Former manager David Moyes could make a sensational return to lead Everton away from relegation trouble
Former manager David Moyes could make a sensational return to lead Everton away from relegation trouble, after the sacking of Sean Dyche – but not everyone agrees that it would be the best possible move for the club, according to Liverpool Echo readers in our comments section.
Dyche was sacked after 3 wins in 19 league games, leaving the club perilously close to the relegation zone. Stale football and calls from the fans led to new owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) making their first major footballing decision, a few weeks into their reign.
TFG must now set about finding a new manager to help the club comfortably secure survival, ahead of a landmark season in a new stadium. Former manager David Moyes, who was most recently with West Ham, is currently the bookies’ favourite to take over in January.
Also in the running, according to the betting markets, are Portuguese pair Jose Mourinho and Paulo Fonseca. Mourinho’s last stint in England ended in 2021 with Tottenham Hotspur, winning 27 of his 58 Premier League games in charge. Fonseca’s most recent job was with AC Milan, and he was sacked just before the New Year, leaving the Italian heavyweights 8th in Serie A.
Reader PeterWs writes: “Moyes is the obvious choice, but would he accept a six month only contract? The required rebuild is substantial and will take at least three seasons, is it worth offering Moyes a two or three year contract to start the rebuild? Or should Everton just go for broke and appoint Fonseca or similar, depending upon whether a big name will come to Goodson currently?”
Commenter Crancho53 would support a sensational return: “Moyes is still an under-rated manager. Too many fans too young to remember the ‘must have’ Mike Walker. We had 8 points after 14 games when Big Joe Royle took over and did brilliantly for us, kept us up and won the FA Cup over United when they were the best side in England by far, but only Moyes has achieved anything in the last 30 years – a Champions League place. He did that with a very modest budget too. Koeman, Ancelotti, Benitez, all did nothing for us because they couldn’t flash big cash. Get Moysey back, and if he’s a dud, I’ll buy you all a drink.”
Jonesy says: “Whoever we go for next time, we DO have to pick a man who can build the team from the ground up in his own style. That means someone we have to keep the faith with, even if results dont go our way and even if it means relegation, and having to come back up. Look at the examples of Newcastle and Villa.
“This kneejerking short-termism we’ve been doing since Koeman is not working. We need to get someone in who plays the right way and we need to give them time, and resource, to build the squad their way.”
Jamie2k writes: “Moyes is the right appointment at the right time. No point running before you can walk. Bringing in Graham Potter with this set of players would of been a disaster mid-season. If people can’t see that they don’t understand football.”
Zakky would like a wildcard: “Everton should be looking at Kieran McKenna, very good coach. Don’t go back to Moyes like West Ham did.”
Have your say! What counts as success this season, if David Moyes returns to Everton? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
