Since rejoining Everton as manager in January 2025, David Moyes has not had any direct communication with the club's owner, Dan Friedkin. This revelation comes as the team navigates a tumultuous period, both on and off the pitch.
Friedkin, who leads The Friedkin Group from Houston, has not attended any home games since completing the takeover of Everton in December 2024. This absence has raised questions about the owner's involvement in the club's operations, particularly during a summer transfer window that saw significant scrutiny over decision-making.
In a press conference held before Everton's upcoming match against Manchester United, Moyes was straightforward in his response when asked about his interactions with Friedkin. "No," he said, indicating that he has not met or spoken with the owner in the 20 months since his reappointment. Instead, Moyes primarily communicates with Rishi Majithia, Friedkin's son-in-law, who is responsible for the club's day-to-day operations alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.
Moyes stated, "My real contact is Angus. Angus is the one who I would go to see. Rishi is the next one and then the head of the Friedkin family in America." This delineation of communication channels highlights the disconnect between the manager and the ownership, which could be a point of concern for fans and stakeholders.
The Everton fanbase expressed their frustration during a recent match against Bournemouth, particularly regarding the club's decision to accept a £40 million bid from Nottingham Forest for young midfielder Harrison Armstrong. Although the club ultimately withdrew from the deal, supporters remain unsettled by the overall management of the transfer window.
As the transfer deadline approached, Everton's squad was further depleted when striker Beto was sold to Fiorentina without a replacement secured. Additionally, a last-minute deal for USA forward Folarin Balogun from Monaco fell through, leaving the club with a mere 18 senior players, which includes only one striker and a limited number of defenders.
In light of these challenges, Moyes has aligned himself with the sentiments of Everton fans, emphasizing that the club is "managed by an Evertonian" and acknowledging that "supporters aren't always wrong." He recognized the need for improvements within the club's structure and expressed hope that as the new ownership becomes more familiar with the club, conditions will improve.
Despite the ongoing difficulties, Moyes remains committed to the club that he previously led to multiple top-five finishes in the Premier League from 2002 to 2013. He dismissed suggestions of leaving the club, stating, "Everton's different. I wouldn't have come back for anybody but Everton." He believes in the resilience of the club and its supporters, stating, "People saw the face of Evertonians last week and it can be really powerful. I would expect them to be really powerful now."
Moyes concluded by calling for unity, emphasizing the importance of fan support as the team faces a challenging season ahead. He stated, "What we're going to need from them is extra because we're short, so we need them. If they're not with us, then it's terrible. And they are with us, I believe they are with us."
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