David Moyes Reflects on His Early Career
Everton’s manager, David Moyes, has recently revisited a nostalgic chapter of his life during the team’s pre-season journey to New Jersey, where he reminisced about his early days as an apprentice at Celtic in the late 1970s. Kearny, the town that has a rich history of Irish and Scottish immigrants and is fondly dubbed “Soccertown, USA”, served as a backdrop for those formative experiences.
Community Engagement and Coaching Clinic
On Friday, Moyes participated in a community event at Washington Elementary School, located a short distance from the Scots American Club, which had hosted Celtic during their visits. Recalling that era fondly, Moyes remarked:
“We played on the pitch just up the road. It was a big Celtic area. They were very welcoming, inviting us to stay with their families. Being captain, I even had to give a speech at one of the big dinners—a significant moment that shaped my early career.”
During his visit, he led a coaching clinic for local children and reconnected with the community that once hosted him and his teammates. Alongside players Dwight McNeil, Jake O’Brien, and Tim Iroegbunam, Moyes enjoyed listening to a local recount the memories of Celtic’s visits from decades ago.
Current Challenges and Future Aspirations
At 62 years old, Moyes holds the record for the most games managed in the Premier League, with 716 matches, trailing only behind legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. This summer, he received the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Prince William, recognizing his contributions to football.
In a discussion about the evolution of pre-season training, Moyes reflected on how approaches have transformed—from intense running sessions with players in bin bags to a more ball-centric methodology aimed at keeping players engaged. He emphasized the urgency for additional signings to strengthen Everton after a promising turnaround last season, having led the team to a 13th place finish after inheriting a difficult situation in January.
Player Departures and Transfer Needs
Everton has seen significant player departures, including Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Ashley Young, all of whom ended their contracts, further complicating Moyes’ plans as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Leeds United on August 18. With new ownership under the Friedkin family and plans for a state-of-the-art 52,000-seat stadium, the club is at a pivotal moment, poised for growth yet in dire need of reinforcements.
So far, Everton has secured three new players: Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo for £12.6 million ($13.8 million), forward Thierno Barry from Villarreal at £27 million, and goalkeeper Mark Travers from Bournemouth for £4 million.
Addressing Team Fatigue and Future Signings
Recent challenges were underscored by a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series. Moyes noted the team’s fatigue during the second half, a result of limited depth and the absence of key defensive players such as James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, leaving them struggling to fill the squad. He stated:
“We were nearly struggling to field the team in some ways today.”
Moyes expressed that the club has a considerable amount of work to do before the transfer window closes, aiming for approximately ten new players. He acknowledged the difficulties of attracting talent, especially in a competitive market where several Premier League teams are also pursuing European players. Yet he remains committed to identifying promising young talent and seasoned players to bolster the squad.
Scouting for Talent
Despite his focus on finding players with prior Premier League experience, he is also keen on scouting promising prospects from Latin America and local markets. Alan Aznou of Bayern Munich has caught his attention, as have 20-year-old Lyon winger Malick Fofana. Nevertheless, there is a clear need for a balanced mix of youth and experience.
Preparing for the Upcoming Season
Setting the team up for success in their new stadium is as critical as securing new players. Moyes is actively preparing for preseason matches and adjusting to the dynamics of their new home soil, aiming to replicate the intensity of Goodison Park. Looking at the broader picture, Moyes is determined to forge a competitive squad that meets the high aspirations he has for the upcoming season.
