Sam Allardyce has backed Duncan Ferguson to become Everton's next manager - and offered to lend him a helping hand too.

Allardyce spent six months as Toffees boss during the 2017/18 season, guiding the club to an eighth place finish in the Premier League.

Allardyce spent six months in charge of Everton, and would go back and help

The 67-year-old joined the talkSPORT Breakfast team on Tuesday to give his verdict on Rafael Benitez's sacking.

The inevitable question was asked if he would be willing to go back to the club and offer his services as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

This is something of a Big Sam expertise in recent years, having short spells at Sunderland, Crystal Palace and West Brom, as well as Everton.

Allardyce said he would relish a return to Goodison Park in some form, but would like to see Feguson given the top job.

The former Toffees striker has been on the coaching staff since 2014 and has had a spell as interim boss.

Allardyce said: "He's seen so many managers come through the door since Moyesy, he's learnt from all those managers.

"Now the only question is, can you handle the pressure? The full burden of pressure comes on your shoulders when you are in charge of such a big club as Everton with the expectation of the fans and the media.

"You have got to be able to cope with that pressure and his decision to employ the people to help along the way if he gets the job full-time, which I think he deserves, will be crucial to him and crucial to the future of Everton Football Club."

Ferguson is set for his second spell in interim charge, but some have called for him to get it full-time

When asked if he would go back, Big Sam replied: "If they needed me to help them out, or felt they needed me, yes I would. I wouldn't say that would be a long-term effect as I don't think that would be right for Everton and for me.

"The first time round, I felt I'd done all I could do to secure the job on a long-term basis and I put the plans in place at the time.

"Unfortunately they didn't want to go down that route. I put the club in a position of strength, I though at time, by finishing eighth from the position we were in was pretty good managing that squad of players at the time.

"Now, it's Duncan's time and I think he's ready. If I can help Duncan in any way, shape or form I will.

"He's a fantastic guy. He's Everton through and through and maybe that's what they need at the moment."

Moshiri is looking for yet another new manager

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has come under-fire by the club's fanbase for the appointment of Benitez, a former Liverpool manager.

Since he took over in 2016, the Toffees have spent more than £500million in transfers, but many of those have been underwhelming.

On the Everton owner, Allardyce added: "Farhad is no problem. Farhad has been learning and learning as time has gone on. When you are new into the game, as an owner, you have to trust people at the club and running the club at that moment in time. 

"He's got to look at the whole situation from top to bottom as it's his responsibility. He's done nothing but support the club.

"He's supported the club financially more than any other owner in Everton history has done.

"He is responsible because he's the top man, but those alongside him have to accept responsibility as well and try and all pull in the same direction.

"Everton need somebody from top to bottom to pull in the same direction. Personally, I don't feel that's the case and needs to be sorted out as well."