David Moyes: Everton boss to take charge of 700th Premier League game
2025-01-24
Category: sports

Everton manager David Moyes says taking charge of his 700th Premier League game is an "incredible" achievement.The Scotsman is into his second spell as Toffees boss and has also managed West Ham United twice, as well as having short spells at Manchester United and Sunderland.He will become only the third manager to reach the landmark after Frenchman Arsene Wenger at Arsenal (828 games) and compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford (810).Moyes said: "It's incredible really. When you start out, I don't think you ever believe you will become a Premier League manager but to get 700 games behind me is a fair achievement, I am very pleased."There's two great managers ahead of me in Arsene and Alex. I don't think I'll be making their numbers, that's for sure."Saturday's top-flight meeting between Everton and Brighton will see the Premier League's oldest manager in Moyes, aged 61, take on the division's youngest in Fabian Hurzeler, who is 31.The feat is testament to Moyes' longevity given he was the youngest Premier League manager when he first took charge of Everton in 2002, at a time when the late Sir Bobby Robson was the oldest at 30 years his senior."I remember Sir Bobby giving me a few wise words," said Moyes. "It is amazing how it has changed around and I have been really fortunate and lucky to have been given opportunities at clubs."
McNeil likely to need knee surgery
Moyes picked up the first win of his second spell at Goodison Park in Sunday's impressive 3-2 victory against Tottenham that moved his side four points clear of the relegation zone.But the Blues have suffered a significant setback as midfielder Dwight McNeil is likely to need surgery on the knee injury that has kept him out for the last seven games.The 25-year-old is often integral to Everton's attacking play and has contributed three goals and three assists this season."He [McNeil] is probably going to have to have some surgery on his knee," said Moyes. "He tried it on Friday but it looks like we are going to have to get him back to the specialist to see."It is a real blow because we need him back for things like set-pieces and deliveries and his general play. By all accounts, everybody has told me he's performed really well for Everton."Meanwhile, the future of striker Armando Broja remains undecided, with Everton in talks with Chelsea about ending his season-long loan spell early because of an ankle injury.Moyes said: "A firm decision has not been taken but I think from the conversations we have had it is a possibility. At this moment, it's not confirmed quite yet."I'm still pretty hopeful we will make additions before the end of the window, that is for sure."