Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes that Roberto Martinez could feel the fury of the Everton fans if he is appointed the club's new manager.

The Spaniard is favourite to replace David Moyes at Goodison Park following his decision to leave Wigan Athletic, who suffered relegation to the Championship after clinching the FA Cup.

While Lawrenson believes that Martinez could be a good fit for the Toffees, the Match of the Day pundit is wary that he could face criticism if he fails to hit the ground running.

"Everton will have to give him a chance if they appoint him," Lawrenson wrote in the Liverpool Daily Post. "He is one of the good guys. The only problem is the idiots on Twitter who all have opinions yet don't go to the games.

"If Martinez takes over and doesn't win in his first few games, those 'fans' will be after him. It's up to chairman Bill Kenwright to support him and give him the time. It will need the chairman to be strong."

Former Schalke 04 boss Ralf Rangnick is also thought to be a contender for the position.