After years of mediocrity, Everton fans can finally be optimistic about what the future holds under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian has quickly built a Toffees side that are challenging for Europe, and whilst the Champions League may be out of reach this season, Everton will hope to be in the Europa League next season.

Of course, given their history, that's what the fans expect. Many have been brought up on success and will want the club consistently challenging near the top of the table in the future.

But, how does Ancelotti compare to other Everton managers? Here we rank the top ten boss' from their time at Goodison Park based on their points per game record...

The former England chief was not a popular figure with the Everton fans, which was understandable given the style of play that he adopts.

However, Allardyce did what was asked of him when he took over, pushing the club up the table after picking up 1.42 points per game overall. But, that wasn't enough for him to be given the job on a long-term basis.

Another former boss who wasn't well received by the fans, Koeman's reign is perhaps best remembered for a series of bad signings, although that wasn't all down to the Dutchman.

On the pitch, he didn't get the performances or results that were expected, with Everton picking up 1.48 points per game.

The former player returned to Goodison Park as manager in 1994, and a turbulent few years followed, with the Toffees finishing 15th and then sixth in his first two years.

Despite the inconsistent league form, Royle is still fondly remembered for leading the team to the 1995 FA Cup, which remains their last trophy to date.

Having been appointed in 1977, Lee would also be inconsistent, getting off to a good start as Everton finished in the top half and advanced to the latter stages of cup competitions.

They wouldn't kick on though, with bottom half finishes seeing Lee removed. However, his work in the transfer market, bringing in Graeme Sharp among others, and handing debuts to Kevin Ratcliffe and Kevin Richardson, who would go on to star in a hugely successful era that followed.

The most successful Everton boss of the modern era, Moyes would have Everton regularly competing for European places as he built an excellent team.

The Scotsman was in charge for over 11 years before leaving for Manchester United, averaging 1.53 points per game.

Martinez was tasked with changing the style of play at Goodison Park, and the Spaniard did produce a stylish team during his three years in charge.

Whilst a points per game of 1.56 is very respectable, the Spaniard couldn't take Everton up to the next level that fans had hoped following his appointment.

Catterick was in charge of Everton in 1961, and he would go on to have 12 years in charge of the Merseyside outfit.

That period brought plenty of success, with the Toffees picking up one FA Cup and two league titles, all whilst playing the attacking football that the club had been renowned for.

Harvey is a hugely respected figure at Everton, as he spent 11 years at Goodison Park as a player, making over 300 appearances.

He then took over when Howard Kendall left in 1987 after a hugely successful period, with Harvey picking up 1.58 points per game whilst in charge, before he reverted to assistant when Kendall returned three years later.

The current boss is second on the list, which highlights the brilliant work he has done at Everton.

European football is a possibility and Ancelotti has ended the Anfield winless streak, so his stock is extremely high and the challenge will be to maintain this moving forward.

Unsurprisingly, the manager with the best points per game in Everton's history is Kendall.

He delivered a period of prolonged success, which included two top division titles, an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup. Therefore, he remains the benchmark for modern Everton managers.