David Unsworth surprised Sam Allardyce ruled himself out of running for Everton job

Everton interim boss David Unsworth was surprised by Sam Allardyce's decision to rule himself out of the running for the vacant managerial post at Goodison Park and insists he will accept any decision the club make regarding the position.

Unsworth was installed as caretaker manager when Ronald Koeman was relieved of his duties almost a month ago and is set to oversee the fifth game of his second spell in charge of the Toffees against Crystal Palace on Saturday (18 November).

The former Everton and West Ham United left-back has made no secret of his desire to take over from Koeman on a permanent basis, but he was taken aback when he read that Allardyce was no longer interested in assuming control on Merseyside.

The former England manager claimed he didn't feel wanted by the Everton hierarchy, who are now pursuing Watford manager Marco Silva, but Unsworth cannot understand why Allardyce would distance himself from Goodison Park, a place so close to his heart.

"Well I have to say I saw that, and it surprised me that anyone would rule themselves out of being Everton manager," Unsworth said in his press conference. "Everton is an amazing club with the best fans, anybody who would rule themselves out of this great job would be a surprise but that's up to them."

Everton were expected to find a new permanent manager during the international break but Unsworth is primed to take charge of the first-team for the clash against Crystal Palace, with no appointment imminent.

'Rhino' is still very much one of the candidates to be handed the role permanently and is "thrilled" to still be in charge of the club he won the FA Cup with in 1995. The Everton interim boss has been in constant contact with chairman Bill Kenwright and has also spoken on numerous occasions to majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who are both aware of his thoughts on the managerial situation.

"I've spoken to the chairman every day, he's been magnificent," Unsworth said. "I've spoken to Farhad three or four times, communication's fine. I've not seen a great deal of speculation, what will be will be. Other people will make a decision on who's gonna be Everton manager and i will be fine with that. If it's me, brilliant, if it's someone else, brilliant as well."