The Moyes Dilemma
As Everton have gone from Champions League outsiders to potentially stumbling to a 14th-place finish, the ownership must weigh up whether keeping yesterday’s man to maintain stability today is worth delaying plans for a new tomorrow
When David Moyes returned to Everton in January last year to begin his rescue act of the club he had previously managed for 11 years, even his biggest detractors noticed a change in his demeanour. He was, quite evidently, happy to back at his spiritual home but he also seemed lighter, more jovial and easy-going.
Initially, that appeared to be reflected on the pitch. The home fixture against Aston Villa came too soon for his “new manager bounce” to take effect but the home clash with Tottenham that followed four days later felt like a revelation.
With poise and a deft touch, Dominic Calvert-Lewin put the Toffees ahead; Iliman Ndiaye cut through the Spurs defence with ease before smashing his shot into the roof of the net; and Archie Gray’s own goal off James Tarkowski’s header back across the six-yard box had Everton 3-0 up and flying.
Having held off Spurs’s late fightback, Everton went on a nine-game unbeaten run that included a victory at Brighton and 4-0 hammering of Leicester. The millstone of Sean Dyche had been cast aside and Moyes was showing signs that in all those years spent away from Goodison Park at Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham he had evolved and grown as a coach.
When the team finished the campaign with three successive victories, optimism was high that, with the first phase of a required squad rebuild over the coming summer, 2025/26 could finally see the Blues challenging in the right half of the table.
After an erratic first half of the campaign and a near-crippling injury crisis, that is what Moyes was able to do. Since picking up a surprise win at Aston Villa in mid-January and right up to last weekend’s infuriating draw at Crystal Palace, Everton bounced between 8th and 10th place, dipping to 11th just once after becoming the only team not named Wolves to lose to relegation-threatened West Ham four weeks ago.
The comprehensive demolition of Chelsea on 21st March seemed to be the moment where the Toffees’ quest to accelerate their recovery under The Friedkin Group had crystallised into a realistic push for one of the Champions, Europa or Conference Leagues.
Throughout much of the campaign, however, the underlying numbers have painted an ominous picture, suggesting that the team’s relatively high league position had been founded on a dogged, low-risk defensive posture married with a reliance on success in transition and individual brilliance. Everton excelled in patches during games, rarely putting in 90-minute displays, and were, on the whole, out-performing their xGA (expected goals against) while leaning heavily on key moments — Dewsbury-Hall’s winners at Old Trafford and Craven Cottage, Jack Grealish’s deflected goal at Bournemouth, as examples.
You could perhaps count on three fingers the number of times the Blues have put in anything close to a complete performance over the course of the season and the regression to the mean we’ve watched unfold in recent weeks has been painful. Just when Moyes should have been galvanising his troops and using all of his extensive experience to sustain a concerted push for Europe, the team’s form has fallen apart.
Instead of exhibiting the expansion of his footballing outlook and the extent of his evolution as a coach that was hinted on his return, Moyes increasingly looks to be retreating further and further within himself; his stubborn nature has intensified rather than eased; any flexibility giving way to rigid, almost dogmatic adherence to the same systems and same personnel even while the side has been screaming out for change.
All the while, in contrast to his more amenable disposition when he first arrived back, his interviews and press conferences in recent weeks have become increasingly sullen, dismissive and defensive as his team’s form has collapsed.
Mitigating circumstances weighed against a wide-open target
It’s been spelled out ad nauseam that after three years of points deductions, worrying takeover sagas and close calls with relegation, Evertonians would have done almost anything for a season of boring mid-table mediocrity this time around.
Over the course of the campaign, though, the objectives and what might be possible have shifted. Having just survived the drop themselves in 2014/15, Leicester City probably didn’t have finishing in the top half in mind the following season let alone causing the biggest upset in the history of the English game; likewise Nottingham Forest, who finished below the Blues in 2023/24, couldn’t have conceived of spending so much of the next campaign in the top four. Things change, opportunities open up and they are there to be grabbed.
Europe wasn’t a goal that was spoken about much out loud from Everton at the start of 2025/26 but both Moyes and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall admitted at certain times that the manager had held conversations with the team spelling out what would be required in terms of points from each block of matches on the fixture list. Heading into that unwanted (and ultimately lethal) three-week hiatus in late March and early April, the door was very much open, as it was at every turn until the closing stages of Sunday’s pitiful showing against Sunderland.
It is still mathematically possible for the club to sneak into the Conference League but it is highly unlikely — it would take Everton winning at Tottenham, Brentford losing at Liverpool (with the combined scores overturning a goal difference of five), Chelsea not beating Spurs but then drawing at Sunderland and Fulham and Newcastle also sharing the spoils at Craven Cottage. For all intents and purposes, the train to the Continent has left the station where the Toffees are concerned and it will go down as a colossal missed opportunity.
Moyes would, no doubt, point to areas of mitigation. Just as he was with Grealish, Moyes has been hit hard by the loss of Jarrad Branthwaite, a player whose importance to the team is almost incalculable. He hasn’t been without options, though; he has just steadfastly refused to use them.
Last season, the Scot hit upon a defensive formation that initially worked and had the added benefit of finding a role for Jake O’Brien who had been almost completely ignored by Dyche. It was a temporary means to an end that added defensive solidity while giving Vitalii Mykolenko greater license to get forward and results justified the decision.
This season, however, it quickly outlived it usefulness; many observers have been imploring the manager to ditch the experiment and try the deployment of a natural full-back instead (as he was forced to do around the turn of the year with Nathan Patterson when he had no other option), a move that would have allowed O’Brien to move inside to his favoured central-defensive role when Branthwaite was missing.
That would have precluded the use of the Tarkowski-Keane axis that has been gallingly vulnerable to conceding goals and Moyes has left himself open to valid criticism for not breaking up a partnership that anyone could see has become a significant weak point in Everton’s armoury.
Further forward, he has had no answer to the drop off in the form and effectiveness of Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, with potential avenues to mix things up ignored as younger players have stagnated on the bench.
Chief Executive Officer, Angus Kinnear said in his programme notes back in September 2025 that, “Charly Alcaraz, Thierno Barry, Adam Aznou, Mark Travers, Tyler Dibling and Merlin Röhl are some of the most exciting young talents in European football, with great potential for the future.
“I have no doubt in their ability to make a positive contribution this season, and that their contribution will only grow over time. Their transition will be accelerated under the guidance of David Moyes. His desire to champion young talent remains as strong as ever.”
A penny for his thoughts today as Aznou’s reward for winning a potentially vital penalty in the FA Cup tie against Sunderland was to not play again this season, Röhl was frozen out for three months after a swashbuckling outing at Villa Park, Alcaraz has barely featured, and Dibling has been given a solitary minute off the bench in almost three-and-a-half months.
Everything about Moyes’s approach this season, from his team selections and tactics down to set-pieces and the clockwork nature of many of his substitutions, has become predictable and formulaic. There’s seldom any imagination or inventiveness in what Everton do and it has made them easy to nullify and contain.
On rare occasions, the team has found a synergy, an energy and some explosiveness, as they did against Nottingham Forest last December, at home to Chelsea and Manchester City and away at Newcastle in recent weeks, but it’s been frustratingly fleeting; for the most part, they have reflected the staid character of their manager.
What do TFG want Everton to be?
With all of the above in mind, many Evertonians have been desperate for an inkling of The Friedkin Group’s longer-term vision for Everton Football Club. The first priority was, quite obviously, avoiding relegation, which Moyes had effectively achieved within a month of coming on board last year, and then a period of stability through this season; which, again, the 63-year-old was largely able to provide through the end of 2025.
Given that the plan when their takeover went through was to have Dyche see out the remainder of his contract before taking the next step forward last summer, had TFG had their way, they’d surely have preferred to secure Moyes on a shorter-term, 18-month deal. The Scot, however, had them over a barrel given Everton’s need and the hierarchy no doubt acquiesced to his demands on that basis.
Had things played out the way they originally planned, what sort of coaching setup, what kind of manager, and what sort of footballing outfit did they envision for Everton for the future?
