Second Chance: David Moyes Returns as Everton Manager

Everton has officially reappointed David Moyes as their new manager. This decision follows Sean Dyche’s dismissal just hours before the FA Cup match against Peterborough United, leaving the team in 17th place, precariously close to relegation.

Leighton Baines, the Under-18s head coach, stepped in as caretaker alongside club captain Seamus Coleman. Moyes will assume his role immediately, with his first game scheduled against Aston Villa on January 15.

Moyes expressed his enthusiasm on the club’s website, stating, “It’s great to be back! My 11 years at Everton were wonderful, and I eagerly accepted the chance to return.”

He added, “I’m excited to collaborate with The Friedkin Group and help rebuild the club. We need Goodison and all Evertonians to support the players this season as we aim for our new stadium as a Premier League team.”

This marks Moyes’ second tenure at Everton after a successful 11-year stint from 2002 to 2013. He has managed 697 Premier League games, surpassed only by Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.

David Moyes began his managerial journey at Preston North End, where he led the team to win the Football League Second Division in the 1999/00 season, achieving promotion to Division One.

In March 2002, Moyes took over from Walter Smith at Everton, transforming the club into a consistent top-half competitor. Notably, the 2004/05 season saw them finish fourth, securing a spot in the Champions League.

His 518-game tenure at Everton is among the longest managerial reigns in modern football history. In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson chose Moyes as his successor at Manchester United, but he was dismissed after just 10 months due to disappointing results.

Following his time at Manchester United, Moyes managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham United.

During his second spell with West Ham from 2019/20, he led the team to consecutive European qualifications. Additionally, he secured victory in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final, ending a 43-year trophy drought. Moreover, his leadership brought renewed success and pride to the club. Ultimately, his efforts revitalized West Ham’s standing in European football.

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