Everton great Andy Gray says the club must stand by manager Marco Silva.

Gray can see parallels between Silva's plight at Everton and the situation facing Howard Kendall when he arrived at Goodison Park back in 1983. Kendall would eventually go onto win the First Division with Toffees.

Gray told the Mirror: “When I arrived at Everton, Howard was under huge pressure.

“There were petitions saying 'Kendall must go'. Philip Carter, in fairness to him, stuck by him.

“It was staggering that we could turn from what we were to what we became in such a short period, it was unbelievable.

“I hope Silva can also turn it round. I don't want Everton to become a club that sacks managers every 18 months. At some time, someone has to be given time.

“Since Martinez left, who got almost three years, there has been a collection of managers who have come and gone, like Koeman and Sam Allardyce, so somebody has to be given a chance.

“If they feel Silva is the man, then they've got to stick with him."