Under Kinnear they have dispensed with the sporting director framework, opting for a flatter structure and Moyes has inevitably, as is his wont, become central to recruitment. As such, he bears as much blame as anyone for last summer’s transfer business which resulted in Dewsbury-Hall for one stretch of games being the only new regular to the team that Moyes initially inherited from Dyche and those aforementioned young players watching on from the bench for weeks on end while players with little future at the club — like Dwight McNeil — were routinely selected ahead of them.
Nevertheless, while the doubts stack up in some supporters’ minds about the wisdom of keeping Moyes on for another year — let alone the notion that he might be offered new terms when his current contract expires — in his message to supporters before the Sunderland match this weekend, one that ended a largely miserable first season of home fixtures at Bramley-Moore Dock on the sourest of notes, Kinnear very much plumped for maintaining the status quo in the interests of stability.
“As we look back on the season, we can be ‘happily dissatisfied’,” he wrote, coining a term he may quickly come to regret. “The progress is clear but we have not achieved anything yet. David Moyes … continues to drive standards at Finch Farm, and be the architect of the team spirit which has been at the heart of this season’s progress. Whilst the media and other fanbases clamour for frequent managerial change, we value the stability that David brings and the ability this gives the whole Club to plan for the long term.”
To many, particularly those looking at what has played out at Tottenham, West Ham and, to a lesser degree, Nottingham Forest and how they echo Everton’s own experiences of chopping and changing managers, that will sound like a pragmatic strategy.
To others, who acknowledge that Moyes raises the floor but, crucially, lowers the ceiling, it might smack of stability for stability’s sake in a league that doesn’t generally reward you for standing still. After all, was not the root of the Blues’ problems — and those of the Hammers, Forest and Spurs, for that matter — hiring the wrong managers in the first place?
If the plan does involve Moyes seeing out the remainder of his contract, the sense now is that it would simply be in the interests of stability and pragmatism rather than ambition because there is little evidence now of actual progress having been made or that he is the man to take Everton to the next level.
As things stand after that abysmal performance against Sunderland, we’re currently only one point better off than last season having spent £140m last summer. We’re no closer to knowing if Alcaraz can play a consistent part, if George is a worthwhile permanent acquisition or if either Dibling or Aznou, who have lost a year of crucial development, will ever pass muster.
Again, these past few weeks were an inflection point where, having negotiated a winter injury crisis and got the squad back mostly fit, you would expect a manager of Moyes’s vast experience to be able to marshal his troops and harness a rare moment in an unusually tight Premier League to gatecrash the European places.
Instead, he has been found desperately wanting at the crucial moment and often out-manoeuvred by younger, more dynamic coaches who have taken on board the need to be able to control the ball and take the game to opponents when required. In an echo of his last few months at West Ham, his side are leaking goals at an alarming rate.
Moyes has blamed the Blues’ poor home record of just six wins on “new stadium syndrome” but it has largely been an extension of the final year at Goodison Park when Everton won only five times under his predecessor, someone who proved similarly unable to instil in his charges a coherent and reliable passing game.
Retaining Moyes for another year raises the question of whether it makes sense to hand him a transfer war chest of a similar size to last summer’s if he is going to retain the final say and target more experienced players for the here-and-now over developing youth, all while showing little interest in or ability to experiment or make use of his full squad.
Is there wisdom in allowing this manager to continue the construction of a team that could well end up being taken over by a different coach in 12 months’ time? If that is, indeed, the plan and the man who fits your parameters for an Everton manager is available — or could be tempted to the club — why not try and hire him now?
Succession?
There, then, is the next burning question: What profile of coach or manager aligns with the owners’ strategy in a league and domestic game that has demonstrably changed during Moyes's long career?
Andoni Iraola has captured the imagination for Bournemouth’s fearless, high-intensity football that blends youth with experience, an emphasis on fitness, and the Spaniard’s own game-management expertise.
However, Iraola has benefited on the south coast from a robust and proven recruitment structure under technical director Simon Francis that has allowed him to fulfil a focused brief as head coach. Whether he fits a model at Everton that has been geared towards more of a traditional, all-round manager figure in the Moyes mould is unclear. He would also place heavy demands on the recruitment team to deliver players more in keeping with his rapid style of play.
Two other men whose stocks are rapidly rising, Sebastian Hoeneß and Cesc Fabregas, have been working at Stuttgart and Como under sporting directors Thomas Hitzlsperger (formerly of Everton, of course) and Carlalberto Ludi respectively. So would the same question apply when it comes to their suitability to the setup at Finch Farm?
Or would someone like Oliver Glasner, who has been operating in a more recognisable managerial role since Dougie Freedman left Crystal Palace earlier this year, be a more natural fit? The Austrian has done a remarkable job at Selhurst Park and is on course to deliver the Eagles a second major trophy in the space of 12 months (with the qualification to the Europa League that will go with it for sure this time) but there are question marks over his temperament and “stickability” given how often he has tended to move on.
All of this speculation is moot without knowing TFG’s overarching philosophy and plan for Everton on the one hand and in the absence on the other of any desire on the hierarchy’s part to make a change in the hot-seat this summer.
What appears very likely, even if the Blues have slumped to 14th when all is said and done this season, is that Moyes will be kept on. Kinnear certainly appeared to paint himself into a corner on that score with his comments this past weekend. Perhaps the wily old Glaswegian will mastermind a summer recruitment drive that addresses the key shortcomings in his squad and that most of the solutions can, as he said on Sunday, be found in simply bringing in better players.
Perhaps Everton will be fortunate enough to see another campaign where teams like Spurs, Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool falter and that the door to Europe will be as wide open as it has been this time around. History suggests it’s unlikely and that the competition in the top half next season is going to be fierce.
What is undeniable in the fallout after the Sunderland debacle is that some pro-Moyes Evertonians have had their faith in the boss tested while many of those who had been sitting on the fence have jumped off it to join those who are grateful for the job he has done in steadying the ship but are now hankering for change and a new direction.
One of the problems, as noted in a previous exploration on these pages of Moyes’s performance, is that Evertonians had 11 years between 2002 and 2013 to form opinions of him, with one of the charges against him being that he was never able to break the glass ceiling, either to the top four (as it was then) or to win any silverware.
He may have landed a trophy with West Ham but Everton’s lethargic and uninspiring run-in to this season, that has seen Europe go from likely in March to almost certainly out of the question as we sit today, has served only to reinforce long-held doubts about the veteran manager’s ability to deliver sustained success.
You can see the appeal in a fresh direction, more in keeping with the comparatively smaller clubs that are now out-performing us (or even those, like Aston Villa and Newcastle who took bold strides forward away from relegation struggles of their own), and a break from the inferiority complex that has dogged us for countless years, even if it inevitably comes with risk.
The question then remains: will The Friedkin Group read the room? And if they do elect to stick rather than twist, can David Moyes win the doubters over again and deliver European football in the next 12 months?
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers19/05/2026 01:03:06
I highly doubt he’ll be moved on, too risky at the moment when foundations are cementing themselves into place.
I’d imagine TFG wiil give him a little kick up the proverbial and make it clear that young players are to be trusted and bought through into the first team and rotated with a system in place, failure to do so and he may find Old Danny Friedkin giving him a bell and asking for him to attend a Xmas get together for a chat over some tiramisu.. you get the drift!
19/05/2026 06:57:11
Great article Lyndon.
I think Evertonians' season has been coloured by the first year in our new home and a first full season of new owners.
What started out with great excitement and belief has gradually been worn away by the number of night games and well publicised transport difficulties off the pitch and increasingly dour and lacklustre performances on home ground.
I like to think I’m a reasonable guy and the big chance of European football initially had me contemplating an enjoyable next season but the last few weeks has brought our situation into sharp focus and I now think sticking with Moyes would be a mistake.
We must move on. Who we move on with I’ll leave to others but it has to happen and happen now.
If we stick with Moyes for next season we will only endure more of the same.
19/05/2026 07:05:51
Good article Lyndon. You are right to say that the opportunity that was there to be taken wasn't this season. And yes, competition for the top half of the table will be fiercer than ever next season.
