Paul Merson has criticized the idea that David Moyes knows Everton “inside out,” calling it a “ridiculous” notion after his return to the club for the first time in 12 years.
Everton announced Moyes’ appointment on Saturday, January 11, following the departure of Sean Dyche just hours before their FA Cup match against Peterborough United on January 9.
While Graham Potter was also a potential candidate for the role at Goodison Park, Moyes quickly became the preferred choice for The Friedkin Group and was swiftly appointed as manager.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News on January 11, Merson expressed mixed feelings about the move: “I’ve got mixed reviews about him coming back. You don’t go back. People say it’s good because he knows the club inside out. But he left 11 years ago! It’s ridiculous.”
Merson continued, “They’re similar managers [Moyes and Dyche], both preferring to keep things tight and working with what they have. Managers sometimes come in when players are out of the team due to falling out with the previous manager, but Moyes doesn’t have that issue at Everton. This is the team, so I don’t get it. I like David Moyes, but it was 11 years ago.”
Moyes’ return has been met with mixed reactions at Everton, and his extensive Premier League experience is expected to be a key factor in his appointment, in addition to his previous 11 years with the club between 2002 and 2013.
Since leaving Everton, Moyes has managed Manchester United, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland, before finding success at West Ham United, even winning silverware with the Hammers.
Although European football or domestic finals aren’t immediate goals, given Everton’s current struggles, they remain a long-term aspiration for the club. It remains to be seen whether Moyes can lead this squad to success, but with a two-and-a-half-year contract, he has the chance to prove himself.
The immediate task for Moyes is to guide the Toffees away from the Premier League relegation zone, with just one point separating them from the drop zone after 19 matches.
