Football fans have reacted gleefully to the news of David Moyes’ appointment as Everton manager, 12 years after he left Goodison Park for Manchester United.
The Scot was confirmed as Sean Dyche’s replacement on Saturday morning following the sacking of the former Burnley manager just hours before their FA Cup third round tie against Peterborough on Thursday.
Mail Sport revealed on Friday that the 61-year-old, who has held positions at United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland and West Ham since leaving the Toffees in 2013, was expected to sign a contract lasting until June 2027.
Moyes has spent the past 48 hours building his backroom staff and will be joined at Goodison Park by his long-term ally Billy McKinlay.
In stark contrast to many events in the sport, news of his appointment was met with a groundswell of goodwill, with fans sharing the same belief that he would improve the side’s fortunes.
‘Great news, a club of Everton’s stature should be playing in Europe every season and I think that will be the case now,’ wrote one user on , I think I think Moyes could be a good appointment. He must stabilize the club at least in the short term.’
David Moyes has been confirmed as Everton boss, 12 years after leaving Goodison Park for Manchester United
The Scot enjoyed a successful 11-year tenure with the Toffees from 2002 to 2013
Moyes was jokingly urged to sign retired midfielder Marouane Fellaini, whom he brought to Old Trafford in 2013 after an impressive five-year spell under the Scot at Everton.
Specsavers’ X account hilariously posted: ‘Call Fellaini’, referring to Moyes’ signing of the Belgian at Old Trafford after starring under him at Goodison Park between 2008 and 2013.
On his return, Moyes said: ‘It’s great to be back! I have had eleven wonderful and successful years at Everton and did not hesitate when the opportunity was offered to me to rejoin this great club.
“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to do their part to get behind the players in this important season so that as a Premier League team we can move into our fantastic new stadium.”
Dyche was sensationally dismissed on Thursday, just hours before Everton’s 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup third round.
There has been speculation about Dyche’s position all week, fueled by Everton making an inquiry to Graham Potter’s representatives on Monday around the time the new West Ham manager was being interviewed by David Sullivan to succeed Julen Lopetegui.
The Friedkin Group, whose takeover of Farhad Moshiri was confirmed on December 19 last year, had mapped out the situation surrounding Dyche – accelerated by last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth – and concerns were mounting after a run of one win in eleven games.
It is understood Dyche was set to leave Everton on Wednesday evening, but he reported to Finch Farm for light training on Thursday morning. There was an uneasy atmosphere around the club and four hours before kick-off the decision was made to end his two-year reign.
There was not complete agreement among fans over Moyes’ return to the Merseyside club, with one questioning the wisdom of replacing Dyche with the Scot.
Specsavers’ X account responded to the news with a hilarious demand from the 61-year-old
One Toffees fan delivered an impassioned post following news of Moyes’ appointment
Moyes is tasked with guiding Everton away from danger, with the side currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone following the sacking of Sean Dyche
Moyes led West Ham to the Europa Conference League in 2023 before being sacked as Hammers boss at the end of last season
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‘Is Moyes really a marked improvement over Dyche?’ they wrote on X.
But above all, the appointment seems to have struck a rather romantic chord with the fans, many of whom witnessed Moyes’ impressive first term in office and subsequent successes since his career low point at Old Trafford.
One impassioned message read: ‘Welcome back Davey. It’s fate that brought you back. You were one of the Old Lady’s favorite sons until you turned your back on her. But she is forgiving and welcomes you back with open arms. Your task is enormous. Give her the farewell she deserves. IMWT. UTFT.’
Moyes has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season but has since appeared as a pundit on Match of the Day.
Moyes guided Everton to the Champions League qualifying rounds after finishing fourth for Liverpool in the 2004-05 season and reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Cup in 2008. He also led the club to the 2009 FA Cup Final, where the Toffees were defeated by Chelsea.
He will be tasked with keeping Everton in the Premier League, with the club in 16th place, one point outside the relegation zone.
The Toffees have won just three league games all season and will be hoping for a return to form following Moyes’ appointment.