David Moyes is back at Everton, and he’s ready to take on one of the toughest challenges of his managerial career. Nearly 12 years after his first stint at Goodison Park, where he famously guided the Toffees to their only top-four Premier League finish in 37 years, Moyes is confident he can replicate past successes and lead the Merseyside club to brighter days.
The 61-year-old Scot replaces Sean Dyche, who was dismissed last Thursday following a string of poor performances that left Everton teetering just one point above the relegation zone.
Moyes now inherits a side in 16th place, struggling for form, and with the added task of preparing the club for their historic move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium next season.
After parting ways with West Ham United at the end of last season, Moyes had multiple opportunities to return to management but waited for the right project. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he explained why he couldn’t pass up the chance to lead Everton once more.
“I’ve had other opportunities, quite a few since leaving West Ham, but I didn’t feel ready,” Moyes admitted. “When Everton came calling, it was too big of an opportunity to turn down. I want to show I can go again. I’ve got to try to prove myself again.”
His passion for the club and determination to prove his mettle come at a critical time. The Friedkin Group, Everton’s new American owners, are counting on Moyes to steer the team clear of relegation and lay the foundation for a successful future.
During his 11-year tenure from 2002 to 2013, Moyes transformed Everton into a competitive force. He delivered nine top-eight finishes, led the team to the 2009 FA Cup final, and secured European qualification four times. His crowning achievement was the 2004-05 season, when Everton defied expectations to finish fourth and earn a spot in the Champions League qualifiers.
However, His acknowledges that the current Everton team is vastly different from the one he inherited two decades ago.
“This is a different beast to many other clubs,” Moyes said. “I’m not coming back to the same Everton. I don’t think Everton are getting the same David Moyes. I’m wiser now, with over 1,000 Premier League games under my belt.”
2002 ⏩ 2025 pic.twitter.com/a74o9M8Ldz
— Everton (@Everton) January 13, 2025
Everton’s current struggles stem from a combination of poor form, financial issues, and a lack of squad depth. The team has won just three league games this season and faces a tough test against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Moyes knows he must address these issues quickly to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
“A few weeks ago, I thought there was no chance Everton would be in a relegation fight,” Moyes said. “We need everyone behind us, the players playing better, and scoring more goals if we’re going to make that happen.”
One immediate focus will be the January transfer window. Moyes has hinted at the need to strengthen the squad but remains cautious about the club’s financial constraints.
“There’s a new stadium coming, and it looks elite,” Moyes said. “We need to bring in elite players. But we also need to be mindful and clear a bit too.”
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Despite the challenges, Moyes remains optimistic about Everton’s future. He’s banking on his experience and the passionate support of Goodison Park to turn the team’s fortunes around.
“Goodison will help,” he said. “I’m going to try to play as many games to win, and then I’ll start thinking about the style of play. We need to give the supporters something to shout about.”
His return has also sparked hope among fans, many of whom remember his first spell fondly. His no-nonsense approach, tactical acumen, and ability to motivate players could be exactly what Everton needs during this turbulent period.
The Friedkin Group’s takeover marks a fresh chapter for Everton. The move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium is a significant milestone, symbolizing the club’s ambitions to modernize and compete at the highest level. Moyes’ role in this transition will be crucial, not just in terms of results on the pitch but also in building a squad capable of competing in the new stadium.
The boss has arrived! pic.twitter.com/ljZKUfDHeW
— Everton (@Everton) January 13, 2025
His immediate priority is stabilizing Everton’s league position. With tough fixtures on the horizon, the team will need to dig deep and find the resilience that characterized Moyes’ teams in the past. Beyond this season, the focus will shift to rebuilding the squad and ensuring the club’s long-term sustainability.
“We need to get together and find a way of spending a bit of money,” Moyes said. “But we also need to be smart about it.”
His return to Everton is a story of unfinished business. He’s back to prove that he can still deliver results at the highest level and to guide the Toffees into a brighter future. While the challenges are daunting, Moyes’ belief in the club’s potential and his determination to succeed could make all the difference.
As Everton fans rally behind their returning hero, one thing is clear: Moyes’ second spell at Goodison Park will be a journey filled with passion, challenges, and the hope of restoring glory to a club that deserves it. Only time will tell if he can replicate the successes of the past, but for now, the Toffees are in safe hands.
