David Moyes reveals why he ‘wasn’t sure’ about taking Everton job

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David Moyes has come out and explained that he had second thoughts about returning to Everton as he feared it could damage his legacy.

One of the Friedkin Group’s first major decisions after taking over from Farhad Moshiri was sacking Sean Dyche, which was deemed controversial at the time.

David Moyes’ appointment has turned out to be an inspired one, as Everton stayed up with ease last season and now have ambitions of qualifying for Europe this term.

But, it could’ve been very different for Toffees supporters, as Moyes was seriously thinking about turning down the chance to rejoin the Toffees.

• READ MORE: Ian Wright shares his initial impressions of Everton’s new stadium after first time visiting

David Moyes was concerned about ruining his Everton legacy

During the October international break, Everton boss David Moyes appeared on the PLZ Football Podcast.

The Scotsman admitted he felt it was a big risk to come back to the club in January for a number of reasons.

“Yeah, you go back to Everton. Was there a dilemma? Were you worried? They say never go back,” Moyes was asked.

“Yeah, no, there was a dilemma because I wasn’t sure,” the Toffees manager admitted.

“Everton had a chance of getting relegated. This time last year, there was a big chance, and obviously, on the horizon was the new stadium.

“It was leaving Goodison, and I’m saying, my goodness, if I go back now and it doesn’t work and I get relegated, then I won’t be able to do the job, that’s for sure. And I wouldn’t say I had a huge legacy in 11 years, but I think it was a good 11 years I had prior to that. And 11 years at any one club, some doing, it really is.

“For any managers now to get longevity at clubs and stay is a big thing. So going back, I felt it was a risk, I really did.”

The Premier League table since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche

Everton appointed Moyes on January 11th 2025 and since then, he’s taken charge of 26 Premier League games.

Across that period, only six teams in the division have picked up more points, with Moyes’ side sitting in seventh place.

That suggests the Scotsman has his side operating as a European challenging club, which certainly is the aim this season.

Back in June, Moyes admitted he wants to emulate what he achieved at West Ham United.

“We had an incredible time at West Ham and winning a European trophy,” Moyes explained. ” But now back at Everton, I’ve got to try and set the same sort of sights for Everton as well.

“In the early parts of my career when I was Everton manager, we did get to Europe quite regularly and it has to be, I feel as if it has to be a target for us.

“We have an exciting new stadium to move to, lots of good things happening, new owners coming in. Maybe we can’t do it too quickly, but we have to aim to get back to those levels.”