What price Integrity and generosity?

Anthony Lamb 03/06/2008 41comments  |  Jump to last
Just reading the news about David Moyes being vindicated in his recent court case over the Rooney publication and of his generosity in donating his compensation to an Everton Club Fund made me think how utterly fortunate Everton are to have a man of his calibre as manager of the team. Today's news comes as a salutory reminder of our need to appreciate some deeper values that should distinguish this game of football as it wallows today in a cesspit of greed, corruption and obscenely inflated egos and salaries.

During the past season we have all followed the debates in these pages as to whether or not David Moyes is the man to "take Everton to the next level" (?). Some supportive of him, others less so. Perhaps today's news somewhat draws us back to the deeper issues of personal integrity, the courage to take a stand in order to defend it, the magnanimity to accept a decision in your favour without malice, contempt or denigration of one's "opponent" and the generosity to go beyond personal gratification and to put the huge sums awarded into efforts to service the needs of others.

I am sure the debates about team selection, transfer policy and practice, etc will continue into the next season as well! No doubt I and others will continue to bemoan the inability of certain players to do the basics well ? like pass a football accurately etc, and wonder how on earth can the manager not see this, or see that so-and-so is not up to the job. What today has confirmed, however, is that Everton Football Club have a man in charge of team affairs who at the personal level deserves nothing but our highest admiration, respect and our thanks and appreciation for being here at our club. When one looks at the public posturings of others, managers and players alike; the ludicrous egotistical playing to the media of the likes of Mourinho and to a lesser extent the cynical manipulations of those such as Benitez one really does have to appreciate the personal calibre of David Moyes.

Perhaps it is time to take a step back from this maniacal pursuit of the "top-four place" for in truth until there is a much more "level playing field" the boring monopoly of the current four will continue for some time yet. Perhaps the next level for Everton is to consistently be were they are now while making progress in the cup competitions etc and eating away at the differentials (points!) between us and the top four. "The next level" may in fact be to beat the said four a little more frequently? Whatever.

At this moment in time I just feel that there is no fan base in this Premier League that should be more proud of the man in charge of their team than supporters of Evertion Football Club and send him our sincere congratulations on his victory today ? it went far wider than the courtroom.

Reader Comments

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Jay Harris
1   Posted 03/06/2008 at 23:31:01

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Lets hope the man’s obvious honesty,integrity and generosity of spirit does not cause him to get fed up with the 2 losers upstairs who could’nt lie straight in bed.
Andy McNabb
2   Posted 03/06/2008 at 23:41:40

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Great comment. Sanity in an insane world.
Steve Ryan
3   Posted 03/06/2008 at 23:48:43

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In terms of his cautious approach to the game and the use of the long ball, I am not David Moyes’s biggest fan but I have to say Anthony that is an outstanding piece you have written. I totally agree with your sentiments regarding the big 4. Well done mate.
Tommy Gibbons
4   Posted 03/06/2008 at 23:51:25

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To Jay and others who berate BK and KW as liars and men of no integrity.. answer me this: do you believe that Davey would stay at the club if he thought that BK & KW were liars, cheats and men of no integrity?

Steve Brown
5   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:05:15

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David Moyes is an man of obvious integrity who needs to win a trophy to move us to the next stage of development. As for Rooney, no comments necessary other than to say who would have thought that he would peak at 18 years old!
Vince Koh
6   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:18:20

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I'm an Everton fan from Singapore. It is great to know that DM won the case. I was always a fan of DM and hope he can be with us for 10 yrs or more.
Stuart Reid
7   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:13:20

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Spot on, mate. It is a tremendous gesture by Moyes. This is the second good football story I’ve heard today, after seeing on the news that Aston Villa have turned down multi-million pound shirt sponsorship deals in order to feature the logo of the Acorns children’s hospice.

