David Moyes returns to Everton for a second spell, stepping back into a familiar role he once held with great success. The association of “David Moyes, Everton manager” brings a sense of nostalgia for both the manager and the fans, as he once again takes on the responsibility of leading the club. The emotions from his first tenure, 23 years ago, are likely to resurface as he embarks on this new journey.
Moyes’s story with Everton began in March 2002 when he was managing Preston at the age of 38. Bill Kenwright reached out to him, and despite being in the middle of a scouting trip, Moyes made time to meet the Everton chairman in London. During his drive back to the north, Moyes had one pressing thought: he didn’t want to be the one to let the club down by relegating them. At the time, Everton were precariously placed in 16th in the Premier League, and his debut as manager resulted in a crucial 2-1 victory over Fulham, signaling a turning point for the club.
Over the next 11 years, Moyes invested everything into Everton, supported by his trusted backroom team and Kenwright. Despite his efforts, a trophy eluded him, though the 2009 FA Cup final against Chelsea was a near miss that could have changed that.
Now, in 2025, Moyes’s return is met with mixed reactions. While some supporters are welcoming him back with open arms, others remember the manner in which he left the club in 2013, when he allowed his contract to run down before joining Manchester United. For many Evertonians, whose loyalty and memories run deep, this departure has left lingering bitterness, making it difficult for Moyes to completely win over all fans.
Yet, Moyes is driven by a profound sense of duty. He’s determined to avoid a repeat of the past, with relegation being an outcome he fears most. His resolve to keep Everton in the Premier League is stronger than ever, particularly with unfinished business from 2019 when he thought he would be reappointed, only for the club to appoint Carlo Ancelotti instead.
Moyes, who was named as Sean Dyche’s successor in a swift announcement, wasn’t present at Finch Farm for training after his appointment. Instead, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, two key players from his first tenure, took charge in the interim. Moyes will be supported by familiar faces, including Billy McKinlay, Baines, and Alan Irvine, the latter having worked alongside him in his first stint.
Expressing his excitement at returning to the club, Moyes emphasized his fondness for Everton, having enjoyed 11 successful years there. He is determined to add pace to the squad during the transfer window, hoping to energize the team and ensure their survival in the Premier League. Moyes is also eager for the support of the fans, calling for Evertonians to play their part as the club prepares to move into a new stadium.
Moyes has agreed to a contract that extends until June 2027. The Friedkin Group, who finalized their purchase of the club before Christmas, acted quickly to make the managerial change after listening to Sean Dyche’s concerns about his challenging circumstances. Although other candidates, including Graham Potter, were considered, the Friedkin Group believes that Moyes’s vast experience, having managed over 1,000 games, will provide the stability Everton desperately needs. Everton’s executive chairman, Marc Watt, has expressed confidence that Moyes is the ideal choice to lead the club through its final season at Goodison Park and into the new stadium, marking a crucial period in the club’s history.