Brentford, Brighton, Fulham and Palace aren't all just going to fall off a cliff. United and Villa are only going to get stronger with CL football. The usual suspects of Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Chelsea will be as strong as ever. (I do think they will right themselves.) That is ten teams who will be better organised, in a better headspace, more positive and motivated, and fitter than us going into next season. That's the top half of the table right there.
Bournemouth aren't suddenly going to fall apart. A decent manager at Spurs, with what is a decent squad, will have the potential to kick on next season. Forest team with the experience of, but without the distraction of European football, may also challenge us. Leeds have done alright this season. Then there is a surprise package with the promoted teams.
I know I'm presenting a doomsday scenario, and also stating the obvious. But if we carry this current incarnation of Moyes into next season, with a full preseason and summer window under his belt, we could easily spend alot of next season in the lower reaches of the division.
If fans can see scenarios like this play out, then TFG must surely be thinking the same. For me, and it's something I've mentioned before, it may all come down to money.
Will keeping Moyes cost the club, and the owners more, over the course of next season than sacking him and his coaching staff in the summer. Will commercial partners be disgruntled with their investments. Will season ticket holders vote with their feet over the summer with renewals falling.
This season alone, the difference between where we could have finished, 8th, and where we may finish,14th, is six places, the guts of 20m in prize money. It was money that was there for the taking.
For me, purely on finances alone, Moyes has to go.
19/05/2026 07:43:38
We can all be very grateful for the turn around under Moyes.
But, his last half Dozen games have shown more than incompetence and a serious lacking in knowledge of the modern game, utilised to the optimum, by Younger coaches
If we keep on referring to his exploits, of staving off relegation, as an excuse to prolong his tenure, then I am afraid, that we too, as Supporters, will be guilty of the sentimentality , that has permeated this Club for years.
The same mentality, that saw Wayne Rooney return, gave Seamus a contract extension and God forbid, probably see the return of John Stones.
We have to be ruthless and show the same disregard that Moyes showed us, when he sloped off to meet with Sir AF!
Harry Hockley #2
with the greatest respect, why should it be up to TFG to tell Moyes, to put his trust in Young players?
Was that not glaringly obvious to Moyes, when he came back?
Our aging defenders have been ran ragged by younger, fitter, more athletic players, in our last defeats.
maybe if TFG invites him around, Moysie can take them Arl slacks out of Mothballs.
The very ones he bought in M&s, to pay a visit to Sir AF, on the QT!
An old RS player Player once said.. you’ll never win anything with Kids! ».. only to end up with egg on his chin.
Well this tired old Evertonian of 57 years support, is willing to bet, that… « Yil never win anything with Arl Fellas!
19/05/2026 08:56:36
Paul@5, my thoughts exactly.
19/05/2026 11:58:26
Great article Lyndon, very much says what I think also, I guess that's no surprise, but it's left me pretty angry the way it's played out and I think Kieran has given me thought regarding our absent owners. It would appear only a handful of people at the club are aware of owners intent and aspirations. I have questioned the ambition and I believe the retention of Moyes means more of the same afor a while to come. True indications will come with outlay pre season, follow the money. Best indicator you can get. It's virtually impossible to second guess TFG as we have no previous with them but it's fair to say they are not bullied into decisions.
Whether or not we are being fattened for the next potential owner, or there is a long term strategy we just don't know. But one thing is clear,we would like to know where we are going. What aspirations and time frames, it not unreasonable to ask.
We had a silent chairman and board before. We grew to despise them, communication is required to get everyone on the same hymn sheet.
David Moyes should finish the season, be thanked and given redundancy, because the job he was brought in for is done. The work ahead and rebuild is urgent and TFG will not waste money allowing Moyes to rebuild in his image.
19/05/2026 12:30:59
Moyes is the sum total of what Finch Farm have to offer and are prepared to offer.Mid Table mediocrity keeping the status quo for all those involved and prepared not to put in a penny more than their inflated wages.It is not just about replacing Moyes it is about widespread Cultural change. It remains to be seen if TFG franchise style can deliver, there unwillingness not to engage with the fans is a weakness.
The article by Lyndon confirms what I was driving at: Moyes isn't the problem, he’s the product of a Finch Farm culture that rewards low-risk, mid-table mediocrity. The lack of a coherent footballing system, the reliance on a manager as the sole architect, and the unwillingness to trust young talent are not bugs; they're features of a status quo that benefits everyone except the fans.
TFG’s silence on their long-term vision only reinforces the fear that they see stability as an end in itself, not a platform for genuine progress. As Lyndon notes, Moyes raises the floor but lowers the ceiling. That’s not a strategy,it’s a comfort blanket.
Kieran #4 points out that the difference between finishing 8th and 14th this season is roughly £20m in prize money. For a club that has only recently escaped the threat of relegation, that’s the same order of magnitude as the financial injection a promoted or relegation-threatened team needs just to stand still. In capital employed terms, handing Moyes another summer transfer window while accepting that opportunity cost makes no sense. That £20m could be reinvested in infrastructure, younger players, or a head coach who fits a modern system. Instead, it’s being left on the table in the name of "stability."
TFG need to read the room. Thank Moyes for the rescue act, then move on. Anything else is just delaying the cultural change this club has needed for decades.
19/05/2026 12:51:28
What dilemma? Moyes is way past his "prime", if he ever had one. We may as well have Allardyce back - it'd be a slight improvement!
19/05/2026 13:55:40
Well done Lyndon! I think another thing working against Glasner is he had Olise, Eze, Gueye, + Wharton - that's streets ahead of what Everton can trot out in a starting XI. Not saying he didn't do a good job at Palace though.
I'd love to know what Baines thinks of all this. Managed by Moyes. Working under him. Coming up as a manager with undoubtedly different ideas. I don't see him as a yes man, but also don't see him starting a row in the offices over philosophical differences.
Moyes is coming across as selfish. If anyone "gets the club" then it's Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines, who have lived through the "highs" and the lows, not Moyes who missed all the Moshiri horror. Seamus would tell him that the fans want a cup and 17th place over 12th and a 3rd round exit. And if Moyes truly cared about the club and not his own professional ego, he'd give minutes to more players who will eventually be asked to carry this team forward. Aznou - makes no sense. Dibling - makes no sense. Armstrong - makes no sense. Charly - makes no sense.
We should not be thankful that Moyes came back. We traded one hell for another. Arsenal, City, and Liverpool are the 3 biggest spenders in the premier league that aren't complete basket cases (Manchester United and Chelsea). Do you know how many times Everton have beaten those 3 teams in the last 5 years? TWICE. Who's beaten them more than us? Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford (HOME AND AWAY), Bournemouth, Newcastle, Forrest. Cup Finals, European qualification, slaying giants...and then there's us.
19/05/2026 14:04:42
A terrific article and right on point.
What is troubling is that you, Lyndon, can set out the issues with clarity based upon a sound evidential analysis. Nearly everyone on this site recognise and acknowledge your conclusions and assertions. Yet Mr Moyes remains a gentleman not for turning. No hint at all of any easing of his intransigence. It's so worrying. We face at least one more year of tedium and lack of ambition. Just what does he have to lose in seeking to be more creative and expansive? A poor analogy, but if things in the bedroom get a little stale and humdrum, a change or two ( or more !) in position might just add a little sparkle and improved outcomes. Always worth a try.
19/05/2026 16:32:50
A very insightful piece Lyndon which, I think, encapsulates all, or least most, of the views expressed earlier. I think Dan Friedkin would benefit from a copy being sent to him at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Therein lies maybe a problem. Is he, with his arms length management of his investment in Everton, going to get to know the real story of our season and our proverbial fall off a cliff towards the end of the season and the reasons why that happened. Or is he going to rely on what Angus tells him?
I know that people will be wary of us doing what Moshiri did and hiring Managers willy nilly but it needs to be done when necessary and it is necessary now. But done properly. And yes if necessary the new Manager does need telling about rotating the squad and playing the young lads to develop them. I feel very sorry for Armstrong, Aznou and the like as their potential talent has been wasted to date.