It gives you back some faith in football and reminds you there are more important things than the Champions League.
Santosh Benjamin
8   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:22:19

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Excellent article..befitting a truly amazing human being..David Moyes. Anthony, you have summed things up really well. Although doubters of Moyes may never see things like us, they cant deny the fact that the man has great values. I am proud to call him our manager and be a part of our club’s history. Well done,Mr.Moyes...i salute you!
Bob Parrington
9   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:32:54

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Good article Anthony and right on the mark. There?s no substitute for such values. If Daivid Moyes is not yet seen by many as a great manager, I am sure he will become recognised as perhaps one of the greatest in future years.
COYB
Donka Doran
10   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:17:55

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Moyes has just moved up a couple of levels with the way he dealt with this from start to finish. Rooney had his head turned for a move to what he percieved as a bigger club. He went to play in front of bigger crowds win trophies and more money, that’s all very good and i had no problem with that even when he came out with his famous (once a blue bollocks) he was just a kid and it’s the fault of the people who believed that if they felt betrayed. What is still missing is a full and loud appoligy from Wayne Rooney saying i was feeling a lot of pressure at the time and handled it like some kids do, then i think people will respect him a lot more. Moyesy 10/10 Rooney 4/10 The slapper 2/10
Simon Templeman
11   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:37:34

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Stuart Reid,
My sentiments exactly. I have recently been trying to explain the concept of a PROPER football club to the local glory hunters and EFC and Villa prove my point!
Greg de Bergerac
12   Posted 04/06/2008 at 00:42:42

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Being a Liverpool fan, some could argue I would enjoy the issue between Moyes and Rooney, but no. I am glad Moyes won because he seems to have integrity. Amazing genorosity too with the payoff. Hope it is long remembered.
Glen Strachan
13   Posted 04/06/2008 at 01:09:36

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David Moyes is a very classy man and none but the dumb of head and poor of spirit would ever suggest otherwise.

He is not - and I believe never will be - the man to succeed Sir Alex at Old Trafford.

That is of absolutely no consequence to Everton as he is doing fine here.

He is certainly NOT the man to take us to ?the next level? !

That man (or woman) will be the one who bank-rolls our beloved club in similar fashion or something very close to it as Mr Abramovich has done for Chelsea.

Just look at the so called ?Big Four?.

That is an absolute myth..........sheer fiction !!!

There is no big four , big three or even big two.

Manchester United is out there on its own from Chelsea.

Arsenal is some way behind that in playing strength.

Liverpool is certainly (by income) and squad costs the fourth ?biggest? side in England but how can they be considered members of the ?Big Anything? when they have never won a Premier Championship ??

HOW CAN THEY BE BIG FOUR WHEN THEY PLAY THEIR GAMES IN A SLUM LIKE ANFIELD ?

New stadium ?........in today?s financial climate ?......forget it !

Want something even more damning.......take a look at how often they have been second in the Premier and how long ago that was !

It is no disgrace for Moyes not to be the equal of Sir Alex Ferguson.............nobody else has got even close to Alex since he came down from Aberdeen to take over from Fat Ron.

Ferguson was four years younger than Moyes is now when he led little Aberdeen to two European trophies
not to mention three league titles for a side that had only won one of these in 77 years of trying.

Ferguson had to sell before buying throughout his time at Aberdeen.

Man U was in the bottom half of the table when Fergie arrived at Old Trafford (after taking a pay cut to move down from Aberdeen) and here?s the bit I like best.

Who were the Champions of England then ???????

Everton.........that?s who !

Changed days but surely a realistic target for David Moyes would be leading the Blues to a second succesive ?best of the rest title? in 2008/9.

Barring the money ?miracle? that would be fine for me.

Benitez is a twerp and a loser.............I just love that guy and I am sure that as long as he is in charge over there , LFC will never collect a Premier title.

If he fouls up badly next season , we might just about scrape fourth and can I leave you with one nice thought.

If we get as many ?poor decisions? from referees which work in our favour next season as we had ?poor decisions? that cost us points this time.........happy days eh ?
Gary Sedgwick
14   Posted 04/06/2008 at 01:33:05

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Greg, Thanks for the comment. Moyes has always shown he is a bit above the norm when it comes to diplomacy even if it does bite us in the butt. I make that comment referring to his platitude towards some referees.

I applaud the guy for donating the monetary gains to the EFCFP foundation. After all, it wasn?t his money in the first place, but alledgedly it was a significant amount and could make his family life far easier. One could postulate he is reportedly on circa. 50K per week but that is not guaranteed for ever. A bad run and who knows? BK loves him but one never knows the future...

