(REUTERS) - Everton Under-23 manager David Unsworth will take temporary charge of the senior team following the sacking of Dutchman Ronald Koeman, the club announced on Tuesday (Oct 24).

The former Everton defender's first task will be to prepare the team for their League Cup clash against Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday (Oct 25).

"Everton can confirm David Unsworth will take temporary charge of the Everton first team, commencing with tomorrow night's Carabao Cup tie," the club said on their official Twitter account.

The 44-year-old former centre-back made 314 appearances for the club in two stints and scored 40 goals.

He returned to Goodison Park in a coaching capacity in 2013.

Everton sacked Koeman on Monday (Oct 23) after they dropped into the Premier League relegation zone following Sunday's (Oct 22) humiliating 5-2 home defeat by Arsenal.

Koeman took over 16 months ago and spent a significant amount of money overhauling the squad in the last transfer window, but Everton have won just two out of nine league games in their worst start to a season since 2005-06.