Former Manchester United boss Ron Atkinson feels a top four finish will have saved David Moyes from the sack last season.
Like Moyes, Big Ron was also axed by United, making way for Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986.
He told the Express & Star: "If they looked like they were going to qualify for the Champions League last season, I think they would have kept David Moyes on.
"Everton are a big club, but he will tell you himself that he was surprised by just how different a club it was at United.
"I thought David was unlucky, to be honest, and I was surprised that he didn't get a bit longer. The amazing thing was they had one of the best away records in the league.
"There's been a lot of teething troubles this year, but I can imagine the five-a-side games in training being brilliant!"
