David Moyes has been reappointed as Everton manager following the departure of Sean Dyche, the struggling Premier League club confirmed on Saturday.
“Moyes is widely recognized as one of the Premier League’s most experienced and accomplished managers, having led Everton for more than 500 matches from 2002 to 2013,” read a statement on the club’s website.
Everton’s executive chairman, Marc Watts, expressed confidence in Moyes’s return: “With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to guide us through this pivotal time in Everton’s history—through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. We are excited to build the foundation of a new era for Everton with David.”
Moyes, 61, responded to his return with enthusiasm: “It’s great to be back! I had 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.”
The Friedkin Group, who recently acquired the club, acted swiftly to appoint Moyes after sacking Dyche just hours before Everton’s 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup third round on Thursday.
Moyes, who left Everton in 2013 for a turbulent spell at Manchester United, is reported to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. He has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.
His second stint as Everton manager will begin with a Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Moyes remains a popular figure among Everton fans, having led the club for 11 years, including a memorable fourth-place finish in 2005 and an FA Cup final appearance in 2009.
Dyche’s reign at Goodison Park came to a premature end after a run of poor results, including just one win in his last 11 matches, leaving the team only one point above the relegation zone.
Despite speculation linking former Chelsea manager Graham Potter to the job, Moyes has now been tasked with steering Everton clear of relegation as they prepare to transition into their new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium next season.
In the interim, former Everton defender Leighton Baines, now head coach of the club’s under-18s, and captain Seamus Coleman oversaw the 2-0 victory against Peterborough in Dyche’s absence.
