David Moyes Returns to Everton as Manager

David Moyes has officially rejoined Everton as the club’s new manager, 12 years after his departure. The 61-year-old takes over following the dismissal of Sean Dyche, who was sacked just hours before Everton’s FA Cup third-round match against Peterborough United. Leighton Baines, the Under-18s head coach, and captain Seamus Coleman temporarily oversaw the team during that fixture.

Moyes’ appointment is effective immediately, with his first match scheduled at home against Aston Villa in the Premier League on January 15.

In a statement on the club’s website, Moyes said: “It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.” He also emphasized his commitment to working alongside The Friedkin Group to rebuild the team and called on fans to support the squad as they aim to stay in the Premier League ahead of their move to a new stadium.

Everton’s Current Standing

Everton is currently positioned 16th in the Premier League table, only one point above the relegation zone, following a five-game winless streak. The club has confirmed that further updates regarding Moyes’ coaching staff will be provided soon.

Moyes’ Career Highlights

This marks Moyes’ second tenure at Everton, where he managed the team for 11 years between 2002 and 2013. During his first spell, he led the club to a fourth-place finish in the 2004/05 season, earning a spot in the Champions League.

Moyes’ managerial record includes 697 Premier League matches, a tally surpassed only by Arsene Wenger (828) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810). After leaving Everton in 2013 to succeed Ferguson at Manchester United, Moyes endured a brief 10-month stint at Old Trafford. His career then included roles at Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and two separate spells at West Ham United.

During his second term at West Ham, Moyes guided the club to back-to-back European qualifications and led them to their first major trophy in 43 years, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League against Fiorentina.

Everton’s recent form has been concerning, with a five-match winless streak in the Premier League, including two consecutive defeats without scoring. Their latest league match resulted in a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on January 4, 2025, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone.

In the FA Cup, Everton secured a 2-0 victory over Peterborough United on January 9, 2025, advancing to the fourth round. This match was overseen by interim managers Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman following Sean Dyche’s dismissal.

Looking ahead, Everton’s upcoming fixtures include a Premier League home game against Aston Villa on January 15, 2025, followed by another home match against Tottenham Hotspur on January 19, 2025. These matches will be crucial for Moyes to halt the team’s decline and steer them away from the relegation zone.

Moyes’ return signals a pivotal moment for Everton as they aim to secure their place in the Premier League and strengthen their squad for future success.