David Moyes set for Everton return as manager under new ownership

David Moyes is poised to make a dramatic return to Everton as their new manager, agreeing in principle to a two-and-a-half-year contract. This move reunites Moyes with the club he led from 2002 to 2013, following a meeting with representatives of the Friedkin Group (TFG), Everton’s new owners, on Friday. The official announcement is expected Saturday morning.

The 61-year-old’s agreement extends through the 2026-27 season, aligning him with Everton’s transition to their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium. Moyes replaces Sean Dyche, who was dismissed on Thursday despite a win in the FA Cup. With Everton just one point above the relegation zone, TFG turned to Moyes as their top choice to stabilize the team and spearhead long-term plans.

A trusted leader for a new era at Goodison Park

TFG prioritized Moyes for his extensive Premier League experience and his history with Everton, where he oversaw a largely successful 11-year tenure. The new owners dismissed other potential candidates, including Graham Potter, now at West Ham, and José Mourinho, who was not considered due to his prior dismissal by TFG at Roma.

Moyes is tasked with leading Everton away from relegation danger and laying a foundation for a more stable future, contrasting with the turbulent years under previous owner Farhad Moshiri. His return will also mark the ninth managerial appointment at the club in the last nine years, a reflection of the instability Everton aims to overcome.

Despite stating in recent interviews that he was not eager to manage a team battling relegation, Moyes made an exception for Everton due to his deep connection with the club. He is expected to lead the team in their upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Building a backroom team and preparing for challenges ahead

Moyes faces immediate challenges, including assembling a new coaching staff. Following Dyche’s departure, Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard, and Billy Mercer also exited the club. Billy McKinlay, who worked alongside Moyes at West Ham, is reportedly in line to join his backroom team.

Everton’s new ownership sees Moyes as the right figure to oversee the team’s on-field recovery and transition to a brighter future. With his wealth of managerial experience, including stints at Preston, Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland, and West Ham, Moyes brings a steady hand to Goodison Park.

• David Moyes agrees to a two-and-a-half-year contract with Everton, running through the 2026-27 season.
• The Scottish manager returns under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, replacing Sean Dyche.
• Everton hopes Moyes will lead the team away from relegation and stabilize the club for a new era, including the move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
• Moyes’ appointment marks his second tenure at the club after managing Everton from 2002 to 2013.
• The manager will build a new backroom staff, with Billy McKinlay likely joining from West Ham.