Wayne Rooney has revealed he was "so happy" when he learned David Moyes would be returning to Everton, admitting he immediately believed the Scot could provide the stability the club desperately needed.
The former Everton striker made the comments during the latest edition of his BBC programme, where Moyes appeared as a guest and reflected on his second spell in charge of the Blues.
Rooney, who made his senior Everton debut under Moyes in 2002, spoke warmly about the manager's impact and explained why he viewed the appointment as the right move after several turbulent years at Goodison Park.
Rooney backed Moyes from the start
When Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, the club once again found itself battling near the bottom of the Premier League table.
The Scot replaced Sean Dyche and inherited a squad facing another relegation battle amid ongoing financial uncertainty and years of instability.
Rooney admitted he immediately felt Everton had made the correct decision.
“When David came back into Everton I was so happy. We had spoken in Germany at the Euros and where Everton have been over the last few years, they have needed stability, and I knew 100% when he came back in he would bring that stability first of all.” — Wayne Rooney
The former England captain also acknowledged the anxiety many supporters had experienced after several consecutive seasons spent looking over their shoulders.
As a lifelong Everton supporter, Rooney admitted he feared another relegation battle before Moyes’ arrival.
Moyes helped change the mood around Everton
The appointment quickly delivered results.
Moyes steered Everton away from danger and oversaw the club's transition into its new waterfront stadium. While a late-season slump ultimately cost the Blues a place in European competition, there was a noticeable improvement in consistency and overall direction.
For the first time in several years, survival was never the dominant topic surrounding the club.
Having followed Everton closely throughout the campaign, the difference in atmosphere was evident. The focus shifted from avoiding relegation to discussing how the squad could progress further under Moyes' leadership.
That change alone represented significant progress given the challenges Everton had faced in previous seasons.
Moyes helped change the mood around Everton
The appointment quickly delivered results.
Moyes steered Everton away from danger and oversaw the club’s transition into its new waterfront stadium. While a late-season slump ultimately cost the Blues a place in European competition, there was a noticeable improvement in consistency and overall direction.
For the first time in several years, survival was never the dominant topic surrounding the club.
The difference in atmosphere was evident. The focus shifted from avoiding relegation to discussing how the squad could progress further under Moyes’ leadership.
That change alone represented significant progress given the challenges Everton had faced in previous seasons.
Key Points
- Wayne Rooney says he was "so happy" when David Moyes returned to Everton.
- Rooney believed Moyes would bring stability to the club.
- Moyes guided Everton away from relegation concerns after returning in January 2025.
- The pair shared an emotional moment after the final match at Goodison Park.
- Moyes gave Rooney his Everton debut in 2002.
- Everton are now preparing for a crucial summer rebuild.
What's next?
Moyes now faces an important summer as Everton look to build on the foundations established during his first full season back at the club. Recruitment will be a major focus as the Blues seek to close the gap on the Premier League's European contenders.
While missing out on Europe was disappointing, the broader picture remains positive. Everton have stability, a new stadium and an experienced manager who continues to command the trust of supporters and former players alike.
Do you think David Moyes can take Everton back into European competition next season?
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