Source: Telegraph
FA Cup final 2009: Everton well prepared for FA Cup final under David Moyes
One day the Glaswegian will move on to wealthier corners of the Premier League, possibly succeeding another alumnus from Drumchapel Amateurs, Sir Alex Ferguson, yet few managers seem so embedded emotionally in a club as Moyes does with Everton.[LNB]As unpretentious as they come, Moyes fits perfectly into the "People's Club'', as he famously termed Everton, drawing on his Celtic past. Moyes understands the community feel of Everton, knows all about the peculiar dynamics of a two-club city.[LNB] Related ArticlesFA Cup final 2009 previewHow to get a Cup final ticketHiddink leaves team smilingSport on televisionWembley has faith in Cup final pitchMikel: Cup defeat unthinkableAs Wembley will hear this afternoon, Moyes has revived the dreams of Everton supporters, leading them out of the shadows that stretch across Stanley Park, propelling them ahead of clubs who attract more media attention. Unlike certain managers, Moyes does not chase the limelight but Everton supporters are quick to speak up for the achievements of the man they call the "Moyesiah''.[LNB]Consider this slightly chippy, but accurate missive from Gwladys Street. "We finished fifth and qualified for Europe yet again above the other more fancied teams like the perennially-tipped Spurs, 'the club most likely to break into the top four','' flowed one cogent argument from a diehard Evertonian.[LNB]"We are dramatically out-spent by most of the Premiership like City and yet we get no credit again. We beat Fulham to clinch fifth from the much-vaunted Villa, and yet the main story was about how fantastic it was for Fulham to be in Europe! And, oh yes, we are in the FA Cup final! But I'm sure the focus will be on Guus Hiddink.''[LNB]If Chelsea's manager commands the gaze of the cameramen, the sound recordists will shudder at the noise emanating from the Everton end of Wembley. A stadium ill-designed for fostering lively atmospheres positively shook during Everton's semi-final victory over Ferguson's Manchester United. "People have told me it was as much noise as has come from anybody,'' said Moyes. "It was as if Everton supporters needed to make a point that we're not forgotten, we've not gone away.''[LNB]Occasions like the semi-final of the FA Cup, and today's climax, remind the world of the size of Everton, a club with a greater, more established fan-base than Chelsea. Evertonians will fly in from around the globe, the clan gathering for a first final in 14 years. Moyes reckons Everton could have sold out their 25,000 allocation three times over.[LNB]Goodison has been inundated with emails, letters and calls reminding everyone at the club "how important this is'', Moyes noted, although they hardly needed reminding. Anyone who has walked back-stage at Goodison, and talked to staff, instantly gains the impression that each has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the club they serve and adore.[LNB]Like Moyes, they don't just work for Everton. They are part of Everton. And they adore the "Moyes Effect''. "We have a definite momentum around Everton right now,'' he said. "If we are fortunate enough to win the Cup, it cannot stop here. This has to just be the start. We're still climbing the mountain.''[LNB]The craving for a trophy is inescapable around Goodison. Moyes will draw on that desire and, once again, will exploit his team's billing as underdogs. "We go in with the knowledge that the pressure will on Chelsea to perform,'' he reflected. "We go into the game with the attitude to show we are capable of playing at this stage.'' Against such rich opponents. "Their team is something like £330m, ours £90m.''[LNB]But every pound, every penny has been invested shrewdly. Few managers consistently buy better. Few managers consistently make good players better. Look at Tim Cahill, a real threat to Chelsea at corners today. Moyes takes discards and gives them new challenges. Look at Phil Neville, who brought a winning mentality and an expectation of high standards when arriving from United.[LNB]Moyes signs players in his own image, determined characters willing to put in the long hours and hard yards to be ready for match-day. Neville's recruitment must be hailed as one of the most significant in the club's distinguished history.[LNB]Neville jump-started Everton's season when they were trailing to his old club at Goodison in October. Neville's 60th-minute tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo lifted team-mates and supporters. Suddenly, Everton believed again, Marouane Fellaini equalised and they never looked back. Even when injury kept disrupting Moyes' plans, depriving him of the likes of Mikel Arteta, Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe, adversity seemed to spur Everton on and they kept rising up the table and heading towards Wembley.[LNB]Moyes took a chance on Neville, ignored the doubters and has been spectacularly rewarded. The players appreciate his loyalty towards them. He persisted with Joleon Lescott when the defender lost form. Moyes understands players.[LNB]This is a man cut out for management long ago, who was observing what makes players tick while helping his father lay out the strips at Drumchapel Amateurs. This is a man who began acquiring his coaching badges at 22. As he leads Everton out into the Wembley sunshine today, Moyes is beginning to fulfil his destiny. [LNB]
