Leon Osman said this summer should be one of opportunity for Everton
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Former Everton star and pundit Leon Osman looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolves at Goodison Park. Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Former Everton star and pundit Leon Osman looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Wolves at Goodison Park. Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Leon Osman believes the squad overhaul set to take place this summer offers Everton the chance of a “fresh start”.
Ten senior players are already due to leave the club with four more soon to be out-of-contract - Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
For Osman, the chance to build a squad with David Moyes’ input represents an opportunity for progress as the club looks to make the most of the new era set to be ushered in by owners The Friedkin Group as the team approaches its first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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The 44-year-old, a key figure in Moyes’ first stint in charge at the club, said: "This is where we build from. Everton have had so many managers over the years and so many different styles of player who play different systems. David Moyes knows what Everton are."
Moyes’ impact has been significant. The club was hovering perilously above the bottom three when he returned in January but he quickly led Everton to safety. The season ended with three consecutive wins and a 13th place finish.
Osman said he had been speaking with current players over recent months and he told the BBC the squad has “loved” working under Moyes.
He said the Scot can be a demanding boss who does not make it easy for his players.
But with such standards also comes enjoyment. He added: “Having spoke to a couple of the squad, they love the clarity and what he's asking of them.
"A manager has to ask for that level and he always did that when I played for him. You also look at [Jake] O'Brien, who has excelled at right-back when people thought he couldn't do it. We need to make sure these people stay on the pitch… It's time to get behind the new hierarchy and I expect they would lean into Moyes' experience as much as they can. I trust David Moyes more than anyone."