Speaking to the press at Finch Farm ahead of Sunday’s crucial match with Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes, looking visibly more relaxed than in previous press conferences – provided an honest assessment of the team’s current situation during the transfer window. He acknowledged that the squad is currently at its most depleted, and that the upcoming fixtures will demand the full depth and resilience of the team.
“Disappointed. We didn’t do more business,” Moyes admitted bluntly when asked how he felt about the window. “Disappointed things didn’t go our way in the end. But sometimes in football you have to have to live with disappointments and we will and we’ll move on.”
On the Balogun situation, Moyes was keen to shut down any suggestion of a specific villain in the piece: “It wasn’t anybody’s fault ultimately… the player had a problem at his medical and that was simply it. There’s no other stories behind it really.”
On losing key players like Ndiaye, Moyes has clearly seen this film before – and it stung just as much this time. “Sometimes it’s quite difficult when the likes of a Man City come along looking for your players. It has done – I lost Wayne to Man United. I’ve lost Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell to Man City over the years.”
Pushed on whether he’s simply accepted this as part of the Everton reality, Moyes bristled slightly. “No, I’m not, because I know what I need and I know what it looks like to build a squad for the Premier League… some things went against us, some we could have done better.”
Asked directly about behind-the-scenes contact with the ownership regarding fresh investment, the answer was short and telling: “No, I’ve had no conversations with them, and certainly not on investments or the club. It’s probably outside my jurisdiction.” Read into that what you will, Blues.
A Small Squad, But a Team That Will “Muck In”
With the numbers stretched thin, Moyes confirmed there will be no passengers this season. “They’re all going to have to be able to muck in. We’ve got a really small squad now, and it sometimes gives people opportunities who maybe haven’t had them.”
On potential emergency solutions up front – with Thierno Barry now the primary out-and-out striker – Moyes wouldn’t be drawn into naming names like Brennan Johnson, Tyler Dibling or Iliman Ndiaye as makeshift forwards just yet: “Not at the moment. I’m concentrating on what we’ve got… we’ll need to look for solutions and we’ll try and do it.”
He did confirm Everton are exploring the free agent market, but was clear about his priorities: “I’m trying to get a team which is going to be at the top end and I want to challenge… I want to keep the club moving in the right direction.”
Garner Speculation Shut Down, Wayne Rooney Comparison Resurfaces
Reports of a late Chelsea bid for James Garner were given short shrift. “What you said was completely untrue. I don’t know where that’s come from. There was no truth in that whatsoever,” Moyes said firmly, though he didn’t rule out a future departure if Garner continues his fine form, drawing comparisons to painful past sales of Mikel Arteta and, inevitably, Wayne Rooney: “I thought to myself, oh my goodness, the world was going to end there. But we moved on and we actually done really well without him.”
On the Owners: “Still Finding Their Way”
Asked bluntly whether he, the CEO, the board and the ownership are all aligned, Moyes gave a diplomatically loaded answer: “I think we’ve got new owners in who are still finding their way at the club. I think as we get to know each other a lot better, I think it will get better.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement of unity right now – a line that will fuel plenty of forum debate.
Michael Carrick Praise Ahead of Reunion
There was warm respect for opposite number Michael Carrick, who Moyes worked alongside during his own time at Old Trafford. “I think he’s done an amazing job to get Manchester United back in the Champions League. It’s been really difficult for many managers and I think he’s steadied them… he’s had a very good six months.”
Academy Chances and Braiden Graham
With squad numbers so tight, academy graduates will be leaned on. Moyes was cautious but open when discussing youngster Braiden Graham: “I don’t think he’s a striker first of all. I think he’s probably someone who would play off the sides for us… he’s certainly moving in the right direction.” Asked if he could be a source of goals at Premier League level, Moyes answered: “That would be a difficult ask for any young player.”
The Rallying Cry
Despite the frustration, Moyes ended on a note aimed squarely at the fanbase, referencing the backing shown at Bournemouth: “If ever we needed the supporters, they showed their face at Bournemouth. They let everybody know that they are a big part of this club and they always will be, and I hope they show their face again on Sunday afternoon.”
Key Takeaways
Transfer window verdict: Moyes openly “disappointed” business wasn’t completed; Balogun deal collapsed on medical grounds, not internal conflict.
Departures: Funding pressures acknowledged indirectly.
Ownership: No direct dialogue between Moyes and owners on investment; described current alignment as still developing (“finding their way”).
Squad depth crisis: Small squad means academy players and positional reshuffles (wide forwards potentially covering as makeshift strikers) are on the table.
Garner transfer talk: Chelsea interest reports firmly denied by Moyes.
Free agents: Club actively monitoring the free agent market as a stopgap.
Braiden Graham: Tipped as a wide forward option, not a striker, with realistic expectations set for any Premier League impact.
Opponent respect: Praise for Michael Carrick’s start at Manchester United, guiding them back into Champions League contention.