Sam Allardyce decision came as a shock to Everton caretaker boss David Unsworth

David Unsworth was surprised that Sam Allardyce ruled himself out of the running for the Everton job.

Allardyce has been among several managers linked with the vacancy created by Ronald Koeman's sacking on October 23.

The former England boss told talkSPORT on Wednesday that rather than wait for Everton to reach a decision, he would " move on to something else".

Unsworth is set to take caretaker charge for a fifth game since Koeman's departure when Everton play Crystal Palace away on Saturday.

When asked about Allardyce's remarks, Unsworth said: "I saw that and it would surprise me that anybody would rule themselves out of potentially being Everton manager.

"This is an amazing club with, in my opinion, the best fans.

"Anybody who would ever rule themselves out of this great job would be a surprise to me, but that is up to those individuals."

It also emerged this week that Watford have rejected interest in their boss Marco Silva from Everton.

When Unsworth was asked if he would be happy to lead Everton for the rest of the season, he said: "The people that matter know my position and my feelings, and that goes without saying.

"But other people will make that decision, so that is up to them. I'll just be focused on taking the team tomorrow, getting a result we need, and what will be will be."

The 44-year-old stepped up from the under-23s following Koeman's exit and has so far seen Everton lose three times, then win 3-2 against Watford.

Unsworth added: "No matter how long I am here for, I will give my best.

"There was never any amount of games or time said to me from the beginning. Nothing has changed.

"I have spoken to the chairman (Bill Kenwright) every day since I've been sat in this role and he has been magnificent.

"I have spoken to Farhad (Moshiri, Everton's major shareholder) three or four times and the communication is fine, and I continue to have the opportunity to lead the team.

"I've seen bits of speculation but not a great deal.

"Other people will make the decision on who is going to be the Everton manager, and I will be absolutely fine with that.

"Be it myself, wonderful. If not, I will shake the hand of whoever it is and wish them all the best because I want them to win and succeed, because I want this club to succeed.

"What will be will be. I'm just very privileged to be sat here for however long I get this honour for."