Is it time for Everton and David Moyes to part company?
Next week marks the 11th year anniversary of David Moyes taking charge of Everton, but after Saturday’s 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Wigan, he may feel it is time for a change for both himself and the club when his contract runs out in the summer.
After such a lacklustre performance in such a big game for the club, Moyes may wonder how much longer he can continue getting so close to that elusive first trophy only for his players to seemingly freeze when the opportunity presents itself. Just like last year when they held a 1-0 half-time lead over Liverpool in the semi-final, they seemed to go into their shells and not have the belief to grasp the chance of glory.
If David Moyes were to leave Everton, he wouldn’t be short on offers.
He will certainly not be short of offers if he does decide to call time on his tenure at Goodison Park. His record in the league has been outstanding considering the budget he has had compared to the teams he has been competing with. For the last six seasons Everton have finished no lower than eighth and they are likely to finish higher than that this season as well. Add to that Champions League qualification once and qualifying for the Europa League three times, and Moyes has unquestionably galvanized the club.
Moyes has completely rebuilt the team as well to include players who are now coveted by some of Europe’s top clubs. His record in the transfer market has been exceptional. The likes of Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic have all had an impact to make Everton an attacking force, not forgetting the now departed Mikel Arteta. He has also turned Everton into a solid defensive unit with the consistent Tim Howard in goal, the experience of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka at centre-back, and the ever improving Leighton Baines at left-back.
Having these good players though may provide another reason for Moyes to consider his future in the summer. Fellaini seems almost certain to leave in the summer, with Chelsea rumoured to be preparing a bid. Baines also seems certain to attract interest in the summer having been the league’s most consistent left-back this season. Manchester United continue to be linked with him, and a move could especially be on the cards if Patrice Evra makes his way to PSG. If these types of players are sold, and with no news on the horizon of new investment, Moyes may feel there is no more that he can achieve.
A couple of months ago, Moyes already stated his ambition to manage abroad at some point, citing Germany as his ideal destination.
Decision time is inching closer and closer for Moyes. There is no doubt that the board and fans want him to stay, but is the constant saga about whether he will sign or not beginning to have an unsettling effect on the players? Does a defeat like the one on Saturday make him even more determined to come back fighting next season? Or does it just confirm to him that enough is enough and he now needs to seek a new challenge?
These are all questions that need to be answered quickly, ideally with a decision from Moyes himself. Otherwise, Everton may find themselves wasting their good work from the first three quarters of the season.