David Moyes has opened up about his return to Everton as the new manager, sharing his thoughts on the challenges ahead after replacing Sean Dyche.
The 60-year-old Scottish tactician, who has previously enjoyed success at Goodison Park, now faces the daunting task of revitalizing the club and leading them through a period of uncertainty.
Moyes began by acknowledging the privilege of having worked under strong ownership structures in the past, which he believes were integral to the club’s development. “I’ve been really privileged here to work under some great owners and people who’ve helped me,” he stated. “I’ve worked under people whose intention was always to build a better Everton, and I think we’ve done that. We’ve had some tough periods, but we managed to come through them.”
The new Everton boss is aware that this current period is far from easy. Everton are sitting in the 16th place in the table, only two points more than the 18th Ipswich. With the club struggling near the relegation zone, Moyes knows the road ahead will be challenging, but he remains optimistic about the club’s future under its new ownership. “The new ownership has big ideas, big hopes, and they want to make a significant difference to the football club. This period is not going to be easy, but I believe they can help us make a difference,” he added.
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Reflecting on his previous tenure at Everton, Moyes spoke about his special relationship with the club’s former chairman, an important figure during his first spell at the club. “People will remember that I had a very special relationship with the previous chairman [Bill Kenwright] during my tenure, and of course, I want to build that again,” he said.
However, the circumstances are different this time. “It’s different because the owners are based in America at the moment, and I’m here, so most of our conversations have been through video calls. Yesterday, I had a couple of the Americans over here, and we had another conversation. I might have a chance to speak to them again after this as well.”
The Future Ahead
Moyes, who is accustomed to working under different ownership structures, was candid about the unpredictability of both managerial and ownership decisions. “You never really know how things are going to unfold with a manager’s tenure, and you can’t always predict what owners are going to do either,” he said. “It’s a two-way street, but at the moment, I’ve found the conversations to be positive. They want to get us back on track.”
When asked about the immediate priorities in his new role, Moyes didn’t hesitate in naming winning football matches as the main objective. “Winning football matches is always the priority, isn’t it?” he stated, a sentiment that reflects his no-nonsense approach to management. However, he also acknowledged that there are other key aspects to focus on. “Obviously, there are other things that come with being a manager, like building the club and ensuring its long-term success. But right now, we need to focus on winning matches.”
Everton Needs Results Quickly
The pressure to succeed is palpable at Everton, with the club’s supporters demanding a swift turnaround in fortunes. Moyes understands the importance of delivering results quickly, particularly in a season where Everton’s Premier League survival could be on the line. But he is also determined to lay the foundations for a more sustainable future, something that aligns with the new owners’ long-term vision.
Moyes’ candid approach to leadership and his experience at the highest level will be crucial in guiding Everton through this turbulent period. His return to Goodison Park before moving in the new stadium next season, may signal the start of a new chapter for the club, one in which Moyes hopes to bring stability, success, and the kind of spirit that has always been synonymous with Everton.
Despite the challenges ahead, Moyes remains confident in his ability to turn things around, using his past experience and the support of the club’s new owners. “It’s about getting things back on track,” he concluded. “It won’t be easy, but we’re all committed to making it work, one step at a time.”
Everton fans will be hoping that Moyes’ steady hand and pragmatic approach can help steer the club back to safer waters, with every match taking on increasing significance as the season progresses. The road to recovery may be long, but Moyes is determined to take it step by step, starting with the critical task of securing victories on the pitch.
