Fans react to David Moyes’ sensational Everton return as Specsavers hilariously urge the Scot to bring one of his former favourites back to Goodison Park with him

Football fans have reacted with glee to the news of David Moyes’ appointment as Everton manager, 12 years after he left Goodison Park to join Manchester United.  

The Scot was confirmed as Sean Dyche’s replacement on Saturday morning following the former Burnley manager’s dismissal just hours before their FA Cup third round match against Peterborough on Thursday. 

Mail Sport revealed on Friday that the 61-year-old, who has held positions at United, Real Sociedad and West Ham since his 2013 Toffees departure, was expected to sign terms that will run until June 2027.

Moyes spent the last 48 hours working on the make up of his backroom staff and he will be joined at Goodison Park by long-term ally Billy McKinlay.

In stark contrast to many events in the sport, news of his appointment has been met with a groundswell of goodwill, with fans aligned in their belief that he will improve the fortunes of the side. 

‘Great news, A club of Everton’s stature should be playing in Europe every season and I believe they now will be,’ wrote on user on X. Another said: ‘As much as I probably wouldn’t have sacked dyche right now I think think moyes could be a good appointment. He should stabilise the club at least in the short term.’ 

Specsavers’ X account hilariously posted: ‘Call Felani’, in reference to Moyes’ signing of the Belgian at Old Trafford following his starring role under him at Goodison Park between 2008 and 2013. 

Upon his return, Moyes said: ‘It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when I was offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club.

‘Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in getting behind the players in this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.’

Dyche was sensationally sacked on Thursday, just hours before Everton’s 2-0 win over Peterborough in the third round of the FA Cup.

There had been speculation all week about Dyche’s position, fuelled by Everton making an inquiry on Monday to Graham Potter’s representatives around the time when the new West Ham manager was being interviewed by David Sullivan to succeed Julen Lopetegui.

The Friedkin Group, whose takeover from Farhad Moshiri was confirmed on December 19 last year, had been assessing the situation around Dyche – accelerated by last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth – and concerns were mounting following a run of one win in 11 matches.

It is understood that Dyche was on the brink of leaving Everton on Wednesday night but he reported to Finch Farm to take a light training session on Thursday morning. There was an uneasy atmosphere around the club and, four hours before kick-off, the decision was taken to end his two-year reign.