Old as I am, I live in hope that Everton get their act together before I pop my clogs.
They say that it is the hope that kills you. I hope not!
19/05/2026 16:45:25
Michael#10 and Neill#11 are good posts, but imo both miss the bigger picture slightly.
Micheal#10. Yes, Glasner had Olise, Eze, Guehi, and Wharton. That's streets ahead of what Everton have. But why? Because Palace built a recruitment and development system that finds and elevates those players. Everton, under Moyes II spent £140m last summer and ended up with Dewsbury-Hall as the only regular starter. The gap in squad quality isn't bad luck—it's the product of a Finch Farm culture that has refused to modernise. Baines and Coleman "getting the club" is exactly why they'd tell Moyes: giving minutes to Aznou, Dibling, and Alcaraz isn't charity—it's the only way the next generation learns. Moyes's refusal isn't cautious; it's selfish.
Neil #11 bedroom analogy is funny because it's true. Moyes has become predictable. Same formation, same subs, same post-match defensiveness. But the real issue isn't just that he won't try new positions—it's that the Premier League has moved on while we're still arguing about whether a manager from 2008 can evolve. Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Palace: they aren't just ahead on the pitch. They're ahead in recruitment, data, coaching structures, and fan engagement. Everton are behind the curve, and keeping Moyes because he saved us last year is like thanking a lifeguard for pulling you out of the water then letting him captain the ship.
Here's the hard truth that neither post fully confronts: Both Moyes 1 at Everton and Moyes at West Ham are a warning, not a promise. Stability eventually results in relegation threats. Look at the pattern—consistent mid-table finishes, followed by an ageing squad, stale tactics, and a slow slide toward crisis. We are seeing it now in this season's collapse from European contention to 14th place.Moyes replacement just walked into a Club stuck in gear.
And here's my own analogy: what Everton are doing right now is treating football strategy like putting the bins out—a chore you do on autopilot ( Give me strength) because it has to be done, not because it leads anywhere. "Stay up, finish mid-table, don't rock the boat." That's not a vision. That's just survival as routine..
The solution isn't just replacing Moyes. It's widespread cultural change: a proper footballing system that outlasts any manager, a recruitment model that identifies young talent and gives it minutes, and owners who engage with fans and articulate a vision. Thank Moyes for the rescue act, then move on. Use the £20m we're leaving on the table (as Kieran #4 noted) to reinvest in infrastructure and a head coach who fits a modern system. Stability without ambition is just slow decline. The Premier League isn't standing still, and neither should Everton.
19/05/2026 17:17:40
Thank you Lyndon for your detailed analysis of David Moyes second tenure. I had forgotten how different and more relaxed he appeared when he returned to the Club last season. Maybe that was one of the reasons for our sudden up turn in results. But throughout this season he has certainly reverted to the David Moyes we remember from the past.
We all knew that he inherited a very small and limited playing squad, we understood that it would take two or three transfer windows to rectify the situation. But just who decided on last summers recruits ? And why have a number of them seen so little football.? Why also was Harrison Armstrong brought back from Preston ? Simply to sit on the substitutes bench ? Why has young O'Brien been hopelessly played out of position for a season and a half ? Why did we bring in young George in January only to keep him on the bench ? It's the same issues week after week, we can see the problems but David Moyes simply refuses to or is unable to react. It's become very boring and another season on we don't appear to have progressed.
I expect he will be with us next season, because in the ' football world ' Moyes is seen to have done a great job, simply by avoiding another struggle towards relegation. That's simply not good enough, we have moved on, 50,000 plus supporters are expecting to see some progress, standing still is simply not an option. We have been patient this season but the honeymoon is over and fans will demand more next season, David Moyes please note.
19/05/2026 22:16:33
Jerome 13. Truly insightful.
Perhaps a whizz too, in the bedroom?
19/05/2026 23:28:10
Neill#16
Not comment on getting the bins out.
20/05/2026 03:01:29
Fine article, Lyndon, although I would point out that last summer's business produced three new regulars -- Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall and, for a while, Thierno Barry, who legitimately won away Beto's job before giving it back. (I would also posit that last summer's business was at least as important for the deadwood it cleared out as for the talent it brought in.)
I do believe that Moyes requires replacing to move the team forward, but unlike most who debate this question, I believe it is a secondary priority, or at most priority 1-A.
We desperately need talent in this club. We need pace and more pace, attacking skills, goalscoring capability and, oh yes, pace. Everton has one great player, just one, and he's in the goal box. Our outfield is a collection of pretty good players and mediocrities. Our best ballstriker at goal is an aging center back who takes a shot every two games or so. Our fastest player is another center back who has missed 50 games in two seasons.
No PFA Team of the Year has included an Everton player since Lukaku a decade ago, and that assuredly won't change this season (even if the TOY went three deep like the NBA does it, only Garner and maybe Ndiaye would clear that lowered bar). In my view, had Moyes actually managed to boost this collection into Europe, it would have been tantamount to walking across the Mersey without getting his shoelaces wet.
By all means let's get a new manager, but whoever it is (my choice would be Glasner, although his disposition makes Benitez and Koeman look charming), my expectations will be tempered until and unless he is equipped with a squad of players who can run fast and pass a ball with skill.
I think we need to add about eight new faces this summer, and only one of them is a manager.
20/05/2026 07:36:21
Mike# 18.
You make fair comment on Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, and Barry, and I take your point about deadwood clearance being as important as incomings. But I think you're still missing the sequencing problem, and the last few weeks have only reinforced it.
You say replacing Moyes is "priority 1-A" after squad talent. But Moyes is the one who decides which eight faces come in. Under TFG's flat structure, he has become central to recruitment. So if we hand him another summer and another £100m plus, what do we get? More Grealish types, experienced, reliable, expensive, and on the wrong side of the age curve. You want pace, youth, and skill. Where is the evidence that Moyes will sign and deploy them? He had Elanga at West Ham and barely used him. He has Dibling and Aznou now and won't give them minutes. The manager shapes the squad, not the other way around.
On the eight new faces: I agree we need them. But the finances don't allow eight first team ready players in one window without PSR trouble. I doubt that many would see Everton as a good career move, without asking exorbitant wages anyway. So we have to be strategic, which means buying younger, developing them, and accepting inconsistency. That requires a coach who trusts youth. Moyes has shown this season he does not.
I argued Finch Farm needs to become a system that outlasts any manager. Some might say rightly pointed out: it already does. It has outlasted Martinez, Koeman, Allardyce, Silva, Ancelotti, Benitez, Lampard, Dyche, and now probably Moyes II.The problem is that it outlasts them as a culture of low ambition, risk aversion, and accepting the status quo. In Moyes cause he isn't the cause, he's the perfect product.
So here's what I think will actually happen, not what I want.Moyes stays this summer. TFG back him with another "Moyes window"experienced, safe signings which he will struggle to get and some younger potential player pushed by the owners . Moyes will give the same defensive press conferences. He'll stubbornly stick with Keane and McNeil while Dibling and Aznou watch.
TFG can read the room. They see the articles, the fan sentiment, the comparisons to Brighton. But they've calculated that keeping Moyes is the safer financial bet for 2026/27: he guarantees survival, protects new stadium revenues, and avoids transition risk. Fan frustration is just noise, 'we have the data'.There is no existential threat yet
Moyes may last to the end of his contract (2027). By then, the £20m prize money gap from 8th to 14th will have recurred. The younger, better run clubs will have extended their lead. Everton will be left with an ageing squad and a manager who has squeezed the last drop from his methods.
TFG will act eventually. But they'll wait until the numbers force their hand. By then, the cultural change you and I both want will be harder, costlier, and later than it should be.
You want eight new faces. I want a new system. But neither happens while Moyes remains the central figure. Thank him for the rescue act, then move on. Anything else is just delaying the inevitable.
20/05/2026 08:19:39
Difficult to say whether the club sees itself at a crossroads, or just a stretch of bumps and potholes in the road.
If it’s the former, big decision to make- Iraola would be a dream appointment.
If it’s the latter then D.M. ( of whom I am a fan), gets backing, and needs to do better.
