Source: Team_Talk
Moyes tips Toffees to emulate Spurs
David Moyes has hailed the achievements of Tottenham this season and expressed his belief that Everton can emulate their success in the future.[LNB] Spurs this week became the first club from outside the traditional 'big four' to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League since the Toffees managed the feat in 2005.[LNB]That achievement will earn Harry Redknapp's men a shot at the Champions League, a level at which Moyes believes Everton are good enough to compete.[LNB]Everton will finish eighth this season but, after losing just two of their last 23 games, their position might have been better had the early part of their campaign not been ravaged by injuries.[LNB]Moyes said: "I think Tottenham deserved it for the way they have played throughout the season and Harry has done a brilliant job.[LNB]"I think we are similar to Tottenham in a lot of ways, I think we have got a good team.[LNB]"I think we can try to compete with Tottenham in the future."[LNB]Manchester City, Aston Villa and Liverpool were all heavily involved in the battle for a top-four spot and Moyes expects it to be even tighter next year.[LNB]He added: "We have always said we need to try to break the monopoly of the top four.[LNB]"Until this year Everton were the only team to have broken into it.[LNB]"But I think you will find next year there will be a top eight.[LNB]"I think a lot of the teams below the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have tried to get closer - Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City have all had good seasons.[LNB]"We have got the potential to be there as well and I think it will be much harder for people to say who will finish where."[LNB]Everton will conclude their campaign against relegated FA Cup finalists Portsmouth on Sunday.[LNB]Moyes is unsure what to expect from Pompey, whose dismal season is coming to a bitter-sweet end.[LNB]In administration and with crippling debts, the club face a major restructuring over the summer but the players still have a trip to Wembley to prepare for.[LNB]"It can go one of two ways," said Moyes, who took Everton to the FA Cup final last season.[LNB]"You can think do you protect yourself, not wanting to get injured, or play well to be in the team next week.[LNB]"It depends on the frame of mind and the player you are.[LNB]"Last year we went and played as well as we could at Fulham and I thought playing a cup final made it easier to play the week before."[LNB]Moyes will soon turn his attention to his main business of the summer, squad refinement.[LNB]The Toffees boss has no plans to make any major signings but wants to make a handful of additions to increase options and tie some key players to new deals.[LNB]The most crucial is newly-named club player of the season Steven Pienaar, who has just a year remaining on his present contract.[LNB]The South Africa midfielder has been linked with Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool and Moyes is anxious to reach a new agreement.[LNB]He said: "Of course he is in my plans, he is a really good player and has had a great season.[LNB]"Of course we are doing everything we can to make sure he is here longer."
