David Moyes returns to Everton as manager
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Then West Ham United manager David Moyes reacting during a match against Manchester City at the Etihad in May 2024. On Jan 11, the Scot was appointed by Everton for his second spell as manager.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LIVERPOOL – Everton have appointed David Moyes for a second spell as their manager, the English Premier League club said on Jan 11.
The Scot, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, returns to the club after Sean Dyche was sacked on Jan 9.
Media reports said the 61-year-old signed a 2½-year contract.
“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,” Moyes said in a statement.
Everton, struggling in 16th place in the Premier League, are winless in their last five league games and sit just a point above the relegation zone as they look to continue their 71-year run in the English top flight.
The club, who were taken over by the Friedkin Group in December, are also set to move to a new stadium later in 2025.
“We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history,” the Merseyside club’s executive chairman Marc Watts said.
“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.”
Moyes, who led Everton to the FA Cup final in 2009, managed the club for more than 500 matches before leaving for Manchester United. He has since managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham United, winning the Conference League with the latter.
“I’m excited to be working with The Friedkin Group and I am looking forward to helping them rebuild the club,” he added.
“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.”
Everton host Aston Villa on Jan 15 in their next league clash.
Villa warmed up for that clash by beating West Ham 2-1 in an FA Cup third-round tie at Villa Park on Jan 10.
But new Hammers manager Graham Potter said there were plenty of positives to take from that defeat, adding that there was no shortage of talent in the squad.
Former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Potter took over from Julen Lopetegui on Jan 9, after the Spaniard was sacked with West Ham 14th in the Premier League after 20 matches.
Villa denied Potter a victory in his first game in charge after coming from behind to beat West Ham via goals from Amadou Onana and Morgan Rogers. Lucas Paqueta had given the away side an early lead.
“The emotions were excitement,” Potter told reporters.
“Friday night, Villa Park, full house, 6,500 West Ham fans who were amazing.
“Our performance gave me a lot of encouragement, the way the players tried to do what we asked them to do. We’re just disappointed now because we’re out and wanted to go through.
“We just try to get the team into a good shape. The talent is there but it’s just about trying to get the team together as a collective.
“That’s what we’re trying to do.” REUTERS, AFP
