LUCKY FOR MOYES
TRY, TRY AND TRY AGAIN
derland.
That Everton side were everything Short and Sunderland supporters desire so much – a top half team, occasionally challenging for the top four and being doggedly difficult to beat.
There was only one relegation battle during Moyes’ time there. At present, Sunderland fans would take just one year without one.
Moyes was able to accompany shrewd signings with the promotion of homegrown talent, as Wayne Rooney, Leon Osman and yes, Jack Rodwell, all came through the Everton ranks.
After Sunderland were promoted back to the Premier League in 2007, successive managers spoke of their desire to eventually emulate Everton, particularly when the Toffees continued their Midas touch over the Black Cats.
A 12 year wait for a Sunderland victory over Everton was only ended in Moyes’ final season at the club – the 1-0 Stadium of Light success under Paolo Di Canio which was to seal Premier League survival.
Moyes isn’t flawless. It was an impossible job for him in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson, but there have been several well-documented complaints from Man United players over his coaching methods.
But it’s a completely different situation at Sunderland. There is no culture where players will moan “Sir Alex didn’t do it that way”.
No manager is here long enough to introduce such a system.
Short hoped Allardyce would be able to break that trend, but a nine-month tenure was a pitifully brief stint for an experienced old head who promised so much.
At least, Allardyce has been able to lay a few foundations for Moyes to build upon – in fitness, scouting and analysis Sunderland are in a far better situation than they were last October.
Moyes will now get the chance to leave Sunderland in an even better state to his ultimate successor. Hopefully that’s several years down the line.