Everton’s development over the last 12 months has been there for all to see as The Friedkin Group’s project enters its second year.
Thursday marked the first anniversary of The Friedkin Group’s takeover from the previous owner Farhad Moshiri.
David Moyes has overseen just about all 12 months of the American owners’ reign on Merseyside after replacing Sean Dyche back in January.
It is a partnership that has definitely proven a hugely positive one as the Scot enters this weekend’s fixture with Everton in the top half of the table.
No doubt about it, the relationship has been a two-way street with the Friedkins backing Moyes in the summer window by signing nine new players.
Now 12 months on from the takeover, former Everton player Leon Osman has named something he was so pleased to see from the Friedkins.
Leon Osman names ‘clever’ Everton ploy from the Friedkins
After the takeover, Osman demanded stability at Everton from the Friedkins, which has certainly been on display.
The stability away from the pitch with the club’s finances has quickly translated to a much better product on the pitch over recent months.
Speaking on The Athletic FC podcast, Osman has waxed lyrical about the decision from the Friedkins to bring Moyes back to the club.
How much do the Friedkins need to make available for David Moyes to spend in January? 💰
“I think it’s been a brilliant return from him [Moyes],” said Osman.
I think it was a clever choice from The Friedkin Group in terms of a safe pair of hands and security in a time where you’re joining a league for the first time and you want to make sure you’re being led by somebody who’s very experienced, not only in the club matters and the running of the football club, but the league itself.
“But then on top of that, I think David Moyes has probably exceeded expectations in regards to probably most people that had an opinion on him.”
Even Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Moyes’ work at Everton, with the Blues looking like a club ready to compete for the European spots once again.
The Toffees may still need some further signings to really push the sides in the top half of the table, but the foundations have certainly been put in place for a much brighter future.
David Moyes has warned Everton over his future
The work being done under the 62-year-old has been seriously impressive given he has only really had one transfer window to work with.
Moyes has a fantastic connection with the Everton fans who will be delighted to see his return to Merseyside has actually worked out.
Who would you like to see eventually replace David Moyes at Everton?
“I certainly won’t be here for what I did before (over 11 years). I will just take it as it goes, we have done a good job here in getting us safe because that was a problem that the club could have been relegated.
“I’ll take the next two years and see how we go. I have a couple of years left.”
David Moyes on his long-term Everton future
At the end of this season, Moyes will have just one further year remaining on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
By then, the Scot will have just turned 64 years of age, which may factor into his thinking over his future.
A lot can change in that time, but the Friedkins may well have to start considering who they may want to replace Moyes sooner rather than later.
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