Former Everton players Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar have reacted to David Moyes return to Goodison Park as manager
Former Everton players who served David Moyes in his first spell as Blues boss have reacted to his return to Goodison Park. The 61-year-old was previously in charge for over 11 years between March 2002 and May 2013, steering Everton to fourth in 2004/05, one of nine top half placings in the Premier League in his reign.
During that time, the Scot made 74 signings for Everton and a couple of his former players have spoken out on his reappointment at the club. Victor Anichebe, who was already with the Blues having progressed through their youth academy before being handed his senior debut by Moyes as a 17-year-old when he came on as an 89th minute substitute for Simon Davies in an FA Cup tie against Chelsea on January 28, 2006, going on to make 168 appearances and scoring 26 goals, said on Instagram: “Stability and values of what it means to play for Everton is what the club needs now.
“Welcome back gaffer. Club has changed massively so won’t be easy, support is needed. Good luck gaffer.”
Also taking to the same platform was Steven Pienaar, the left-sided midfielder who Moyes signed on four separate occasions for Everton, twice on loan and then twice on permanent deals, while also later taking him to Sunderland. The former South Africa international, who made a total of 229 appearances for the Blues, netting 24 times, is 42 now but quipped: “Got my boots, haha.”
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Moyes, who last managed West Ham United, guiding them to the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023 – their first major trophy since 1980 – has signed a two-and-a-half year contract.
