Now, after nine years in charge, it is difficult to say whether that has been achieved. Although no longer fighting relegation year after year, and with names like Mikel Arteta, Maroune Fellaini, Tim Chaill, and Leighton Baines replacing the likes of Mark Pembridge, Scot Gemmill, and Jesper Blomqvist, Moyes has yet to add to the extensive trophy cabinet at Goodison Park.
An FA Cup final appearance and a fourth place finish in the Premier League are impressive achievements given the inadequate financial resources Moyes has had at his disposal during his reign. However, for a club like Everton, Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. Birmingham, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Tottenham have all enjoyed trophy parades in the years following David Moyes appointment, yet Everton remain the nearly men of the Premier League era, never relegated and never serious contenders for the league title. The squad is undoubtedly stronger than it was nine years ago and, despite the heckling from the London based press, is no longer a candidate for relegation. This small mercy will not satisfy the lust of Everton fans who yearn for the success of yesteryear.
Clearly, there is a problem in the boardroom and without investment, success is unlikely to materialise. Kenwright can claim he is doing the responsible thing, and to be fair, it is wise to be wary of selling out to Billionaires with no idea about football, as Blackburn have done. The sacking of Allardyce epitomised the dangers of novices in the boardroom and could yet cost Blackburn their Premier League status. At the same time, money isn't everything and Everton fans are well within their rights to point to Birmingham's recent League Cup triumph and ask, if Alex Mcleish can do it, why can't David Moyes?
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