David Moyes calls on ‘all Evertonians’ to get behind the Toffees in their bid to beat the drop as former boss reveals he had no hesitation before sealing sensational Goodison Park return

David Moyes is overjoyed at his chance to galvanise Everton once again as he set about his task of leading the club into a new era.

Everton announced Moyes as their new manager at 9am on Saturday, confirming the news that had been expected since Sean Dyche was jettisoned on Thursday. The Scot has signed a deal until June 2027 and his first game will be against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

This is an emotional move for Moyes, who initially led Everton between March 2002 and May 2013. During that period, the club reached their only major Cup final in the last 30 years and qualified for Europe on four occasions.

There is also a sense of some unfinished business for the 61-year-old. In December 2019, he thought he was going to be reappointed by Farhad Moshiri, having met Everton’s former owner at his chateau in Munich, but lost out at the eleventh hour to Carlo Ancelotti.

Moyes is currently formulating the identity of his backroom staff, with Billy McKinlay expected to be his assistant. He has been speaking to others who have had connections with the club in the last 48 hours and hopes to make appointments soon. He will also want to make new signings this month.

‘It’s great to be back,’ said Moyes. ‘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.

Moyes previously held the role at Goodison Park between February 2002 and May 2013

Everton are a point outside the relegation zone having won three league games all season

‘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 (at Bramley Moore Dock) as a Premier League team.’

The Friedkin Group (TFG), whose purchase of Everton was confirmed just before Christmas, did not waste any time making a managerial change after listening to Dyche, who had become weary about dealing with an challenging set of circumstances.

Though they initially considered going for Graham Potter, TFG are adamant the first major decision of their ownership will reap dividends and his vast experience – he’s managed more than 1000 games across four decades – will be crucial in putting Everton on a more stable footing.

‘We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history,’ said Marc Watt, Everton’s Executive Chairman. ‘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.’