David Moyes' Sunderland Exit Left Him on the Brink of Despair
For 62-year-old Everton manager David Moyes, his experience of leaving Sunderland was almost as painful as it was pivotal. The former Black Cats boss tendered his resignation in 2017 after a tumultuous first season at Wearside, citing financial troubles and an inability to prevent the team's only relegation of his managerial career.
Moyes has since spoken candidly about the toll his time on Tyneside took on him. "It was a difficult period," he admitted. "There are not many managers who have done the journey without having blips, but I think football can sicken you if you're not careful." The loss of his only Premier League win at Sunderland came as a crushing blow to Moyes, who had resigned rather than see the club pay out the remainder of his contract.
In hindsight, it was clear that things were on the decline. Moyes had opted to stay with the team despite having opportunities elsewhere, driven by a desire to prove himself and redeem his reputation after earlier sacking's at Real Sociedad and Manchester United. However, even these efforts couldn't shield him from the pain of relegation.
Moyes now acknowledges that it was a difficult period in his career, but also sees it as an opportunity for growth. "I think it makes you a little bit tougher going into other jobs," he explained. "You don't want to go through that feeling again." The lessons learned from Sunderland have undoubtedly helped him bounce back, restoring his reputation with two successful spells at West Ham and guiding Everton towards safety last season.
As Moyes returns to the Stadium of Light this week for an Everton match against Real Sociedad may seem like a bitter pill to swallow but he is determined not to let the emotions get the better of him. Instead, it has only strengthened his resolve and fueled his determination to rekindle his managerial fortunes in the top flight.
				
			For 62-year-old Everton manager David Moyes, his experience of leaving Sunderland was almost as painful as it was pivotal. The former Black Cats boss tendered his resignation in 2017 after a tumultuous first season at Wearside, citing financial troubles and an inability to prevent the team's only relegation of his managerial career.
Moyes has since spoken candidly about the toll his time on Tyneside took on him. "It was a difficult period," he admitted. "There are not many managers who have done the journey without having blips, but I think football can sicken you if you're not careful." The loss of his only Premier League win at Sunderland came as a crushing blow to Moyes, who had resigned rather than see the club pay out the remainder of his contract.
In hindsight, it was clear that things were on the decline. Moyes had opted to stay with the team despite having opportunities elsewhere, driven by a desire to prove himself and redeem his reputation after earlier sacking's at Real Sociedad and Manchester United. However, even these efforts couldn't shield him from the pain of relegation.
Moyes now acknowledges that it was a difficult period in his career, but also sees it as an opportunity for growth. "I think it makes you a little bit tougher going into other jobs," he explained. "You don't want to go through that feeling again." The lessons learned from Sunderland have undoubtedly helped him bounce back, restoring his reputation with two successful spells at West Ham and guiding Everton towards safety last season.
As Moyes returns to the Stadium of Light this week for an Everton match against Real Sociedad may seem like a bitter pill to swallow but he is determined not to let the emotions get the better of him. Instead, it has only strengthened his resolve and fueled his determination to rekindle his managerial fortunes in the top flight.