David Moyes
Everton supporters have been advised to exercise caution and patience when critiquing manager David Moyes, as the club seeks stability during its transition to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Former Everton striker Tony Cottee, who netted 99 goals in 241 appearances for the club between 1988 and 1994, expressed this sentiment. Despite Everton’s precarious position just one point above the relegation zone upon Moyes’ return, the manager successfully guided the team to a 13th-place finish last season, avoiding relegation with five matches to spare and securing five away victories.
Tony Cottee said: “Everyone is an expert these days, everyone has got an opinion and can go on social media or other platforms and vent their anger. We’re all great managers when we’re sitting in the stands, myself included. My Dad used to tell me: ‘Son, you never missed a chance. Whenever you missed a chance, I put the rebound in!’ It’s difficult. Sometimes you don’t appreciate how good managers are until they leave, and the same goes for players too, that’s just how it is in football.”
Cottee continued: “Arsenal struggled a little bit, Tottenham have had some dodgy results and many other clubs have had a difficult time in that first season. I think the last thing Everton fans need to do is put pressure on David Moyes – he’s a fabulous manager – has been and will be in the future. Everton need that stability throughout the first couple of years at the new stadium. Now they need to get the players who can get Everton back into the top half of the table and, more importantly, win a trophy. That’s what the Evertonians are crying out for. I think David is a safe pair of hands.”
He added: “I’m not saying that he’s going to be there in 10 years’ time because I’m pretty certain he doesn’t think that either, but you need that stability throughout the transitional period. It was only 2023 when they won the Conference League but there are only a couple of players, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta who are still in the team from two years ago, which is ridiculous. It can happen that quickly. We’ve seen it with many other clubs where you have a good season, the next is not so good and then by the third, you’re in trouble. You need stability when you move stadiums. Fans sometimes don’t appreciate how difficult that is. I’d urge the Evertonians to show a bit of patience because you’re going to get results like the Tottenham game on Sunday. It’s only one defeat, they went six games unbeaten at home before that.”
Cottee concluded: “I’ll stick with what I said at the start of the season, I honestly think that Everton will finish in the top 10. They might not be challenging for Champions League places but if they can get themselves in the top half and maybe have a good FA Cup run then that’s a decent first season for the club at the new stadium. You’ve just got to be patient with David.”
The call for patience comes as Everton continues to build on its recent successes and aims for a stable future. With the club’s recent history of fluctuating performances, Cottee’s comments highlight the importance of allowing Moyes time to establish a foundation at the new stadium. Evertonians are encouraged to remain supportive as the team works towards reclaiming a position in the top half of the Premier League table and potentially securing a trophy.
About The Author
