David Moyes is close to being appointed Everton manager for a second time after agreeing to replace Sean Dyche in the Goodison Park dugout.
The 61-year-old left West Ham United last summer after ending the Hammers’ 43-year wait for a trophy following a hugely successful spell as manager at the London Stadium.
Moyes was previously Everton’s manager between 2002 and 2013, where he was named LMA Manager of the Year three times. He left the club for Manchester United, where he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson, but only lasted nine months of the six-year contract he signed at Old Trafford before being released.
The athletic one report that Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), quickly identified Moyes as their main target after deciding to forgo Dyche’s services just hours before their FA Cup third round win over Peterborough.
He is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract shortly – Sky Sports say an agreement has been reached between both parties – and it is understood TFG wants Moyes to “lay the foundations” for the club ahead of the move to a new 52,888 stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in Vauxhall.
Moyes’ first task will be to help Everton stave off the threat of relegation. The Toffees sit just one point above the relegation zone in 16th place, having taken two points from the last 15 available and need to improve their dismal record in front of goal.
In fact, Everton have scored just 15 goals this season – only bottom-placed Southampton have a worse record – and have won just three of the 19 games played.