The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "Why Moyes is Perfect for Everton's New Era"

Episode Information:

• Title: Why Moyes is Perfect for Everton's New Era
• Host: The Athletic (Featuring Ayo Akinwolere, David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton, and Matt Slater)
• Release Date: April 3, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere and co-host Robert Vinlowen delve into the pivotal role David Moyes plays in ushering in a new era for Everton Football Club. With Everton's impending move to a state-of-the-art stadium and a series of transformative changes under Moyes' leadership, the discussion centers on why Moyes is the ideal manager to guide the club through this significant transition.

2. Everton's Recent Match Against Liverpool

a. Match Outcome and Key Moments

Everton faced Liverpool in a fiercely contested Merseyside Derby, ultimately resulting in a 2-1 defeat for Everton. Despite coming close, Everton couldn't secure the win, extending their visits to Anfield without tasting victory to 22.

b. Controversial Incidents

• James Tarkowski's Tackle on Mac Allister ([05:02]):

  • Paddy Boylan: Describes Tarkowski's tackle as "profoundly unnecessary" and highlights the impact it had on the game. He remarks, “It felt a bit of a slam dunk” ([05:27]).

  • David Moyes' Initial Reaction ([05:52]): Moyes initially defended the tackle as a "good challenge" but later acknowledged its defenseless nature, stating, “I think we could have been lucky that he didn't get [a red card]” ([06:54]).

• Jordan Pickford's Tackle on Darwin Nunes ([05:02]): Another contentious moment that sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.

c. VAR and Offside Decisions

• Luis Diaz's Offside Position ([07:08]): The goal scored by Liverpool through Diogo Jota was deemed valid despite Diaz being in an offside position. Paddy discusses the need for rule adjustments to better handle such scenarios, saying, “There needs to be some provision in the rules” ([07:05]).

3. David Moyes' Impact on Everton

a. Transformational Leadership

Since Moyes took over, Everton has experienced a remarkable turnaround. From being 14 points off relegation, the team has shown significant improvement, highlighted by nine unbeaten matches, albeit many ending in draws.

• Paddy Boylan ([13:36]): Praises Moyes, noting, “It's remarkable what he's done, really” and emphasizes Moyes’ ability to instill confidence within the squad.

b. Managerial Style and Evolution

Moyes has evolved from his previous managerial roles, bringing a more candid and secure demeanor to Everton. His approach focuses on pragmatism and results over style, aligning perfectly with Everton's current needs.

• Paddy Boylan ([23:21]): States, “Moyes is back now and he just seems to have a connection with the club,” highlighting his deep-rooted relationship with Everton.

c. Squad Revitalization

Under Moyes, Everton has started to express themselves more in the attacking third, with players like Beto showing promise despite limited resources.

• Ollie K. ([03:23]): Observes, “Everton probably deserved the win more than Liverpool did in [the Goodison game],” underscoring the team's potential under Moyes.

4. Everton's Future Prospects

a. Move to the New Stadium

Everton's transition to a new stadium on the waterfront is a cornerstone of the club's future strategy, promising increased matchday revenues and enhanced commercial opportunities.

b. Financial Landscape and Summer Transfers

Everton faces financial challenges with a reported £53.2 million loss for the year ending June 2024. However, new ownership with substantial personal fortunes provides a lifeline for potential investments.

• Paddy Boylan ([29:09]): Discusses the dual nature of the upcoming summer transfer window, stating, “This window is a window in two parts,” referring to pre and post June 30th financial adjustments.

c. Squad Rebuilding Strategy

With 15 players out of contract, Moyes faces the daunting task of overhauling the squad. The strategy emphasizes acquiring younger, hungry talents to build a solid foundation for future success.

• Paddy Boylan ([31:44]): Highlights, “It's a kind of an incremental growth kind of project,” emphasizing a measured approach to squad enhancement.

d. Comparative Insights: Aston Villa

The podcast draws parallels between Everton's aspirations and Aston Villa's successful resurgence under Unai Emery, suggesting Villa as a strategic model for Everton.

• Ollie K. ([39:26]): Notes, “Everton will probably look at the Aston Villa situations and think how can we get to that?” indicating Everton’s intention to emulate Villa's strategic growth.

5. Structural and Managerial Changes

a. Departure of Kevin Thelwell

The current sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, is set to leave Everton as his contract expires. This marks a shift from the traditional director of football model to a more streamlined management structure.

• Paddy Boylan ([35:08]): Explains, “They are moving away from that model and let's be honest, they're swimming against the tide there,” referring to Everton’s departure from the director of football system.

b. New Management Structure

Everton aims to decentralize responsibilities with new roles such as head of strategy and head of trading, promoting a more focused and efficient operational framework.

• Lonzo Ball ([38:48]): Describes the new structure, “Instead of a director of football having, as it was framed to me at Everton, 15 direct reportees, you will have three or four people splitting those duties between them.”

6. Conclusion: Why Moyes is the Perfect Fit

David Moyes embodies the perfect blend of experience, pragmatism, and a deep connection with Everton, making him the ideal manager to lead the club into a new era. His ability to instill confidence, coupled with strategic squad rebuilding and leveraging new financial opportunities, positions Everton for sustainable growth and competitive resurgence.

• Paddy Boylan ([44:44]): Concludes, “These are opportunities that... this is a period of opportunity for Everton. They should look at it as such and they should, in theory, be able to capitalize on it.”

Notable Quotes:

• Paddy Boylan on Moyes' Transformation:

  “It's remarkable what he's done, really.” ([13:36])

• David Moyes on Club's Future:

  “This is somebody who is thinking not just, you know, the next 18 months or something, but that he can lead them into a totally new era at the new stadium.” ([19:29])

• Paddy Boylan on Squad Rebuilding:

  “It's a kind of an incremental growth kind of project.” ([31:44])

• Lonzo Ball on Management Structure:

  “Instead of a director of football having... you will have three or four people splitting those duties between them.” ([38:48])

Final Thoughts: David Moyes' strategic vision and hands-on approach make him uniquely suited to navigate Everton through financial constraints, squad rebuilding, and the excitement of a new stadium. Under his leadership, Everton is poised to reclaim its standing in the Premier League and build a foundation for future success.

Listen to the full episode here to gain deeper insights into David Moyes' impact on Everton and the strategic moves shaping the club's future.