David Moyes Everton return vision confirmed by Marc Watts after Friedkin Group act quickly

Everton owners The Friedkin Group have explained their decision to bring David Moyes back to the club as manager

The Friedkin Group have explained why they have chosen to bring back David Moyes for a second spell as Everton manager less than a month after their takeover at Goodison Park was completed. TFG agreed a deal on September 23 to acquire all of Farhad Moshiri’s stake in Everton and their takeover was announced on December 19.

Although the Houston-based firm were initially understood to stick with Sean Dyche, the eighth manager in as many years under Moshiri, with the 53-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of the season, a dismal display in Everton’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth last Saturday, where the Blues failed to muster a single shot on target, left them with just 17 points at the halfway stage of the Premier League season and a mere one point above the relegation zone, prompting the new owners to review his position.

Although Dyche took the pre-match press conference on Tuesday for the FA Cup third round tie at home to Peterborough United, his sacking was announced on Thursday afternoon, less than four hours before kick-off, with Under-18s coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman put in temporary charge as caretaker managers for Everton’s 2-0 victory over the League One side. Talks to find Dyche’s replacement have been swift though and with Moyes’ return now confirmed, executive chairman Marc Watts said: “We are pleased that David is joining us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history.

“With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. We look forward to working with David to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.”