Everton boss David Moyes appears to have brought the happiness factor back to Merseyside after a treacherous few years – and it’s been a theme throughout his time on Merseyside as one story has resurfaced.
Everton welcomed David Moyes back to the helm in January after he replaced Sean Dyche, who was sacked after a poor run of league form.
It’s been a welcome return, with Moyes being a fan favourite after leading Everton from Premier League relegation woes to regular European football in his first spell at the club – and Moyes has already settled in well with the January transfer window nigh.
And one story has recently resurfaced where he banished on-loan striker Jo from Goodison Park, after repeated no-shows in training.
Jo celebrates scoring for Everton in the Premier League
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
David Moyes fined, suspended and terminated Jo’s contract after skipping training
David Moyes had Jo in his ranks for a year, split over two six-month loan spells – but the Brazilian was shown the exit door after failing to turn up for training repeatedly.
And it’s clear that Moyes isn’t fond of the striker, after giving him a second chance which failed to be acted upon.
Speaking back in 2010, the Scottish boss said: “Jo didn’t come in over Christmas so we fined and suspended him.
“I brought him back in, spoke to him and explained to the players I was going to give him another chance and he came and trained with us last week.
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“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
“And then he didn’t turn up for training on Monday again so I don’t know how many more chances I can give people.
“I thought it was only going to be disruptive to the players, who thought it was the right thing to bring him back after his suspension.
“But when he never came in to work on Monday that was the final straw.”
It proved to be Jo’s last showing in English football, though he only retired recently at the age of 38.
Jo was actually a decent loan signing for Everton for a short period of time
Jo had signed for Manchester City for a club-record fee in July 2008, just weeks before their UAE takeover.
He started relatively well at the City of Manchester Stadium, with one goal and two assists in his first six starts for the club, but just three more Premier League appearances from late October through to late January saw him move on loan to Everton.
A baptism of fire in the top-flight saw him notch two goals and one assist against Bolton on his debut, alongside goals against Stoke City and Wigan Athletic.
That saw Moyes sanction a loan for the following season, but a further goal in the Europa League for the Toffees in September was the only goal he scored – going 15 Premier League games without a goal.
Those first few weeks will be remembered well, especially his debut against Bolton, but Moyes sending the Brazilian packing appears to have been the right decision.