Moyes proves Kenwright was right to have faith in him seven years ago

13 March 2009 22:25
The list of candidates was long enough at the time, but David Moyes has since illustrated why he was the only one who counted in Bill Kenwright's eyes.Walter Smith had just been sacked, in the wake of a calamitous FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough in March 2002, and George Graham, Peter Reid, Dave Jones and Gary Megson were all in the frame to replace him.Kenwright had his own ideas, though, and a call to rookie Preston boss Moyes soon removed any doubts and launched a partnership that will have been running seven years to the day when Everton face Stoke at Goodison Park on Saturday.[LNB] Seven-year hit: David Moyes[LNB]Kenwright has made his fortune as a theatre impressario, but he cannever have cast anyone so expertly as when he installed Moyes asSmith's successor.The new era started with a goal after just 27 seconds against Fulhamand has gone on to replace an annual battle against relegation withEuropean ventures and an FA Cup run this season that has reached thesemi-final stage so far. Manchester United await next month but no-oneis dismissing Moyes' prospects of adding another notable scalp to alengthening list.Reflecting on tomorrow's anniversary, Moyes said: 'I can't believe it'sthat many years. I can still vividly recall an initial conversationwith Bill, followed by a meeting and all the stuff that happens whenyou take over at a club.[LNB] Moyes' magnificent seven: Magic moment from the Scot's Everton reign[LNB]EVERTON v Stoke: Van Der Meyde a doubt but Jo returns for Potters arrival [LNB]I knew I'd be back on top, says Beattie as Stoke striker returns to Everton[LNB]EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB]Faith repaid: Everton chairman Bill Kenwright[LNB]'I remember attending a press conference to be introduced as manager,taking my first training session and trying to impress on the playershow important it was to beat Fulham in our first game together. Wesimply had to win it, given our position in the table, and when DavidUnsworth scored after 27 seconds, I thought: 'Here we go, that's not bad for starters.''There have been so many fond memories since, and I have alwaysconsidered it a privilege to be manager of this club. From day one, Iwas made to feel really welcome by everyone, but that is only what youwould expect from the People's Club. I'm glad that name has stuck,because I just felt it was entirely appropriate for Everton.'It is amazing to think seven years have flown by. I have loved everyminute, and I just hope the next seven years prove just as enjoyable.Maybe even more so. I don't know whether we can ever recreate the daysof the mid-80s, when Everton were the best team in the land. The gamehas changed in so many ways since then, but I do know we will keepstriving to achieve as much as we can.'I have to say, Bill has been 100 per cent supportive throughout, andthat is important. He has played his part in all our efforts to makethe supporters proud of Everton again. When I arrived, the short-termgoal was to avoid relegation, but I'm pleased to say we are aiminghigher than that these days. There is still a lot to be done, but weare heading in the right direction.'[LNB] Moyes' magnificent seven: Magic moment from the Scot's Everton reign[LNB]EVERTON v Stoke: Van Der Meyde a doubt but Jo returns for Potters arrival [LNB]I knew I'd be back on top, says Beattie as Stoke striker returns to Everton[LNB]EVERTON FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail