David O'Brien on David Moyes
Last updated : 24 March 2002 By David O'Brien
Six points from six, six goals in two, two two's are four and so on. Something has happened at Everton, obviously there is a new man in charge of the club but there is an air of optimism not felt for a long time. Everton will now visit St James Park actually trying to win the game, the cheek of it!
Just what is it about having a new manager that boosts Football clubs into playing to win?
Is it the honeymoon factor that forces the best out of players? Is it the fact that they have to again prove themselves worthy of wearing the jersey of their given club? Or is it a dramatic difference in management technique? A new and fresh approach to each player that brings out the best in them.
Most likely the honeymoon factor will always play a part, but so does management technique. It seems that in Everton's case that the players mourned the loss of Walter Smith but they had new life breathed into them by David Moyes, or forced into them. Moyes takes no prisoners and the impact he has had already is there for all to see, although both the players and the manager will be aware that the last two results are partly as a result of the honeymoon period.
However, Moyes methods are already revealing the wining side of him.
Playing a 4-4-2 (attacking football)
Playing the same team (virtually) who beat Fulham. (consistency)
Replacing The Rad with King Kev. (attacking football)
Giving the team specific instructions on what to do on the pitch. (having a plan)
Training twice a day. (fitness)
The above factors have already shown a big impact and David Moyes must wonder if his players are now showing him their best. Why fix what isn't broken? If only it were so simple. Despite the two victories there is still a massive job to do and just as each player must again go on trial in front of the new manager, so, must the board. £30m is on its way into Everton football club and it will be soaked up like a sponge.
Sergio Cragnotti has recently announced that he is putting a plan into place to raise over £118m for Lazio to buy players. The difference is huge; Everton will have much less to spend. But for the ailing giants relief will come having no overdraft to contend with. Also Everton should find that players would no longer have to be sold to appease their creditors. Instead they could be sold for just being plain crap. Clearly David Moyes has the ability to affect those around him in a positive way. Look at the fans, look at the players, look at the results and look at Bill Kenwright. Now look at the table and remember the battle ahead, it looks much brighter under Moyes.
A new start, fresh ideas, no overdraft. Could the good times be coming back to Goodison Park? Oh yes and if you listen to the Everton fans, they already have.
