Ex-Newscastle co-owner Amanda Staveley is considering whether to buy Everton
Manager David Moyes faces an uncertain future at Everton.
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Everton have made an impressive start to the Premier League season and have been unbeaten in eight games across all competitions. But still, TEAMtalk reports that manager David Moyes’ long-term future is still uncertain – and that “history is yet to be written”.
No formal decision has been made on the 63-year-old’s position, and that the immediate focus remains on the results on the pitch.
Nevertheless, several well-placed people believe that Moyes is probably in his last season at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes, 63, who has led the club steadily since his return, is considered to have performed well within the confines of the existing ownership – taking Everton from relegation contenders to a stable Premier League side that is now battling Europe.
Nevertheless, the impending sale of the club has accelerated discussions of a change in direction. With the Friedkin Group ready for sale, new owners are expected to establish their own vision – and Moyes’ contract expires at the end of the current season.
Amanda Staveley and her PCP Capital Partners consortium have had informal discussions about a possible acquisition. If the group proceeds to a formal bid and completes a purchase, sources close to the process say they will go for Eddie Howe who did a brilliant job for Newcastle.
The former Newcastle United manager has been without a club since leaving St James’ Park, and is considered the preferred hire by the consortium should an Everton takeover take place.
There is still a long way to go before the change of ownership happens, and Staveley is still interested in West Ham United as she looks at a return to football after leaving Newcastle.
Eddie Howe interested in Everton opportunity
Howe is considered to see Everton as an attractive project he would be willing to discuss, given the club’s size, fanbase and the prospect of new investment.
Howe appears to be preparing for another Premier League round, having rejected an enquiry from French side Lens last month to become their new manager.
The 48-year-old manager, who was a childhood Everton player, is believed to be ready to return as coach – but is patiently waiting for the right opportunity.
At the same time, an American private equity group is also linked to Everton and is considered by many observers to take over, partly due to existing relationships with the Friedkin group.
Regardless of which party ultimately completes the acquisition, the expectation is that a new ownership structure will bring new ideas and a different leadership profile.
With Moyes in the final year of his contract and the club ready for a change of control, the prevailing perception is that the Scot is nearing the end of his second spell at Everton.
The next few months will be crucial. Continued strong performances could strengthen Moyes’ position in the short term – while he also loves the club and is willing to stay for as long as it takes.
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