AliousSpending an hour with David Moyes earlier this season reaffirmed that his affection for Everton remains deep and enduring. The club’s upcoming move from Goodison Park marks a monumental moment in their storied history. Having hosted football for 133 years, Goodison has become synonymous with Everton’s identity, and capturing the reflections of its iconic figures has been my focus over the past months.
Starting with Kevin Ratcliffe—Everton’s most successful captain—last March, I’ve chronicled the thoughts of key individuals connected to the club’s history. From legends like Derek Mountfield, Michael Ball, and Leon Osman to US-based superfan Dr. David France, who donated an invaluable Everton memorabilia collection to the club, this series has sought to preserve the memories of “The Grand Old Lady.” Most recently, my conversations with Ian Snodin and Anders Limpar have continued this journey of nostalgic exploration.
Yet, among these interviews, my time with David Moyes stands out. Recorded at a private location in Lancashire, Moyes, Everton’s longest-serving Premier League manager, opened up about his time with the club. Under his leadership, Everton achieved nine top-half finishes, including their best Premier League placement of fourth in the 2004/05 season. Moyes was an essential voice for the *Goodison Park: My Home* series, and little did anyone know that just months later, his connection to Everton would once again become relevant.
Now, four months on, Moyes finds himself at the center of Everton’s future. After departing West Ham United in 2023—a year after guiding them to UEFA Europa Conference League glory—Moyes initially described himself as enjoying a period of “semi-retirement.” However, his return to Everton, during one of the most pivotal times in the club’s history, feels almost poetic.
In our conversation, the focus was largely on nostalgia. Moyes reflected on his early days, recounting the Blackpool director who predicted his Everton destiny, the deal struck with Bill Kenwright, and his now-famous “People’s Club” remark. He even reminisced about warming up the players himself before his first match. Despite the years since his departure, you could sense Moyes’ connection to the club still resonated deeply.
Interestingly, Moyes, who has often been careful about referring to Everton as “we,” struggled to avoid slipping into the first person during our chat. When asked if he agreed with Alan Ball’s famous sentiment that “Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same,” Moyes candidly replied, “Aye, I believe that.”
He admitted there were several moments where a return to Everton felt imminent, though for various reasons, it didn’t materialize. “It’s nobody’s fault, it was this or that, it just was life. By me saying that I was close to doing it, gives you an idea about what my feeling about it is,” he said, hinting at his unwavering connection to the club.
Moyes’ passion for Everton is undeniable. Now, as the Blues prepare for their transition from Goodison Park, his role in their future could prove just as impactful as his legacy in their past.
Alious
