Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Kevin, West Kirby: David
Moyes back to Everton. Retrograde step or sensible appointment?

Hi, Kevin. There have
been a lot of times in the past when Everton needed a new manager and David
Moyes was linked when I always viewed it as a retrograde step, especially after
his spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland, where he did not
distinguish himself.

This time, I can see the
attraction to it from both sides.

Everton need a
“safe hands” appointment after Sean Dyche’s sacking with the team in
trouble. David Moyes is vastly experienced, did a very fine job at West Ham
United, and will be relishing the challenge at Everton.

I actually think what
Moyes achieved at West Ham is nowhere near being fully appreciated and will
only be so with time.

It is not an appointment
to get the fans’ pulses racing, in fact plenty of Everton fans are unimpressed,
but excitement is not what is required at the moment.

Staying in the Premier
League is paramount for new owners The Friedkin Group with a new stadium at
Bramley Moore Dock on the way.

Is he a long-term
solution? I remain to be convinced but he has a two-and-a-half-year contract
and if he gets results then he will see that out.

It is a huge challenge
for Moyes, so it will be fascinating to see how it all pans out.