Everton: How David Moyes has reinvented the club

[Brennan]

For a team that worked so hard at winning their reputation as the Premier League's slow starters, the table makes healthy and refreshing reading for Everton and manager David Moyes.

Too often in recent times Everton and their supporters have examined the final standings in May and been left wondering what might have been had they produced post-January form before the turn of the year.
They need wonder no more. The platform for a serious push at the top four, achieved almost miraculously by Moyes and his players in 2005, has been firmly set.

Everton have shifted emphasis significantly from their previous image of a hard-working, organised side moulded very much in the image and likeness of their manager. This season, as they were from January last season following the additions of Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic, they have continued to be an attractive, pleasing on the eye team while retaining that resilience. It is a potent combination.

So, can Everton force another crack at the Champions League after falling agonisingly to Villarreal at the qualifying stage in 2005?

On this season's evidence, and on what we saw at rain-lashed Upton Park, Everton can consider themselves rightful contenders to the two places left to fill after Manchester United and Manchester City sort out first and second between them.

Everton have fallen behind ten times this season - something Moyes may wish to address - but only one game has been lost and, as they did against Tottenham recently, this one was won.
A lack of ruthlessness has cost Everton too many points this season but there is no lack of resolution.

The Scot himself has issues to resolve, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and with a new one not yet in the offing. Moyes said he will examine the situation more closely at the end of January but he will be as keen as Everton not to allow this to become a sideshow or distraction at such a crucial time.
It is an intriguing state of affairs. Moyes may hanker for a larger budget as Kenwright searches in vain for new investment but will the grass be greener anywhere else?

The chairman cannot give Moyes money he has not got but the manager is well-rewarded personally at Everton, is unlikely to be a contender for major Premier League jobs any time soon and has a level of control to be envied over affairs at Goodison Park. And, very importantly in all his considerations, he currently has a team and a squad that is closer to the finished product than any he has had in almost 11 years at Everton.

Where would life be better for him unless he was tempted abroad, perhaps to indulge in his open admiration for the Bundesliga?

For now Moyes has plenty to keep him occupied at Everton and plenty to please him. If this is their usual slow start then optimism can move on to rarefied levels once they pick up their normal pace in January.

Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20825958

 

[Hayee]

lets hope we can still do the now customary new year run of excellent form!

 

[Goat]

Davey, Davey Moyes.

Never lost the faith.

 

[Clint Planet]

IT'S ON!

 

[ijjysmith]

Phil McNultey wasn't it?

Can't decide if I like him or not.

 

[Goat]

Phil McNultey wasn't it?

Can't decide if I like him or not.

I dont.

 

[toffeejack]

Phil McNultey wasn't it?

Can't decide if I like him or not.

same. read this earlier but was way too lazy to post it. good insight for young kids supporting other teams but nothing most of us evertonians couldn't have worked out ourselves. good to see us getting rightful plaudits though

 

[ijjysmith]

I dont.

He is a blue though isn't he?

 

[Brennan]

He is a blue though isn't he?

Joey Barton is a blue as well.

 

[ijjysmith]

Joey Barton is a blue as well.

Good point well made.

 

[formerly manx toffee]

Is Moyes trying to force Bills hand by saying that he will see about a contract after January ?

 

[davek]

Reinvented the club?

I laughed.

 

[Brennan]

Is Moyes trying to force Bills hand by saying that he will see about a contract after January ?

He's hoping that the board will stop being utter bells and either allow investment at a reasonable share sale price, or get into their own pockets and invest for the first time in their tenure.

Either that or he just wants a nice big pay rise. Either way, fair play.

 

[davek]

He's hoping that the board will stop being utter bells and either allow investment at a reasonable share sale price, or get into their own pockets and invest for the first time in their tenure.

Either that or he just wants a nice big pay rise. Either way, fair play.

He's pocketed £20M to £25M so far in wages. He actually has more money than Billy Liar now. Maybe he could invest?

 

[Goat]

MOYES OUT