Potter and Moyes were both chewed up and spat out by Premier League giants
They now meet as Potter looks to emulate Moyes' success at West Ham United
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By WILL CASTLE
Published: 10:20 EDT, 15 March 2025 | Updated: 10:23 EDT, 15 March 2025
Graham Potter is not interested in drawing comparisons between himself and David Moyes as the two managers prepare to go head-to-head this afternoon.
It's easy to find parallels between the two bosses, with both having been chewed up and spat out at giant clubs - Chelsea and Manchester United respectively - after earning a cult hero status at a fast-rising mid-table outfit.
Now following in the footsteps of Moyes at West Ham, Potter will be eager to emulate the success that the Scotsman enjoyed during his career renaissance in the Hammers dugout, which greatly rejuvenated Moyes' reputation in English football.
But despite having never lost to Moyes in seven previous meetings, Potter is sure to put respect on the Everton manager's name - swatting away attempts to compare the two due to Moyes' remarkable longevity.
'I understand (the comparisons) but he's a bit older than me and has had a lot more games,' Potter said.
'His longevity is really impressive, the career he's had, how long he was at Everton, the experience of Manchester United, going abroad, coming back.
Graham Potter has swatted away comparisons with West Ham predecessor David Moyes
Potter has hailed Moyes for his remarkable longevity as he enjoys a second stint at Everton
'He was written off a lot but in coming back he proved that sometimes people don't know the quality people have. David, he's a top professional.'
Just like Moyes did at the London Stadium, Potter will seek to prove the critics wrong in his first role since his ill-fated seven-month stint as Chelsea boss, which despite difficult circumstances saw many write him off as a manager following his dismissal.
Potter and Moyes make up two of only four British managers in the Premier League, but the former Brighton boss is unwilling to say British coaches get less of a chance than names from abroad.
'It's not something I'm really bothered about,' he added. 'It's part of the game, part of society, that as soon as things go wrong you're written off and part of the noise is to be critical.
'That's just how it is in any area. But if you think about David, how long he has been in the game, I've huge respect for him.'
Moyes brought home West Ham's first piece of European silverware during his time at the club, lifting the Europa Conference League in 2023 to leave a fabled legacy.
Potter is more than aware of the shoes he has to fill, adding: 'He achieved a lot, won a major trophy. He had a competitive team near the top of the Premier League for lots of seasons.
'I know how difficult that is. Everyone wants to improve, that’s clear, we want to do that. But he set a high bar here.'
Potter isn't bothered by the fact the Premier League only boasts for managers of British origin
Moyes won the Europa Conference League at West Ham and Potter wants to emulate that kind of success as he looks to restore his reputation as a top manager in English football
West Ham make the trip to Goodison Park this afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm GMT.
Both teams are level on points with 33 sitting 15th and 16th respectively, but are 16 points clear of the relegation zone.