Soccer-Former Red Benitez faces uphill task to win over sceptical Blues

FILE PHOTO: Britain Football Soccer - Newcastle United v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship - St James' Park - 4/2/17 Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes Livepic/File Photo

(Reuters) - Rafa Benitez has crossed the Merseyside divide and is the latest to attempt to revive the fortunes of Everton, but he must first win over sceptical fans who have ranged from tepid acceptance to outright hostility at the appointment of their new manager.

Former Liverpool boss Benitez led the Reds to their extraordinary Champions League victory in Istanbul in 2005 during a six-year stay at Anfield in which he infamously once called Everton a "small club".