20/05/2026 10:00:39
I watched Bournemouth last night. Terrific and so enjoyable. I then watched Chelsea. Dire, tedious and in blue. Could well have been Everton apart from the ridiculous attempts to continually play out from the back come what may.
It's hard to calculate/estimate the full impact of a manager. However, I didn't spot any expensive star players in Bournemouth's line up but I did witness a superbly well organised, committed and pacey ( lots of pace!!) team who would be a joy to support through thick and thin.
Remove joy, pace and thick and we are all back watching our blues.
20/05/2026 12:29:26
Hi Lyndon - a great article - how I wish TFG would read this and the posts, particularly Christine and Mike.
However, my advice would be to save this article and for those who have posted - because you will need it in one year’s time and it will save you the time and effort having to write it all again.
My own fear and expectation if Moyes stays for one more season is that 14th will be the best we could hope for, so enjoy this season the this weekend’s fun at Spurs
20/05/2026 15:08:37
What a pleasure to see you post, Ian. Hope you're well and the Bombay is still keeping you warm.
20/05/2026 17:10:25
Neil 21, I very much enjoyed Bournemouths game last night too. They are energetic, unafraid, so much movement off the ball, always a threat, this pegged city back and disrupted their possesion game. They defended really solidly and the late haaland goal was a little fortunate, they had eager energy coming on from the bench that dropped so comfortably into the game plan, they were relentless, outplayed City, and kept their fans entertained and noisy for the whole game.
Isnt that what we are crying out for?
20/05/2026 17:20:10
Despite my comments and thoughts posted earlier with my wish list for TFG I fear that your thoughts and prognosis Jerome (19) is much more likely to happen unfortunately.
Not that it should happen by any stretch of the imagination but nevertheless it is a more likely outcome whatever the end of season circumstances leave us with.
Those circumstances mean that we will be left with Moyes for further year of dreary tactics, back foot football and exasperated youngsters who can't get a game despite their talent because Davey doesn't think they are up to it. He will continue to pick his faves even though they show week after week how unsuited they are in getting the results we need.
Oh well, I'll just have to keep on hoping that it will change, eventually.
20/05/2026 19:17:49
Great article.I think we have to take a punt and thank Moyes for what he did, but now look elsewhere for a more adventurous, progressive manager more willing to trust young players, and more willing to run the risk of losing a game in order to actually win it.
This is something in particular the cautious, containing Moyes has never done.He starts with one point, but is averse to taking chances to turn that one point into three. You could rightly argue we don’t have the attacking players in the current squad, but even if we did, I’m not convinced Moyes would be that adventurous. Moyes Mark 1 certainly wasn’t. Between 2007 and 2009, in fairness to him, he assembled a very decent Everton team, with numerous players at their peaks.Yet he STILL tended to err on the side of caution on too many occasions, rather than take the bull by the horns and go for it.It’s the chief reason he never a league game at Anfield, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, Highbury or The Emirates.Who knows what we might have done had he been brave enough to let the team off the leash a bit more often in some of those games?
And unfortunately, I don’t think he’s really changed…he still has a predominantly containing, keep it tight attitude and approach. That’s fine if all you’re looking for is stability and mediocrity. But surely we all want a bit more than that, don’t we? I want to entertained and excited, and I’m sure every Blue on here does.
And if that means putting up with some inconsistency results wise, but also watching a genuinely exciting team always trying to play on the front foot, with pace and getting players forward regularly, then I’ll put up with the inconsistent results, provided there’s a proper sense of excitement in the stadium, and the knowledge that younger players in particular are making real progress.
Thanks for what you did Dave, but as a club we need to be brave and we either stick with what we know, or twist with someone braver. I say we twist.
21/05/2026 07:23:18
I find it amazing that David Moyes still has backers. However, most of the friends I’ve spoken to, even after the Sunderland debacle, still think it would be foolish to change manager as they believe there has been progress this season.
I can’t fathom their mindset, except to think that the decades of failure have numbed sensibilities and eroded ambition and understanding of who this club is.
A poll on this site would be interesting but I wouldn’t be surprised if pollsters overall still backed Moyes.
21/05/2026 14:27:52
Fantastic article as always Lyndon, thanks… though at the risk of being churlish I think Ell Bretland summed the Moyes dilemma up in a sentence when he said he takes away worry but he also takes away hope. You feel safe… but also kind of doomed. And given Hammers fans clearly felt the same way, that can’t be a Finch Farm thing.
22/05/2026 02:17:47
John #27, maybe I can help with that mindset question, because there are a couple of aspects of Moyes' employment that don't seem to be mentioned by those advocating a change.
First, as I wrote under Ell's article, this is the first season in four that not once did I awaken at 4 in the morning with a knot in my stomach, obsessively ruminating on the possiblity of relegation. I'm sure I'm not the only one to consider that progress.
Second, even the most celebrated and desired new managers often crash and burn. Under the category "careful what you wish for" you might see listed the names Nuno, Potter, Maresca, Frank and Pereira -- all managers eagerly promoted for Everton by some chat board fans during the darkness of Dyche's final days, and all sacked this season by other clubs.
And third, our new owners aren't very good at hiring new managers. At Roma they sacked Mou in 2024, and in the subsequent 28 months have gone through four more managers (reportedly about to hire Valverde). Moyes has turned out to be their best move.
I won't mind a bit if Davey gets replaced, but I will be nervous as hell about what happens next.
22/05/2026 11:24:12
Mike, Moyes made a reputation off the back of his first sprint with us. Enough to be handed what was then one of the biggest jobs in football. It has been argued by some with hindsight that he wasn't given enough time. His career since has stagnated, the one season at WHU aside.
Nuno and Ange made their names off a couple of decent seasons at Celtic and Wolves. They have since chopped and changed clubs. How much of it is down to them, and how much it is to do with the owners and Forest and Spurs is up for debate.
My point is, a club and a manager need to suit each other. We could get Pep in and he vould be a disaster. It is all a gamble and us fans throwing names around is all just jot air in a way. We will never know if a manager will suit until he's had a couple of seasons under his belt.
22/05/2026 12:54:19
Sticking with Moyes is, imo, settling for mediocrity for fear of even worse. Replacing Moyes should be a mark of ambition to progress & achieve. Mediocrity is not an achievement.
22/05/2026 16:56:39
such a disappointing, and bewildering end to the season.
Moyes has really loaded up the gun for his naysayers with the last six weeks.
Great analysis as ever Lyndon. I disagree slightly with some of your findings, but we certainly do have much to mull over. 3 points from 18 tells its own sorry story, from a team that had everything to play for, and all different teams to play. Contriving last minute losses to Liverpool and West Ham, coughing up two goals in 8 minutes to Citeh, and that's only the half of it.
I am inclined to think there are good footballing reasons for keeping O'brien at full back. I will be watching Patterson's future career with interest, and if he does 'drop like a stone' then Moyes's decision will have been vindicated on that one.
But even the above is giving him the benefit of the doubt. there are now other real concerns starting to crowd in. First, as you say, his use of the squad. the players who've impressed the most in the last couple of weeks are Rohl and George, who have been hardly used. And his inability to rotate seems to have left the front 11 exhausted, hence our last minute concessions. And what happened to Harrison?
Second, recruitment. one of the reasons I was keen to have Moyes back was his expertise in the transfer market. So what the hell happened last summer. Either he's bought players he's changed his mind about, or they're not his players. I suspect the latter. So the Friedkins seem to have left the football Side of the club to a barmcake from Leeds. Brought in an expert on transfers, but then given the power to execute transfers to the chap who knows how to sweat the asset. So we gambled on youth, and it doesn't seem to have paid off. An important proviso, these buys are at least recyclable. Barry and Dibling will be moved on, with us getting a lot of the money back, unlike with Koeman.
Third. Not getting in a right back, so playing that poor wretch all year out of position. How was that ever going to work?
the concerns I have now are that we'll see a repeat, of Angus getting in 'bargains' which David is lukewarm about. If that happens again, I suspect we'll be looking for a new manager at Christmas. And that's Angus looking for a new manager, not us. Does anyone have any faith he'll get that right?
