record. We’ve seen teams go down and struggle for years to get back on their feet and it’s terrifying for the fan base. Even Liverpool could be disappointed to lose the derby games. But we’re only halfway through the season and we still have a few months to change course.