Everton title-winner Andy Gray has begged Farhad Moshiri to 'think again' over appointing Rafael Benitez as new manager of the club.
Benitez is closing in on replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park and would become the first boss to lead both Everton and Liverpool during their career.
Despite leaving Liverpool more than a decade ago, Gray insists the Spaniard should be 'nowhere near' the job and believes some supporters will 'not go back' while he is manager.
When asked what he thought of the potential appointment, he replied: "Not much at all.
"I think if Farhad Moshiri goes ahead with that, even if he didn't know what Evertonians feel or think, he will find a huge amount - I would guess the majority - will not be so happy either.
"I've spoken to a few people in the Liverpool area and they say if it happens they're not going back....
"Think again, Farhad. Please, think again very quickly."
Benitez has lifted a Club World Cup, Europa League and Coppa Italia since leaving Liverpool - as well as the Championship title with Newcastle United - but Gray cast doubts over his recent work.
The 61-year-old has been out of football for five months after departing Chinese outfit Dalian Professional, where he lost 18 of his 38 matches in charge and boasted a win-ratio of 30 per cent.
Gray continued: "If it had been 10, 11 years ago when he left Liverpool, maybe. If he was the last person Everton could appoint, maybe.
"But 10, 11 years since then? Has Rafa lit up the footballing world as a coach?
"Should he be managing Everton in my opinion? No. Should he be anywhere near the job? No."
Benitez clarified his 'small club' comments - aimed at Everton while manager of Liverpool in 2007 - during an appearance on Sky Sports in 2019 and admitted his wording was a 'mistake'.
But Gray cannot forgive the former Inter Milan and Napoli chief for his outburst.
He said: "Let's not forget when he was Liverpool manager he was extremely condescending about our club, my club, and that 'small club' he talked about.
"Football fans have long memories. I just don't get it."
