David Moyes has expressed his contentment as he approaches the first anniversary of his return to Everton, despite recent stumbles. The manager, who took over with the club one point above the relegation zone, has overseen a transformation that has lifted Everton into mid-table. 'It has made me go again,' he said of the only job that could have tempted him back to the Premier League frontline.
Everton face Sunderland in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, with Moyes missing eight senior players due to injury and suspension. The absence of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, along with the suspended Jack Grealish and Michael Keane, has exposed the limitations of the squad. The club have won only one of their last six games, prompting grumbles from some supporters.
Despite the recent dip, Moyes remains ambitious and dreams of European qualification. 'I want to be ambitious. I don't want to be negative,' he said. 'My dream is that we can be close enough at the end to challenge for a European spot.' He pointed to his success at West Ham, where he led the club to European football after a relegation battle, as evidence that it is possible.
Moyes also highlighted the improvements behind the scenes at Everton. The Friedkin Group have installed a new football leadership structure and improved recruitment. 'The club is starting to get itself back together,' he said. He wants to see Everton's youth teams challenging again and is hopeful that new revenue streams from the stadium will help build a competitive side.
'I hope that the year has looked like a progression,' Moyes added. 'From avoiding relegation, moving to the stadium, winning big games. We started this season really well. We have been able to move into the middle batch at the moment.'