What I am upset with is the Rooney factor. WR has to apologise to DM. I am fine with that IF it was public and pasted all over the newspapers. That ain?t gonna happen. It will likely be a written apology crafted by his publishers delivered through the mail. Class??

His publishers are going to pay all the fines because they did not proof read!!

FFS he gave them the info! He was the guilty party! If he had not given the info there would be no need for it to be proof read! Again Shrek gets a mere tap on the hand. Why am I not surprised? WR Class? DM CLASS!
Jason Lam
15   Posted 04/06/2008 at 03:25:05

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Ditto Gary Sedgwick. Top class David Moyes. Similar to how we (EFC) responded to fat waiter’s comments at the anfield derby.

I was wondering, what are Moyes’ thoughts about Kirkby? He may not comment on the economics side but I would like to hear his thoughts on the morality, integrity side.
Dan Parker
16   Posted 04/06/2008 at 05:11:34

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Football aside, in my career progression, I look to certain leaders for inspiration. A lot of inspiration I draw from past military leaders, especially British leaders such as Monty and Churchill. My present leadership inspiration, one of the top people on my list, Davey Moyes. The guy is a legend.

My management lecturer at uni used to harp on about Moysey at PNE way before he joined us. Today's ruling plus his jesture on the compensation received confirms my measure of the man. We are a very lucky fanbase right now. It makes me so proud to have a man of such integrity at our helm and sums up what Everton is all about in my mind.

Michael Brien
17   Posted 04/06/2008 at 07:08:22

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Anthony - a great article, yes we are lucky to have a bloke of such integrity in charge of our team. At a time when the game - especially in this country- appears to be dominated by commercial interests and clubs are referred to as striving as much to become "global brands" as to gain success on the pitch, it’s refreshing to hear of such values as shown by David Moyes and also Aston Villa.

Yes indeed Alex Ferguson achieved success in Europe for Aberdeen - but the game was totally different then - there was not so much commercialism e.g. the Eurpean Champions Cup - as it was then- was just that - for the CHAMPIONS. I reckon DM can be compared to the renowned Sir Alex - and in my opionion he is not too far behind him in terms of managerial and tactical ability - and way ahead of him in terms of integrity.
Mark Lowery
18   Posted 04/06/2008 at 08:00:13

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He’s a nice bloke too. He lives near my parents in Preston. When it was my dad’s 80th birthday, I popped a card in his letterbox, with a little note asking him if he sign it (probably a little bit of a liberty, I know). Two days later it arrived back at my mum and dad’s with a really nice message. Only a little thing but it says a lot about the man, I think. For me, he’s the best EFC manager in a long time and, especially when compared to the bearded ring piece at Anfield, one of the best in the UK at this moment in time. Even his biggest detractors have never given any viable names to replace him.
Andy Mack
19   Posted 04/06/2008 at 08:27:01

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Jason Lam - There was an interview shown before the Fiorentina game which highlighted Moyes reign at Everton, when asked about the groundmove he smiled and said "let’s just say I’m a traditionalist" and the camera cut from him to the the ’Goodison Road L4’ sign... read into that as you will.

Never doubted DM’s integrity, an example to his peers. Can’t wait for next season.
Dave Torley
20   Posted 04/06/2008 at 09:30:36

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The gulf in class between the small club and the Spanish reserve squad over the road is immense.

This is why I’m a Blue. In reality, football is only part of it.
Jamie Yates
21   Posted 04/06/2008 at 09:41:43

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"This is why I?m a Blue. In reality, football is only part of it."

Dave Torley - spot on mate.

I remember sitting in a pub in London with a few RS mates (bless ’em!) after they’d beaten Chelsea in the Champs Lge semi where Garcia punched the ball in, having a blazing row about why people love football and the way I see things as a Blue.

These lads went on and on about how all that matters is "top players competing at the highest level... multi million pound transfer targets... Champions League, blah blah blah". How people are only really interested in the "Big Games" and "Big Teams" because that’s all that really matters.

I guess as an Evertonian these past 20yrs have given us a little more perspective than our deluded neighbours, but if all that jazz is all your in it for then there’s something wrong. It’s like Rangers fans where I now live in Glasgow, talking about how it doesn’t matter if Gretna go out of business at the end of the season as long as it doesn’t affect their points totals come the final day. Smashing to see them pipped to the post by Celtic.