We also need more of an explanation, beyond, 'we're not quite ready for Europe' And if we don't get it once the season is done, that will add to my concern. As does Davey heading over to the World Cup for six weeks to get bladdered every night with Ally McCoist. From the optimism of a few weeks ago, it suddenly looks much trickier. But before we eagerly jettison our chap, it's worth bearing in mind there are much more attractive clubs than us unable to recruit well at the moment. The sort of manager West Ham have been linked with in the last couple of years, that's our ballpark. it aint Ireola and Glasner.
22/05/2026 17:56:14
I like the look of the chap at Southampton. His forthcoming ban might neatly end around the same time as Moyes' contract.
22/05/2026 19:23:34
A nice way of saying Moyes out I guess.
I will not be swayed however. Moyes does not go out there on the pitch. When what you have available to you is a bunch of ex relegation players and misfits, then we have the right man.
I mean ask a player to come to us - get screamed at by all sorts of men children if they make a mistake - we all know how toxic our support is and this current malaise is just the latest chapter.
No-one wants to come to play for us, our scouts are shit, our academy is shit.
Really we are the most deluded set of supporters on earth if you think any manager would come and manage here anyway.
When Carlo lost James, what did he do? Out all men behind the ball and then left.
If you guys can't see that Moyes is our only option at this time then god help us all.
Get some better players, then we can talk about the manager and his limitations
22/05/2026 20:21:35
God help us all if Moyes is our only option, Dean
22/05/2026 21:34:09
Dean; "If you guys can't see that Moyes is our only option at this time then god help us all." I couldn't disagree more. So many miss the point, it's not that Moyes is a bad manager, he isn't. But the issue is that David Moyes is limited in his approach, tactics and game management. As much as all of that frustrates the hell out of fans, it is not the crux of the issue over his tenure. He was brought in to secure survival and steady the ship, he has done that and of that he deserves our thanks.
But how we go forward and when it's timing depends entirely on TFG. It would be a natural progression to replace Moyes with a manager who can and will take us into Europe, win silverware and challenge, never ming play good football. This is a serious business but it's also entertainment.
This is in the hands of an owner who has shown scant respect for the club, it's fans or occasion. I feel like we are just another brick in their wall (pardon to Pink Floyd) but just a good investment. Not one of TFG managerial or board appointments has uttered a word of inspiration or expectation, the unhelpful comparison to dead fish would seem appropriate ( although I did like the description of " barmcake from Leeds") given TFG rather stormy relationship with Roma fans. My thoughts are further ruffled when I read the great God AI perspective of the Roma situation:
"Roma fans are generally unhappy and deeply frustrated with The Friedkin Group (TFG). While the relationship started very well when TFG first bought the club in 2020 and won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022, the atmosphere has become increasingly tense and toxic.The primary reasons for the fans' anger include:
1. Disrespecting Club Legends: The relationship hit a major breaking point following TFG's handling of beloved club icons:
Daniele De Rossi: The sacking of the legendary former captain as manager just four games into a season deeply insulted the fanbase. It sparked immediate stadium boycotts, massive protests, and "Yankee Go Home" banners.
Claudio Ranieri: Frustrations boiled over again when Ranieri, another foundational club icon who came out of retirement to steer the club, departed from his advisory role following an internal management power struggle. Fans responded with angry banner displays.
José Mourinho: The abrupt dismissal of Mourinho, who delivered the club's first European trophy in decades, originally started the downward trend in fan sentiment.
2. Distant Corporate LeadershipSupporters frequently accuse the Friedkin family of being too detached, silent, and corporate. Fans feel that TFG treats the club as a cold business asset rather than understanding the deep passion and history of the Romanisti.
3. Identity and Tradition ClashesThe extreme fan groups (the Curva Sud ultras) have led multiple stadium walkouts and silent protests over TFG's refusal to compromise on heritage issues. This includes the ownership's refusal to restore Roma's traditional crest (the historic Capitoline Wolf with "ASR") as the primary official logo, as well as arguments over the club's official founding date.
4. The Everton Multi-Club DistractionWhen TFG completed their takeover of Everton, Roma fans grew resentful. Many believe that TFG's focus, time, and financial energy are being split, or worse, that Roma's ambitions are being downgraded to accommodate a wider multi-club sports network."
Despite all of the above TFG and family have continual and ongoing visibility with the club attending functions and games which is totally absent in our case. In many eyes that's a serious error of judgement or a total lack of interest, which then raises questions over ambition.
Why does this matter? It matters hugely. For the manager, allegedly the 5th highest paid in the world (really??) To funds availability to build. David Moyes may well be the exact reflection on the aspirations of TFG.
Funny isn't it? We have gone from owners who hated us, to owners who couldn't care less about us. Both of them refuse to acknowledge or talk to fans.
The Moyes Dilemma sets the context but TFG see it as noise to be ignored. Replacing the manager for a better updated version is financially sensible should European football be delivered and with it the huge cash dividend but financial stability over risk aversion is obviously the strategy.
Opportunity lost perhaps but more concerning is the day to day management of the team, it's rebuild, the cost, recruitment strategy and identification of players with the intent to fulfill the ambition of fans and owners alike. You know, success, bums on seats, pride...
There is a void in our club and it can only be filled by TFG. They need to communicate. They need to set the tone, reassure, excite or layout a path to follow. The absence of good leadership has blighted our club for a generation, no leadership is not an alternative strategy, if we are all to support then it's fair that we all know where we are going. That wind can be cold coming off the mersey.
22/05/2026 21:34:10
Dean; "If you guys can't see that Moyes is our only option at this time then god help us all." I couldn't disagree more. So many miss the point, it's not that Moyes is a bad manager, he isn't. But the issue is that David Moyes is limited in his approach, tactics and game management. As much as all of that frustrates the hell out of fans, it is not the crux of the issue over his tenure. He was brought in to secure survival and steady the ship, he has done that and of that he deserves our thanks.
But how we go forward and when it's timing depends entirely on TFG. It would be a natural progression to replace Moyes with a manager who can and will take us into Europe, win silverware and challenge, never ming play good football. This is a serious business but it's also entertainment.
This is in the hands of an owner who has shown scant respect for the club, it's fans or occasion. I feel like we are just another brick in their wall (pardon to Pink Floyd) but just a good investment. Not one of TFG managerial or board appointments has uttered a word of inspiration or expectation, the unhelpful comparison to dead fish would seem appropriate ( although I did like the description of " barmcake from Leeds") given TFG rather stormy relationship with Roma fans. My thoughts are further ruffled when I read the great God AI perspective of the Roma situation:
"Roma fans are generally unhappy and deeply frustrated with The Friedkin Group (TFG). While the relationship started very well when TFG first bought the club in 2020 and won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022, the atmosphere has become increasingly tense and toxic.The primary reasons for the fans' anger include:
1. Disrespecting Club Legends: The relationship hit a major breaking point following TFG's handling of beloved club icons:
Daniele De Rossi: The sacking of the legendary former captain as manager just four games into a season deeply insulted the fanbase. It sparked immediate stadium boycotts, massive protests, and "Yankee Go Home" banners.
Claudio Ranieri: Frustrations boiled over again when Ranieri, another foundational club icon who came out of retirement to steer the club, departed from his advisory role following an internal management power struggle. Fans responded with angry banner displays.
José Mourinho: The abrupt dismissal of Mourinho, who delivered the club's first European trophy in decades, originally started the downward trend in fan sentiment.
2. Distant Corporate LeadershipSupporters frequently accuse the Friedkin family of being too detached, silent, and corporate. Fans feel that TFG treats the club as a cold business asset rather than understanding the deep passion and history of the Romanisti.
3. Identity and Tradition ClashesThe extreme fan groups (the Curva Sud ultras) have led multiple stadium walkouts and silent protests over TFG's refusal to compromise on heritage issues. This includes the ownership's refusal to restore Roma's traditional crest (the historic Capitoline Wolf with "ASR") as the primary official logo, as well as arguments over the club's official founding date.
