Everton have been linked with numerous high-profile managers since Farhad Moshiri took over the club. Moshiri’s desire for big names has often led to poor decisions, resulting in the financial troubles the club faces today. The appointments of Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti are examples of this trend, with the former being especially unsuccessful.
David Moyes, the manager who recently led West Ham United to a Europa Conference League title, revealed that he came close to re-joining Everton in 2016. Moyes had discussions with Everton and Celtic at the time, but ultimately ended up taking the Sunderland job due to various reasons. This decision turned out to be a successful one for Moyes, as he managed to bring stability and success to the club.
During the period when Moyes was considering a return to Everton, the club was still struggling to find its footing after the influx of cash from Moshiri. The appointment of Moyes, known for his stability and solid leadership, could have been exactly what Everton needed at that time. While Moyes may not have been a flashy choice, he could have provided the grounding that the club required to navigate through the financial challenges they were facing.
In hindsight, Moyes’ appointment could have prevented Everton from straying too far from their core values and identity. His experience and steady approach to management could have helped the club weather the storm of financial instability they were facing. However, the opportunity for Moyes to return to Everton did not materialize, and the club went through a period of upheaval before eventually finding stability under Sean Dyche.
Overall, Moyes’ near-miss with Everton highlights the importance of stability and consistency in football management. While flashy names may attract attention, it is often the steady hands that can guide a club through turbulent times and set them on the path to success. Moyes’ successful tenure at West Ham serves as a reminder of the impact a manager can have on a club’s fortunes, and Everton may have missed out on a valuable opportunity by not bringing him back to Goodison Park in 2016.