Everton manager David Moyes has spoken of his hopefulness of a European return with the Toffees.
The Scot guided Everton to Europe in four of his eleven years at the club during his first stint as manager.
A fourth-placed finish in 2004/05 saw the Toffees qualify for the Champions League, with UEFA Cup football subsequently played at Goodison Park.
However, the Toffees’ last appearance in Europe was during the 2017/18 season.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of tonight’s game, Moyes has revealed his hope of qualifying once more.
The Everton manager said: “Tonight we welcome West Ham, where recently we enjoyed three continuous years of European football, mostly playing on a Thursday night and a Sunday.
“That gives you very little rest and preparation time between European assignments and your next Premier League game. But it was an exciting time for everyone at the club, especially the supporters.
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
TOFFEES MUST BE AMBITIOUS IN EUROPEAN PURSUIT
Indeed, Moyes achieved noteworthy success during his time as West Ham manager.
A Europa League semi-final in 2022 was followed by success in the UEFA Conference League in 2023.
Moyes’ side beat Fiorentina in the final, who infamously knocked Everton out of the UEFA Cup in a 2008 penalty shootout.
European nights at Goodison Park and away days on the continent are some of my best memories as an Evertonian.
The relegation-threatened side of recent years has made Europe feel extremely far away.
However, while it may not happen overnight, it should be an ambition of the club to play European football again.
Moyes has transformed a side fighting relegation into European regulars before. Can the Scot repeat the trick?