4. The Everton Multi-Club DistractionWhen TFG completed their takeover of Everton, Roma fans grew resentful. Many believe that TFG's focus, time, and financial energy are being split, or worse, that Roma's ambitions are being downgraded to accommodate a wider multi-club sports network."
Despite all of the above TFG and family have continual and ongoing visibility with the club attending functions and games which is totally absent in our case. In many eyes that's a serious error of judgement or a total lack of interest, which then raises questions over ambition.
Why does this matter? It matters hugely. For the manager, allegedly the 5th highest paid in the world (really??) To funds availability to build. David Moyes may well be the exact reflection on the aspirations of TFG.
Funny isn't it? We have gone from owners who hated us, to owners who couldn't care less about us. Both of them refuse to acknowledge or talk to fans.
The Moyes Dilemma sets the context but TFG see it as noise to be ignored. Replacing the manager for a better updated version is financially sensible should European football be delivered and with it the huge cash dividend but financial stability over risk aversion is obviously the strategy.
Opportunity lost perhaps but more concerning is the day to day management of the team, it's rebuild, the cost, recruitment strategy and identification of players with the intent to fulfill the ambition of fans and owners alike. You know, success, bums on seats, pride...
There is a void in our club and it can only be filled by TFG. They need to communicate. They need to set the tone, reassure, excite or layout a path to follow. The absence of good leadership has blighted our club for a generation, no leadership is not an alternative strategy, if we are all to support then it's fair that we all know where we are going. That wind can be cold coming off the mersey.
22/05/2026 22:24:06
So good I said it twice.. nope. Sorry Lyndon, just hit the edit button and it reposted, please delete duplicate, or original, or both as you see fit..
22/05/2026 22:52:13
I mentioned on another thread, that Moyes has the Dubious Palmares, of being the third longest serving Manager in the PL.. in his first Stint !!
Preceded by serial winners, like Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Not withstanding that Moyes won sweet FA, in his eleven plus years.
The point that I would like to make, is, that if halfway through Moyes first tenure, you went to live abroad and had totally switched off from watching football and all things Everton.
And then suddenly, in the last couple of months you decided..ahh! feck it, like all addicts, I’ll go back and « ave a Butchers ! »,
Well to me, you wouldn’t see any difference, in attitude, nor tactics.
Still reliant on the phantom number 9.
Well, if you walk into a Casino and put your money on the number 9, it will pop eventually, but only after severe losses have been incurred.
Only my opinion mind.
23/05/2026 03:38:29
Great article Lyndon.
The defence of Moyes follows a pattern as it is so familar to his first tenure. And very depressing as we know he’ll be here to repeat it next season.
Start with “I don’t like Moyes and didn’t want him back, but…here’s why he is doing a good job in the circumstances.”
When challenged by reality, pivot to “the players are not good enough”, add a pinch of “hiring a new manager is risky, look at Franks” and 100g of “not one of the young players must not be doing enough in training”.
Wrap up by confirming that Moyes should stay with references to “stability”, “cement” and “foundations”. In fairness, the thought pattern of Angus “Happily Dissatisfied” Kinnear is just as muddled. Logic departed the building a while ago, even if the building is a lovely new stadium.
Check the league table and our points haul after spending £140 mlllon in the summer. We were never going to be threatened by relegation with that level of squad investment.
Our likely slump to 14th will cost the club £35-40 million in prize money and TV rights if we had finished in 8th place and played in the European Conference League next season.
There has been no progress this season.
23/05/2026 06:21:47
Christine, up to now, the owners have made all the right decisions for me. They finished the stadium, consolidated the debt into a more managable state, got what was the right manager for us at the time and then provided a large transfer budget in the summer, PSR and what they had already spent considered.
All of their decisions went according to plan until the Brentford game. From there, it's all on Moyes. Any spleen I wish to vent, for now, is directly aimed at Moyes. If the owners, stick to their ways of making decisions, and I think they will, then Moyes will be gone in the summer. One win in eight, potentially nine after Sunday, is relegation form. No owner with ambition, and the money spent by the owners show their ambition, will settle for that.
Regardless of whether or not the owners are in tune with the fans, and are flag waving football fanatics, they are hard nosed business men who want a return on their quite substantial investment. David Moyes will cost them money. They don't need us fans to tell them that, their accountants will.
I couldn't care less if they never set foot in the ground, don't do meet and greets, don't send me a card at Christmas. I don't need an owner offering to buy me a beer and then tell me I'm the best fan ever in the whole wide world. It's all just bull and P.R. That for me is just the idea of let's keep all the fans on our good side, they're the cash cow that comes after the cash cow that is staying in the PL. All the owners need to do to make me happy is to just keep making the right decisions.
I've said in a previous article that the days of a Jack Walker, a Bill Kenwright, the guy who owned Portsmouth, an Elton John or Delis Smith, owning a club are gone. Those days are pure nostalgia and sentimentality. That type of owner that proudly identifies as one of us is long gone. They don't have the finances or the backing in today's footballing world.
If Moyes is still here at the end of August, then the current owners are not the businessmen I thought they were, and on that alone is how I will judge them.
23/05/2026 22:13:31
Hear! Hear! Eight on the money, Kieran.
23/05/2026 23:01:30
Kieran#41
I think Moyes will be still here at the start of next season. Not because I disagree with you, but I think TFG are not prepared to pivot yet.
24/05/2026 05:06:20
Christine #37, AI information always needs to be taken with a huge grain of salt, and that data requires some factual clarification to say the least.
First, De Rossi sacked himself. He despised the Roma CEO and demanded Friedkin fire her. Giving a her-or-me ultimatum to Friedkin was going to have only one ending. The Roma Ultras went insane, threatened the life of the CEO and her children and drove her out of the job anyway.
Second, Rainier is by no means a "foundational club icon" -- he's had three brief stints as manager. In a 40-year managerial career, he has spent less than three seasons at Roma.
And the thing with the badge and the crest and the banners is entirely about the Ultras, who hate having an American owner. Friedkin doesn't let them dictate to him. Good for him.
As for Friedkin not caring about us, I couldn't care less whether he shows up for games or not -- Arsenal just won the league under an owner who appears at a game maybe every two years. Kroenke hired good people, provided them with financial support and let them do their jobs. 18 months in, it would appear Friedkin is following the same model.
Nobody has any idea whether TFG is ignoring fan noise or not, or whether they consider alternatives to Moyes to be superior or more likely to deliver Europe. But to correct one factual point you claimed, European football is only "financially sensible" with a "huge cash dividend" if it's Champions League.
There is no such financial benefit from the Europa League and Conference League. Those smaller competitions are potential loss leaders -- we'd probably have to spend more on squad reinforcements than we'd recoup in prize money. Sweeping through the Europa League knockout stages and winning the final delivers a total prize return of about €25 million, worth about one good midfielder. It's even less for the Conference League.
24/05/2026 06:30:57
Christine#36
IMO at Roma TFG got alot of lessons, which has changed there approach to managing Everton.The younger player with potential long term contracts and short contracts for old players is one of them.Moyes selection was based on knowing the Club and the need for stabilization.
Instead of a deep dive into systems and tech, they have largely kept the Tech Systems that already existed at Everton, though they have proven better system on the Adm side, in their wider business.I could give you a page of the Tech details.With Insight they have layered onto the existing football side tech data analytics and regular meetings involving HO in Houston.
They do come from the Private Equity Management playbook ' 'Ignore the noise, we have the data'.Coming from a Toyota Franchise background you would expect a Total Quality Management approach. They do seem to be prepared to tolerate not hitting targets on the Strategic plan, but I put that down to TFG prioritising Financial worth.
They have successful transformed Everton's finances, actually showing how it should be done, , looking after their Investment. Finance wise Everton is a far bigger club than Roma, hence their fans concerns regarding priority and they are right in that.
TFG are not going to rock the boat from a condition of strength or get caught up in noise.They are going to continue with Moyes with a similar Summer Transfer Window and be looking on Moyes to develop the existing young players with potential into the squad.The concern I have is the Finch Farm Culture that has survived decades, thank you very much, will be a drag on implementing necessary change and they do have the Manager they want in place and he hasn't changed one bit.