Davie Moyes has been a shining light for us in so many more ways than just what his teams have achieved on the field of play, the style in which they’ve done so, what prize money he’s brought in, etc. The man is doing great and bit-by-bit has given us what we haven’t had in years, namely stability and a TEAM, i.e. - a solid back four and keeper, a midfield (I’d forgotten what one of those was! Dogs of War anyone?!) and class acts the likes of Arteta, Pienaar and Yakubu on top of that.

Roll on 2008/09 and however we get on, I’m proud of Moyes and our lads because I know they’ll give it their best.

Finally, returning to the original point of this thread (at last!!), Moyes’ handling of the Rooney affair from start to (four years later!) finish has been exemplary. Nice to see justice done for a change too with the court ruling. It’s a rare privilege to have such a decent, hard-working, honest and principled man in charge of our club, I wouldn’t swap him for anyone.
Tony Pickering
22   Posted 04/06/2008 at 10:42:36

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Agree totally on how honourable Moyes has been.
Fairly sad, yet not really surprised, that the story rated one tiny paragraph in today’s Times.
Imagine the press response if one of the so-called ’top’ managers had done the same.
Oh, wait a minute, something to do with class and integrity may have some bearing on the subject.
Well done Mr Moyes
Tim Taylor
23   Posted 04/06/2008 at 10:49:22

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Spot on. I felt exactly the same. Though I?m not surprised I have always been convinced of that side of his character and he stands out like a beacon IMO.

What annoyed me though was the way it was reported. All the headlines were along the lines of "Moyes wins substantial damages", you had to read to the end of most of the stories to get to the part where he donates the money. It may be a consipracy too far, but I?m convinced that this is because they wanted to give the impression that he had somehow benefitted....
Rob Paterson
24   Posted 04/06/2008 at 11:06:19

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Excellent article and heart-warming comments. It made me wonder if it wasn’t the standards of dignity and honour characterised by David Moyes rather than winning trophies that the Victorian Blues had in mind when they came up with the ’Nil Satis’ motto. And perhaps also the positive response of so many fans in this thread is what the manager had in mind when he provided the 21st century equivalent of the motto- ’the people’s club’. Eat your heart out all those who think that money will always buy values.
Tim Taylor
25   Posted 04/06/2008 at 11:47:10

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RP: "made me wonder if it wasn?t the standards of dignity and honour characterised by David Moyes rather than winning trophies that the Victorian Blues had in mind when they came up with the ?Nil Satis? motto. "

Absolutely.
Stig Meacham
26   Posted 04/06/2008 at 12:14:13

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Moyes: Legend

Rooney: Leg end.

A man gives a few hundred thousand pounds to something well more than a decent cause and it doesn?t even rate a mention on the BBC.

In two weeks we?re going to get screwed straight into the ground with the endless Wayne Rooney nuptial nightmare. It makes no sense.

Unbelievable.
Jamie Yates
27   Posted 04/06/2008 at 12:16:06

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Exactly.

"AND IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY!!!"

I bloody love Everton!
Chris Jones
28   Posted 04/06/2008 at 12:26:44

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Can I implore everyone to mark well their feelings towards Davey at the moment. Football fans are notoriously fickle, and there will come a day wen it is is brickbats flying DM?s way rather than the praise he receives at the minute.

Some acts of integrity and courage endure. Hence a policy that even though the winner of a V.C. might afterwards do something heinous to blot their copybook, their award is no longer ever taken away from them (as it once was).
What Davey has done, in standing up for his honour and reputation (let?s remember it was him, no one else who was hurt by Rooney?s lies), and then giving his rightful compensation away - and to the Blue Blood foundation - may not exactly equate to the deeds required to win a V.C. but, in context, is equally deserving of enduring merit.

It is one aspect of the growing Moyes legend that should not be allowed to tarnish with age. So, don?t forget it!

As an aside, I too would like to applaud the ?Villans? for their decision to carry the name of a children?s hospice charity on their shirts next season - rather than bank an easy £2m from Mamon Inc.. WD Villa.
Robbie Muldoon
29   Posted 04/06/2008 at 12:47:44

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Moyes honesty, proffessionalism, and commitment is to be admired.

