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DOMINIC KING: Rafa Benitez has SPLIT a fanbase... bitterness and bile from those who hate his Liverpool links vs Evertonians with open minds who will give him a chance

It could have been any other Wednesday. Goodison Road was quiet, save for some children heading into the nursery in St Luke's church hall.

Gwladys Street was sleepy, except for the workmen applying fresh blue paint to the walls of the stand that carries the same name.

This gentle scene, though, was at odds with events at Everton Football Club. Fifteen miles away at their Finch Farm training base, Rafa Benitez was signing a three-year contract and becoming the first man since William Edward Barclay in the 1890s to manage Liverpool and Everton.

Benitez has signed a three-year deal
The Spaniard replaces Carlo Ancelotti
But this appointment driven by major shareholder Farhad Moshiri (centre) has split the fanbase

Usually a new manager brings hope and optimism, but this appointment, driven by major shareholder Farhad Moshiri, has split the fanbase.