Everton have not looked back since appointing David Moyes as their manager back in January.
Following a dismal start to the campaign under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have looked like a side reborn under Moyes.
The 61-year-old’s return to Merseyside was always going to be risky given his legacy at the club, but he could not have asked for much of a better start.
Everton are seven games unbeaten in the Premier League for the first time since 2017 under Sam Allardyce.
However, Moyes was not the only manager on Everton’s radar over January as they considered moving on from the 53-year-old Dyche.
But it seems the Blues may have had a lucky escape with one of their managerial targets having just been slapped with a nine-month ban from football.
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Everton target Paulo Fonseca handed nine-month Lyon ban
After just being sacked by AC Milan, Everton showed a keen interest in Paulo Fonseca to potentially replace Dyche.
Fortunately, the Friedkins made their move for the familiar face on Merseyside and opted to hire Moyes.
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That is a decision which they will be patting themselves on the back for making with Fonseca having been hit with a major blow.
On Wednesday, it was announced that Fonseca has been hit with a nine-month ban by the French Professional Football League.
Despite Lyon beating Brest on the weekend, Fonseca could not restrain himself from an angered interaction with the referee.
The Portuguese manager squared up and shouted at referee Benoit Millot, who did not show any hesitation in sending the 52-year-old off.
Fonseca was one of the frontrunners to become Everton manager in January in what has turned out to be a masterstroke by the Friedkins.
Moyes has steadied the ship on Merseyside, with Fonseca proving to be a real hot head over in Ligue 1.
Another blow for John Textor
After failing in his attempts to beat the Friedkins on Merseyside, John Textor was left shocked by his failed Everton bid.
The American was keen to take over at Goodison Park, but his public interviews did not go down too well at the club.
This is just one of the recent blows which the Lyon owner has experienced having now seen his manager suspended until the backend of the year.
Serious questions are now going to be asked whether Lyon are going to need to move on from Fonseca.
With the 52-year-old banned from the sideline, November feels an awfully long way away for a competitive Ligue 1 side to play without their manager.