It’s now official, David Moyes is the new manager at Everton Football Club.
After Sean Dyche was sacked on Thursday just hours before their FA Cup Third Round fixture against Peterborough United, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman took over as interim manager and assistant for the clash.
The Friedkin Group, whose takeover from Farhad Moshiri was only recently confirmed, moved quickly and decisively to replace Dyche under whom the Blues have stuttered badly this season. Everton have been involved in three consecutive relegation battles over the last three seasons, but with the addition of a handful of players this summer there was hope this could be avoided this campaign.
Things went south quickly though with Everton managing their worst ever start to a top flight season in recent memory, and only picking up three league wins at the halfway point of the campaign.
Now the Blues turn to Moyes, under whom they have enjoyed the most relative success and stability since the beginning of the century. In his eleven years in charge, Everton consistently punched above their weight with the Scotsman’s eye for talent enabling the Toffees to make some critical signings for peanuts.
Speaking after signing his contract – believed to be two-and-a-half years – the 61-year-old said –
“It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.
“I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club.
“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”
Club executive chairman Marc Watts said –
“We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history. With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. We look forward to working with David to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.”
