David Moyes Returns to Goodison Park David Moyes declared it was “great to be back” as he was appointed Everton manager for a second time.
61-year-old Scotsman inked a two-and-a-half-year deal after Sean Dyche was sacked on Thursday.
Everton sits precariously in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only three wins from 19 matches this season.
“I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when offered the chance to return,” Moyes said. “Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to rally behind the players to ensure we move into our fantastic new stadium as a Premier League club.”
A Storied Past Returns Moyes first managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, building a legacy that led to his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United. His managerial journey has since included stints at Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and two separate spells with West Ham United, where he claimed the Europa Conference League title in 2023.
The Highs and Lows of Moyes’ First Reign In March 2002, Moyes took charge of Everton with the club fighting relegation. He immediately instilled discipline, guiding the Toffees to consistent top-eight finishes and a fourth-place spot in 2004-05, which earned them a place in Champions League qualifying.
Moyes famously gave Wayne Rooney his professional debut and signed club legends like Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini. His Everton side reached the FA Cup final in 2009, cementing his reputation as a top-tier manager.
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A Mixed Bag of Experiences After Everton Handpicked to follow Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes endured a turbulent 10-month tenure at Manchester United. He later managed Real Sociedad before enduring a disappointing spell at Sunderland, where the club was relegated in 2017.
A six-month rescue mission at West Ham followed in 2018. Moyes returned to the Hammers in December 2019 and led them to two top-seven finishes and their first major trophy in 43 years by winning the Europa Conference League.
Tough Numbers for Moyes to Tackle Moyes faces a challenging task to reverse Everton’s fortunes. The club’s statistics this season paint a grim picture:
- Only three seasons in Everton’s history have produced fewer goals after 19 games.
- The team’s expected goals (xG) of 18.33 is the lowest in the Premier League.
- Everton’s 63 shots on target rank second-lowest, ahead of only Southampton.
- Their current goal-per-game average of 0.79 is the lowest in 13 seasons.
A Safe Pair of Hands Brings Hope Shamoon Hafez, BBC Sport football news reporter, observed that Moyes’ immediate challenge is to ensure Everton’s Premier League status when they move into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
Under Dyche’s rigid tactical approach, Everton’s attack lacked creativity, leaving strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto starved of service. Moyes’ fresh ideas may rejuvenate the forward line and bring renewed attacking vigor.
Fans had grown weary of Dyche’s conservative football. While many supporters agreed with his dismissal, the mood at the recent FA Cup clash against Peterborough was subdued. Evertonians crave success, but instability has been their bane.
Caretaker boss Leighton Baines spoke of “hope and optimism” amid the managerial shift. Moyes’ return represents familiarity and stability, giving supporters reason to believe. The board, however, must back their man this time if the Toffees are to thrive.
The Verdict Is Moyes the right choice to revive Everton? His record offers promise, but only time will reveal if his second stint can deliver lasting success. One thing is clear — Goodison Park is ready for another chapter in its storied history, with a familiar figure at the helm.
Do manager comebacks work?
| Team | Manager | Joined | Left | Games | Win % | Pts Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Ham | David Moyes | 07/11/2017 | 16/05/2018 | 27 | 29.6 | 1.22 |
| West Ham | David Moyes | 29/12/2019 | 30/06/2024 | 171 | 38 | 1.36 |
| Chelsea | Jose Mourinho | 02/06/2004 | 19/09/2007 | 120 | 70.8 | 2.33 |
| Chelsea | Jose Mourinho | 03/06/2013 | 17/12/2015 | 92 | 59.8 | 2.00 |
| Crystal Palace | Roy Hodgson | 12/09/2017 | 24/05/2021 | 148 | 32.4 | 1.22 |
| Crystal Palace | Roy Hodgson | 21/03/2023 | 18/02/2024 | 34 | 32.4 | 1.24 |
| Portsmouth | Harry Redknapp | 25/03/2002 | 24/11/2004 | 51 | 31.4 | 1.18 |
| Portsmouth | Harry Redknapp | 07/12/2005 | 25/10/2008 | 107 | 39.3 | 1.42 |
| Stoke City | Tony Pulis | 02/11/2002 | 08/05/2005 | 122 | 36.1 | 1.33 |
| Stoke City | Tony Pulis | 15/06/2006 | 21/05/2013 | 282 | 34 | 1.33 |
| Newcastle | Kevin Keegan | 05/02/1992 | 07/01/1997 | 143 | 54.5 | 1.85 |
| Newcastle | Kevin Keegan | 17/01/2008 | 04/09/2008 | 19 | 26.3 | 1.11 |
| Liverpool | Kenny Dalglish | 17/08/1995 | 09/02/1991 | 224 | 60.7 | 2.07 |
| Liverpool | Kenny Dalglish | 08/01/2011 | 16/05/2012 | 56 | 42.9 | 1.52 |
| Real Madrid | Carlo Ancelotti | 25/06/2013 | 25/05/2015 | 76 | 75 | 2.36 |
| Real Madrid | Carlo Ancelotti | 02/06/2021 | Current | 133 | 69.2 | 2.27 |
| Real Madrid | Zinedine Zidane | 04/01/2016 | 31/05/2018 | 96 | 70.8 | 2.31 |
| Real Madrid | Zinedine Zidane | 11/03/2019 | 27/05/2021 | 87 | 64.4 | 2.16 |
| Roma | Claudio Ranieri | 01/09/2009 | 21/02/2011 | 61 | 57.4 | 1.95 |
| Roma | Claudio Ranieri | 08/03/2019 | 30/06/2019 | 12 | 50 | 1.83 |
| Roma | Claudio Ranieri | 14/11/2024 | Current | 7 | 42.9 | 1.43 |
| Juventus | Max Allegri | 16/07/2014 | 16/06/2019 | 190 | 74.7 | 2.39 |
| Juventus | Max Allegri | 29/05/2021 | 17/05/2024 | 112 | 53.6 | 1.87 |
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