After 20 Months Back, Everton Manager Has Still Never Spoken Directly to Owner

David Moyes has been back at Everton for 20 months. During this period, he has managed the team in dozens of matches and experienced two transfer windows, yet he has never had a direct conversation with the club's actual owner, Dan Friedkin. The relationship sounds unlike the normal routine of a professional football club, more like two parallel stories where everyone is busy with their own affairs.

Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as Everton manager in January 2025. He revealed that his daily contact person is chief executive Angus Kinnear, while TFG Group president Marc Watts serves as executive chairman, and the owner's daily affairs are handled by representative Rishi Magjitia. In other words, there is an entire management chain between Moyes and Friedkin.

The turmoil and determination of the transfer window

What makes this relationship even more delicate is Everton's recent transfer window. Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson were sold, while the club withdrew its decision to sell Harrison Armstrong after strong opposition from supporters. A series of moves raised questions about Everton's ambitions under Friedkin, especially amid reports that the club is seeking new investment or even a sale.

Moyes' attitude toward the situation has been firm. He did not complain about the weakened squad, instead believing these setbacks could become motivation shared by the team and supporters. “We don't have a huge squad, but sometimes football requires doing something special, and we will try to do that.” The comment sounds less like a formality and more like an early declaration that, despite lacking an advantage in personnel, he intends to make the season different in other ways.

“Only Everton — I would not have returned for anyone else”

Moyes' bond with Everton is unique. He managed the club from 2002 to 2013, later working at several other clubs before returning in early 2025. Speaking about his feelings, he said directly: “I love Everton, I always have. Coming back has revitalised me, and there are a few bumps in the road now.” He added a significant statement: “But Everton is different. I would not have come back for anyone else, only Everton.”

Against the backdrop of the current transfer window turmoil, these comments carry a sense of stabilising the team. Moyes clearly understands that supporters need to hear a message of certainty from inside the dressing room.

Cautious optimism about the relationship with the owner

Regarding the fact that he has never spoken with Friedkin, Moyes did not avoid the issue, but he also did not exaggerate the conflict. He acknowledged that successful clubs need alignment at the top level, while also leaving room for the new owner: “We have new owners who are still finding their way around the club. I think things will get better if we get to know each other more.”

The message behind the comment is that he does not view the current lack of communication as permanent, but rather as an adjustment period during the early stages of a new management group taking over. Moyes has chosen to allow time and wait for both sides to gradually build a working relationship.

Supporters are given great expectations

With limited squad depth, Moyes has turned his attention toward the stands. He specifically said: “Last week people saw the faces of Everton supporters, and it was really powerful. Now I expect them to be even more powerful.” In his view, Everton fans are not bystanders but part of the team's competitiveness — especially in a season when the squad lacks depth, the home atmosphere could become the most practical reinforcement.

Moyes' logic is clear: if top-level communication cannot currently be relied upon and squad depth is what it is, then every available source of strength must be mobilised. The players' determination combined with the supporters' energy may produce results beyond expectations. This practical approach is also consistent with his first spell in charge of Everton.