David Moyes returns to Everton as manager with Merseyside club fighting for Premier League survival

Nearly twelve years after leaving the Merseyside club for an unsuccessful stint at Manchester United, David Moyes returns to a struggling Everton side in the Premier League. The 61-year-old Scot has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Everton, following the sacking of Sean Dyche on Thursday.

Everton currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, having only managed 3 wins in 19 games this season. In a statement, Moyes said: “I’m delighted to be back! I had 11 great and successful years at Everton, and when the opportunity arose to return, I didn’t hesitate to take it.”

Everton Executive Chairman Mark Watts stated: “We are delighted to have David join us at a crucial time in Everton’s history. We look forward to working with David to lay the foundations for a new era at Everton.” Previously, Moyes had two spells at the London club and left West Ham United after the 2023-24 season.

Everton are set to move into their new stadium in Liverpool later this month, following their takeover by the Friedkin Group last month. During Moyes' previous tenure of over a decade at Everton, the team consistently finished between fifth and eighth place in the Premier League, achieving fourth place in the 2004-05 season, their best finish since 1988. They subsequently qualified for the Champions League qualifiers the following season, their first appearance in Europe’s top club competition since 1971. They also finished as runners-up in the 2008-09 FA Cup, losing 2-1 to Chelsea in the final.

While Moyes earned plaudits at Everton for his pragmatic and effective style of play, he endured a disastrous spell at Manchester United when he joined in the 2013-14 season following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. Despite signing a six-year contract, he lasted just 10 months before being sacked, reportedly receiving a £5 million ($9.94 million) payoff after losing 2-0 to his old side at Goodison Park. It was the shortest managerial reign at United in 82 years, with Moyes criticized for his cautious and negative approach, including referring to arch-rivals Liverpool as "favorites" before a game at Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News wrote: “Moyes did not sound or manage like a Manchester United manager. United got an Everton manager, an Everton coaching staff, an Everton player and got Everton-like results: seventh.” Following his departure from United, Moyes had a brief one-year stint at Spanish club Real Sociedad, before managing Sunderland in the 2016-17 season.

With Moyes back at the helm, Everton will look to continue their 71-year history in the English top flight. Moyes stated: “I am delighted to be working with the Friedkin Group, and I look forward to helping them rebuild the club. Now we need the support of Goodison Park and all the Everton fans to get behind the players this season, so that we can move into our fantastic new stadium as a Premier League club.” Everton will host Aston Villa in their next Premier League fixture on Wednesday.