I agree with you they could be more communicative with fans. Time moves on: Brentford, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all datas driven with results and engage more with the fans. In the case of Brentford the Fan Clause gives Fans a structure which ensures that whilst the club pursues global capital, it remains tethered to its community and its heritage.
In is in that context I see TFG and their Roma experience. You are right to push to boat out to get greater understanding of what is going on.Thank you for doing that.Many non Evertonians say to me that Everton look good when they play, I just grit my teeth.
24/05/2026 09:49:33
Mike G #29. Agree with your final sentence. I live in S W London and the closest club to me is Brentford.
A couple of my neighbours are long-standing (suffering) Brentford season ticket holders who tell me they are quite relaxed about who their coach/manager is because they have come to believe that the club management and recruitment team are far more important than the incumbent coach.
They think that they, Brighton & Brentford have got it right and that mid-table clubs (including Everton) would do well to adopt this approach!
24/05/2026 12:52:17
Mike @44, I didn't realise the figures were that low for those two competitions. Financially, they're obviously not all I thought they were.
I suppose it's where the commercial potential from a newer and bigger stadium comes into play. Extra gate receipts, corporate boxes, catering etc. Fans at clubs like Villa, Palace, Forest and ourselves, may well spend big at European games out of the sheer novelty and excitement of it.
Still, as I said before, it's sometimes more than the financial rewards. For me, Europe was a big opportunity to change the narrative around the club. Instead, all we have done is reinforce it with recent results.
24/05/2026 13:41:08
I'm guessing it will cost around £10m to pay Moyes & Co off this summer.
That, I hope, is a fraction of what we'll spend on players this summer. On that basis the logical options are to give Moyes a contract extension and the pot of money to spend, or pay him off and let the next man start afresh.
In the last few weeks I've been wondering whether Moyes has been told he's off in the summer, given his doubling down on team selection and gloomy, hangdog demeanour that's been reflected in team performances.
I'm not concerned about the owners coming over and blurting clichéd platitudes into a microphone. I'm more concerned that any 'new Everton' momentum is stalling, and desperately needs more energy and something beyond make do and mend.
The owners have rightly prioritised getting the business back on track. Now it's time to get things right on the football side, before stability becomes treading water, then decline.
New manager, fresh start for me.
24/05/2026 15:25:32
European Football for Everton could have meant having to sell a top player to get below a 70% wages requirement and problems with Ueafa Multiclub rules.
Aston Villa have been fined in July '25 £9.5 million for breaching UEFA's financial sustainability rules (Squad Cost Ratio and Football Earnings Rule), plus £15m conditional on that they don't break the rules in the next three years)..I don't know what their PSR situation is.
I was a bit sanguine regarding Everton European ambitions.
24/05/2026 17:05:20
Half time at Spurs. The world is watching this utter shit show.
The Moyes Dilemma? He has single handedly resolved it. Absolutely no question that he has to go.
24/05/2026 18:17:09
53 points, 53 points for Europe. As a glance we've picked up 5 from a possible 27 in our last nine games, 49 points and thirteenth place.
What a joke. Get him out now.
24/05/2026 19:36:08
If only we were as ready for Europe as, say, Sunderland - first season back up 54 points & 7th place finish.
Magnificent 7th, eh?!
How will they cope?!
24/05/2026 20:13:38
Just watched Moyes's post press conference. He obviously could not care less.Billshited from begining to end. I don't even think he would care if sacked.He is not being honest in that conference.
25/05/2026 08:30:48
Mike 44# I think I may not have made the point astutely enough, the example of AI was used to show the Roma fans also have significant issue with the lack of communication from TFG, similar to what I have with our own club. To be honest I never even registered the AI comments regarding their managers but your point is taken. AI needs a healthy grain of salt, but not on all.
I should have spelt out my perspective on Europe. In late March we were three points off a Champions league place on 43 points, three behind the other lot in 5th. My reference to Europe should have been specified better but I was thinking primarily of CL were the rewards are staggeringly immense especially if you get to the knock out stages (l posted this before on another thread) we had this within our grasp but blew it big time.
Your comparison with Arsenal is a big gratuitous given they have not had the pain this club has had to endure because of rank bad management, we need good leadership on AND off the pitch. I don't care if he never shows his face but I care if there is no communication of plan, expectations and unity. The fan base is a herd of cats, starved of good leadership, Dan Friedkin needs to mould the fanbase and focus on what the plan is.
25/05/2026 16:54:31
Christine, I assume the Friedkins are a lot more popular with the Roma fans (excepting the Ultras) today than they were a few days ago.
Congratulations to them on the Champions League. Five straight wins to close the season after all seemed lost is pretty spectacular.
25/05/2026 17:56:24
I would love to ask the executives, the manager and the players what our motto is and I would bet the majority of them would not know.
They are certainly not acting in accordance with it.
We all quote Brighton and Bournemouth as well-run clubs but there is a clear and successful structure from top to bottom with quality people.
I struggle to even know our current executives commitment to Everton never mind TFG whose owner has not even bothered with EFC despite quite a few trips to Roma.
For me the recent collapse in form has more to do with other things than Moyes stubbornness and dated thinking.
BTW I love the expression that Moyes has "Raised the floor but lowered the ceiling". LOL
25/05/2026 18:30:39
Without getting into the Moyes issue too deeply, I would like to add a few thoughts all be it controversial. Firstly, I was not over enthusiastic about Moyes return but at the time he was a the only manager with PL experience who would take the job. He did very well for the remainder of the season despite the criticism of the never Moysers.
This first part of the season was reasonable and if frustrating but the last 7-9 games were sickening and unacceptable and therefore I was going to give him a chance but he hasnt availed of that chance and should be changed.
Many are advocating Iraola. Glasner even Howe, Silva, Martinez and Frank as tickets to a golden future. For me this is dreamland with the current squad. What had the managers who brought success to EFC in common. They were all ex Everton players. Catterick, Kendall and Royle and it is there that we should be looking to bring back our old glories. We need people who are steeped in the clubs history therefore why not be brave and look at Baines, Coleman or Carsley or combination thereof. Couldn’t be any worse than the bringing in a “dynamic young manager” without giving them the resources to build a team. We have tried that in the past with, Martinez, Silva, Koemann, Lampard who all failed and we ended up reverting to dogged relagation battling experienced managers like Allison and Dyche. Time for a blue dawn with our own people in charge.
28/05/2026 08:32:45
Neill#57
Catterick,Kendall and Royale where the product of the School of Science. It has subsequently been hijacked by self serving regime and is now a low budget training ground in comparison to other Premier League Clubs.
Baines, Colman and Carsley are a product of that.Need a new broom inside Everton and bring in someone, with TFG backing both, moral and financial (£15 million aleast update),who can use it.
If that is not done any financial input would be like pissing in the wind, as the Football departments inside Everton fight for their share of it. That's what happened with Moshiri largesse.New titles /bigger wages,Cuckoo transfers and contracts, increased directors renumeration and what amounted to a doubling of staffing levels above what was required ( 80% wages/ Turnover.Talk of a 'Permanent'Stragetic Plan, backed up by a explanation on Everton. Com from which most concluded that the Chief Executive didn't really know what a Strategic plan looked like.
TFG needs all departments working together for a improved on pitch objective to get the proper return on the capital employed in any input.
It just occurred to me that Kenwright's 50 year lease deal is a problem.The only investment has been a £4 million Local Council loan in this past 20 years, which could mean not so keen Private finance options could be a problem,and a ransom payment to buy back.TFG did buy back Roma's training ground, which had been leased and the purchase and development cost Euro100 million.
Maybe the only only option is a greenfield site and a £200 million input.
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19/05/2026 00:31:41
Great article that perfectly encapsulates the dilemma. I am still too scarred by the last few years to be completely comfortable ditching Moyes but we all know his limitations. I can't see him being moved on so hopefully the addition of a striker and a right back gives us some momentum. There is bugger all difference between European places and being in and around relegation so gradual squad improvements might not be enough