Everton sack Silva following Merseyside derby defeat

The Marco Silva era at Everton is over.

Everton announced Thursday the dismissal of Silva a day after the Toffees suffered a lopsided Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

"Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright, and the board of directors would like to thank Marco for his service over the last 18 months and wish him well for the future," the statement read.

Languishing in 18th place on the heels of three defeats on the spin, Everton's 14-point tally this season is the club's joint-third worst after 15 matches, and its worst since the 2003-04 campaign.

In 60 matches with Everton, Silva guided the club to 24 victories paired with 24 defeats.

Duncan Ferguson will take charge of the club for Saturday's meeting with Chelsea as the Toffees continue their search for a permanent manager "as swiftly as possible."

Former Everton boss David Moyes has been linked with a return to Goodison Park on an interim basis. Moyes left for Manchester United in 2013 following 11 years at Everton. Moyes was sacked by United before leading Sunderland to relegation and a poor spell in charge of Spanish side Real Sociedad.