Stability key to Everton FC’s long term vision

Sep 1 2010 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

DAVID MOYES oversaw a summer of stability at Everton with few changes in personnel due to satisfaction with his squad and ongoing shortage of funds.

Joseph Yobo’s last-minute departure to Turkish giants Fenerbahce was the only high profile exit on deadline day yesterday, following Dan Gosling’s controversial switch to Newcastle United in July and fellow youngster Lucaz Jutziewicz’s move to Coventry City.

Moyes was willing to listen to offers for Yakubu, with West Ham United keen on the Nigerian striker, but the Hammers were unable to offer enough and the 27-year-old remains at Goodison.

More promisingly for the Everton boss, he was able to see the deadline draw to a close without losing Steven Pienaar and with new deals for Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell, and Seamus Coleman long completed.

The Goodison boss might have liked to find a right-sided midfield player, experienced cover for Leighton Baines at left-back, and another striker, but with little money available his main priority was holding onto his biggest assets.

Now he has achieved that, Moyes, who has admitted he is always happier when the window has closed and he can focus on management, will carry on preparing for Manchester United’s visit on September 11 without disturbance.

He was able to recruit some new blood earlier in the summer. Jermaine Beckford scored the goals which clinched promotion for Leeds United, and his availability on a free transfer was too tempting for the Blues.

The 26-year-old proved he can mix it with the top sides by scoring against Manchester United and Tottenham in the FA Cup, and he has featured regularly in the opening three games of the season.

Beckford started against Aston Villa, and Moyes views his pace and work-rate as an asset, while he continues to adapt to top-flight football.

Attempts were made to add Craig Bellamy to the set-up, but the Blues could not cover his £75,000 per-week salary demands and he joined Cardiff City.

Elsewhere, Moyes was able to spend £900,000 on the capture of French U-21 attacking prospect Magaye Gueye from Strasbourg, and continued his investment in youth by signing Portuguese striker Joao Silva, 20, from Aves.

Slovakia World Cup keeper Jan Mucha arrived from Legia Warsaw to provide competition for Tim Howard’s number one spot, with three other goalkeepers departing.

Free agent Carlo Nash joined Stoke City, youngster John Ruddy left for Norwich City and highly-rated Iain Turner was allowed to join Coventry on a season-long loan.