Everton Boss David Moyes Picks Up Trophy At FWA North Managers' Awards

David Moyes added a rare piece of silverware to his collection on Sunday night, although this one won’t be going in the Everton trophy cabinet.

The Everton boss was guest of honour at the Football Writers’ Association North Managers’ Awards in Manchester, where he collected the FWA North Tribute Award in recognition of a managerial career that now stretches beyond 1,200 games.

Preston, two spells at Everton, Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sunderland and two stints at West Ham, where he ended the Hammers’ 58-year wait for a European trophy by winning the Conference League in 2023.

Moyes used his speech to reflect on how he first ended up at the dinner as a young coach, brought along by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce, and offered “a big thank you to the North West’s writers.”

“I’d like to say a big thankyou to the North West’s writers. I have been coming to this dinner for a long time, brought along when I was a young coach, mainly by Sir Alex (Ferguson) and big Sam (Allardyce). They had a huge influence on so many young managers then, and we have a few here tonight. In the past we would have to drag the young managers here, because you have to understand the importance of the journalists and writers. If you don’t it becomes very difficult as they go along in management."

It's a message from a manager who has spent more time in front of the press than almost anyone in the English game. Moyes isn’t always the most expansive in a press conference, but he has always understood that the relationship works both ways.

“Throughout my career I have always felt it was important to have the best relationship you can with journalists, and over the years I’ve got to know so many, become good friends with lots of them, and see it as a big part of the job.

“We as managers need the journalists at times, and they also need what we’ve got.

“So I have to say thanks to the journalists. It has not always been fun, not always been great news all the time, but that is the way it has to work. But overall it’s a big thankyou to the sportswriters in the North West, which is a special area for football.”

He also pointed to his time at Real Sociedad as proof that he was willing to step outside his comfort zone, and as something that helped open the door for British coaches to work abroad. 

Still, the timing of a career tribute is interesting given where things stand at Everton.

Moyes is in the final year of his contract, and talks over an extension have stalled since The Friedkin Group revealed earlier this month that they are exploring a sale of their controlling stake. Speaking before the Chelsea game, he admitted discussions had hit a “lull” while the club tries to get things in order, but insisted the contract is “not the most important thing to me.”

But speaking at the awards night, Moyes admitted that being back at Everton has been a great period for him, despite the obvious difficulties at times. The Everton boss admits that he does want to keep going, hinting that he won't be retiring at the end of the season, whether he remains with the Toffees or not.

“It’s been a great period for me, I have to say. Like most people, there’s some difficulties, but overall, I have to say it’s been greatly enjoyed and I’m still enjoying it.

“I hope to keep going. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach the record of Sir Alex or Arsene Wenger in the Premier League.

“I’ve managed for 1,200 games now. I never thought for one minute. I would ever get to 1,000 games, which the LMA and everybody recognise is a huge achievement for any manager to get to that point.

“So, I’ve now gone to a stage where I’m really enjoying my football. I love it being at Everton, it’s a great club and I hope it can continue, I hope we can keep moving forward.”

His future might not be in his hands for too much longer, though. A new ownership group might be looking to make a change in the dugout, especially with Moyes' contract being up at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen whether Moyes stays on as manager, but whatever you think of him, it's impressive to have reached the number of games he has done.