Everton could turn toward a younger, more modern-minded manager if David Moyes decides to leave the club, according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Wyness suggested that Everton would also be likely to introduce a sporting director as part of a broader restructuring of the club’s football operations.
The possibility comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Moyes, who could reportedly consider his future following a frustrating conclusion to the summer transfer window. The Scottish manager is also entering the final year of his contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium, increasing the importance of the coming months.
Wyness believes Everton’s ownership, The Friedkin Group, must do more to support Moyes and provide him with the resources needed to move the club forward.
On the pitch, Everton have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, taking points from each of their opening three matches. Their next challenge comes against Tottenham on Saturday.
However, the positive results have not completely masked concerns within the squad. Everton currently have just one recognised senior striker in Thierno Barry after a difficult transfer window, leaving Moyes with limited attacking options.
Angus Kinnear could shape Everton’s next managerial decision
Wyness believes Everton CEO Angus Kinnear could play a major role in determining the club’s direction if a managerial change eventually becomes necessary.
The former Everton executive, who served as the club’s CEO between 2004 and 2009 and now operates a football consultancy advising elite clubs, expects Kinnear to favour a younger appointment with a more modern coaching philosophy if Moyes departs.
However, he stressed that the situation could be very different if Kinnear himself were to leave.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained that Everton’s recruitment structure would likely need significant changes before appointing Moyes’ successor.
The former chief executive suggested that, with Kinnear remaining in place, Everton could pursue a younger manager while also bringing in a sporting director and creating a much clearer chain of responsibility.
He also warned that the identity of the next manager could depend heavily on the Friedkin Group’s plans for the club. If the owners were preparing to sell, Everton could instead opt for a caretaker-style appointment rather than committing to a long-term project.
For Wyness, though, the ideal scenario would be for Everton to resolve their current issues and properly back Moyes rather than forcing a change.
If Moyes were to leave, however, he believes the club should still aim for an ambitious appointment capable of helping Everton establish a new direction.
Everton insider gives David Moyes update
Wyness previously suggested that he does not expect Moyes to walk away from Everton before the January transfer window at the earliest.
The former Everton executive has a longstanding relationship with Moyes from his time at Goodison Park and believes the manager is unlikely to abruptly resign or attempt to create unnecessary drama behind the scenes.
However, that does not mean Moyes’ position is guaranteed beyond January.
Wyness believes the Everton boss would have every reason to reassess his future if the club once again fails to provide sufficient backing in the January transfer market.
For now, the former chief executive remains hopeful that Everton’s strong start to the season can help ease some of the frustration surrounding the club.
But with Moyes’ contract entering its final year and major questions remaining over the squad and recruitment structure, the coming months could prove decisive for both the manager and Everton’s long-term plans.