What left Friedkin Group ‘stunned’ before David Moyes talks as change to Everton plan revealed

David Moyes, the returning Everton manager, has discussed his negotiations with The Friedkin Group that led to his return to Goodison Park, while sharing his ambitions for a second spell with the club. Moyes, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, achieved nine top-half finishes, including the club’s highest-ever Premier League position of fourth in the 2004/05 season.

Moyes revealed that after the recent change in ownership, with The Friedkin Group acquiring Farhad Moshiri’s full stake in Everton on December 19, the new owners approached him for the role. He had several Zoom calls with USA-based Everton chairman and TFG CEO Dan Friedkin, as well as executive chairman Marc Watts, prior to Sean Dyche’s departure being made public on Thursday. He then met with Watts and TFG’s vice president of sports investment strategy, Brian Walker, in person over the weekend in Merseyside.

Regarding the nature of the discussions, Moyes said: “They were interested in my experience and knowledge of the club, though I’ve been away for a long time. I understand what the supporters want, and I’m confident we can deliver that. The owners may also use me as a sounding board for ideas.”

He continued: “From the moment they reached out, they were clear they wanted me for the job. It wasn’t positioned as an interview. They were eager to know where I stood. Overall, they were keen to bring me in. They’re new to this and were surprised by how quickly things developed, as they were hoping Sean Dyche would see out the season.”

Although Moyes remains Everton’s longest-serving Premier League-era manager, his time away from the club has seen him accumulate further experience, including stints at Manchester United, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland, as well as a major achievement at West Ham United, where he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.

Asked about what he hopes to achieve this time around, Moyes responded: “It’s about rebuilding the club. Someone asked if we’re in a better or worse position than when I first took over. It’s a more challenging time now, with the scrutiny of football and the current job demands. Everton have faced tough years, struggling financially and staying clear of relegation.”

He added: “I hope to regenerate the club. I’m excited about the potential of everything going well, especially with the move to the new stadium. I would love the opportunity to lead that. I’m also excited to return to Goodison. As a young coach, I hoped it would go well, and now, with more experience, I know I have to get it right.”

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