David Moyes has been appointed as Everton manager and says “It’s great to be back”. For the 61-year-old Scot, Everton isn’t just another club—it’s home. After being unveiled as Everton’s new manager, Moyes’ appointment marks a second chapter in a storied relationship with the club he guided for 11 successful years. But this time, the stakes are even higher.
Everton sits perilously in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone with a paltry three wins from 19 Premier League games. The dismissal of Sean Dyche earlier this week, left a gaping hole, one the club hopes Moyes can fill. His return comes with a two-and-a-half-year contract, and the task is daunting: keep Everton in the Premier League and ensure they walk into their gleaming new stadium next season with top-flight football intact.
“We need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part,” Moyes urged. “This is an important season, and together we can achieve survival.”
For Evertonians, Moyes is much more than a manager; he’s a symbol of stability and grit. During his first tenure from 2002 to 2013, Moyes transformed the Toffees from relegation candidates to European contenders. Under his guidance, Everton consistently punched above their weight, finishing in the top eight nine times and famously achieving fourth place in 2004-05, which earned them a spot in Champions League qualifiers.
But that was over a decade ago. Football has evolved, and so has Moyes. After leaving Everton for Manchester United in 2013—handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson to succeed him—Moyes’ managerial journey has been a mixed bag. Stints at Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham had their highs and lows, but his crowning achievement came in 2023 when he led West Ham to their first major trophy in 43 years, winning the Europa Conference League.
Everton’s struggles this season extend beyond the pitch. Financial woes, poor recruitment, and instability in the dugout have left the club reeling. Moyes steps into a volatile environment, but if anyone understands the soul of this club, it’s him.
The immediate priority is survival. Everton’s remaining fixtures include clashes with relegation rivals, and Moyes must galvanize the squad. Veteran players like Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski will be crucial in anchoring the team.
For Everton, survival isn’t just about staying in the Premier League. It’s about preserving their identity, their history, and their pride. And in David Moyes, they have a manager who understands exactly what’s at stake.
