Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Tue 4 March 2025 10:43, UK

David Moyes has inspired Everton on the pitch since rejoining this season, but it may well be that he takes on a different position down the line.

The Friedkin Group have wasted no time in making significant changes around the place and more alterations are set for the summer, with Kevin Thelwell planned to leave his Everton director role when his contract his up at the end of this season.

Several new appointments have also been mooted, including that of Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear, who would join in the summer should a deal be agreed, having been expected to help push a second promotion over the line while at Elland Road.

Moyes mooted for backroom role by ex-player

Moyes has been ingrained into the fibre of Everton for decades, having stamped down his marker throughout his 11-year reign before leaving for Manchester United in 2013.

He replaced compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford to disappointing effect and had mixed success in several roles since – the highlight in 2023 when he delivered West Ham United the Conference League.

Now, former Everton defender Michael Ball expects Moyes – whose performance as manager since returning has been remarkable – to eventually move “upstairs” into a backroom role at Bramley-Moore Dock.

“We’ve got our identity back under David Moyes and hopefully we can find the right guy to work with him – if needed – because he can take the reins himself,” Ball told the Liverpool Echo (4 March).

“You can trust Moyes to pick and choose the type of players he would like to work with and who he would like to bring to the club.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if in a few years’ time, Moyes ended moving upstairs for Everton but that’s obviously a long way down the line right now. The connection between Moyes and the director of football have got to be aligned.”

Everton must consider Thelwell replacement carefully

During their time involved in football, having owned Roma for some years, the Friedkins have made their mark and been ruthless in order to achieve their ambitions.

This has included parting ways with Jose Mourinho and Daniele de Rossi at the Serie A club, as well as now-Southampton boss Ivan Juric and then Sean Dyche at Everton.

When it comes to the board of directors, these are further individuals with whom TFG would be working very closely to help the Toffees compete at the top end of the Premier League and Europe again.

They have to consider carefully how best to replace Thelwell, who has disappointed with some signings since moving from the USA in 2022 but excelled with others.

It is highly unlikely Kinnear will directly replace Thelwell – the Leeds CEO operates more on the business operations side whereas the director of football will, together with Moyes and the recruitment team, identify and pursue reinforcements for the squad.