The Friedkin Group (TFG) want David Moyes to be the “anchor” ahead of a summer revolution at Everton.
Moyes signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park after Sean Dyche’s exit, a sign of how much faith TFG have in the returning Scot to lead them into what sources predict will be a close season of major change on and off-the-field.
The Toffees, currently in the process of recruiting a new CEO to oversee a pivotal stage in the club’s history, have 12 players either returning to their loan clubs or out of contract in the summer and have opted for an experienced head to lead them through what promises to be a sizeable recruitment drive.
At first glance – and to those outside the club – it appears to be something of a conservative choice to return to Moyes, who departed West Ham after five largely successful years last summer.
But it is a decision that reflects the unique, and challenging, set of circumstances that the Friedkins have inherited at Everton, who face a big fight for Premier League survival in the second half of the season.
The owners believe Everton have two priorities: a short-term requirement to stay in the division before the new manager embarks on the longer term job of laying foundations for a brighter future that doesn’t involve an annual relegation battle.
In Moyes they feel they have a candidate who can do both.
TFG plan to back Moyes in the January transfer market – although any movement is restricted by Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), up to three players could be recruited, depending on outgoings – but there is an acknowledgement that Everton’s most pressing need is to get more out of the players they already have.
Moyes’ record at previous clubs backs up TFG’s conviction that he can do that.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin feels like the most obvious example of that. He has just two goals in 19 games this season and had stagnated under Dyche. A fresh voice should suit him.
Beyond that short-term improvement, Moyes will be entrusted with instilling a new culture and standards at Everton.
“His values wherever he has been have been consistent, and they’re a good foundation for what the owners are trying to build,” a source close to TFG said.
It is understood Moyes was the overwhelming first choice of the club’s new executive team and director of football Kevin Thelwell, who was also an influential voice in the appointment.
Due diligence on successors had begun before Dyche signalled that he felt he had taken the club as far as he could.
“This was not a knee jerk decision,” another source said.
While some fans might have preferred a cleaner break with Everton’s history or a manager associated with a more entertaining playing style, there needs to be realism.
Moyes’ football brought West Ham a trophy and consistent top 10 finishes and, if backed with resources, there is a feeling Everton will become more expansive than Dyche’s “ugly” football.
It also brings stability to the club.
While Thelwell’s long-term future still feels uncertain – Brighton technical director David Weir is a friend of Moyes – there are no plans to change him before the end of his contract at the conclusion of the season.
TFG’s instinct is to build rather than rip it up and start again – which partly explains the decisions of the last week.
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