Made up he won, as he was bound to because Rooney is just a lying fat twat.
John Wilson
30   Posted 04/06/2008 at 14:53:16

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Patting yoursleves on the back again I see, telling each other how wonderful you and your small club all are, real classy.

Have you ever noticed how the only people who ever praise and talk up your tiny club are .... everton fans?

Funny that, says it all really.

You’re jsut a small, no-mark, insignificant club who, never, ever win anything.

No wonder you’re all so bitter and deluded.
patty
31   Posted 04/06/2008 at 16:15:00

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Four words sums it up...

DAVEY MOYES - SUPER STAR!!!
Mike Williams
32   Posted 04/06/2008 at 17:12:40

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In reply to Chris Jones, Davey is certainly beyond criticism as a man, but his excellent and dignified deed shouldn’t exempt him from criticism at his job - that of EFC manager.
Mark Pendleton
33   Posted 04/06/2008 at 19:33:41

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What price Anthony got a thesaurus for Christmas?

Just kidding, good article Anthony and i wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments.
John Ferguson
34   Posted 04/06/2008 at 19:41:36

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A great piece about our great leader.... I just wish I could have penned an article like this myself.......
Chris Jones (Wakefield)
35   Posted 04/06/2008 at 21:36:33

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@ Mike Williams

I agree with you totally, 100%.

However, I’m also painfully aware that some fans, sadly, use the foulest language when being critical and seem to equate a person’s worth as a human being according to their ability, or otherwise, to deliver results on the football field. I’m sure some pretty unpleasant and wholly unworthy things have been said of DM on this site in the past, and will, doubtless be used again!

Witness also the language used when some discuss KW. Fine criticise him, yes question his ability to do his job, but why do such posts have to be spiced with offensive labels?

It’s nice to see people lionise their footballing heroes. But let’s not forget also how soon some adoring crowds can turn into a lynch mob!
Barry Sherlock
36   Posted 05/06/2008 at 08:52:22

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Mike Williams, it sounds like you already have knives out at the ready!!!

I agree that Moyes is without doubt above criticiism as a man. However, let us not forget that we have qualified for Uefa Cup football for the last 2 years. More than that; DM has given us back our pride in our club.

Surely this should mean that there is nothing for us to criticise (presently)?
Mike Williams
37   Posted 05/06/2008 at 09:39:37

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Barry - no, I haven’t got the knives out for Davey alrerady! I just want maturity and balance like Chris Jones said.
Barry Sherlock
38   Posted 05/06/2008 at 10:58:54

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Mike, I agree.

EVERYONE,
warren.bradley@liverpool.gov.uk

put your comments forward regarding joint stadium or LCC rejecting Kirkby project.
Andy Burke
39   Posted 05/06/2008 at 12:04:11

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Great article. Well written and I agree the the sentiment entirely.

I also agree that Moyes is not beyond criticism as a manager and I am sure the man himself does not think he is.

However, I do think that people quite often shoot from the hip when commenting on the team or manager. Not surprising though given the passions involved.
Robbie Burns
40   Posted 05/06/2008 at 13:05:54

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Magnificent gesture from DM, made me feel proud, he has integrity written through him like a bar of Blackpoool rock. He is up there with Catterick, Kendall and Royle. It's never been a harder task than to bring success to a football club than in this moment but I have every confidence he will break our trophy drought. Let's hope the Mancs don't come knocking.
Jeff Spiers
41   Posted 08/06/2008 at 05:42:08

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Great responses. DM has done us proud. Jamie Yates, I love Everton as well. COYB!!!!
Phil Chipell
42   Posted 09/06/2008 at 15:08:01

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Moyes too good for Jasper Carrott?s Goldenballs ITV - Great article:- DM deserves all the accolades for his loyalty, integrity to EFC & exposing Shrek?s ?Once a Blue always a Blue? mythical fantasy saga book. Maybe our board will empty thier ?Piggies?, stump up some real cash to help him take EFC into the next phase..... A TROPHY!!
Gareth Malpeli
43   Posted 12/06/2008 at 03:05:22

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Just an aside on the class of the guy: My wife and I went to see us play ManYoo at Goodison last year. I’ve been a Blue forever, but living in Western Australia kinda stops you going to games. Not a successful debut, though. We lost 1-nil.

Family connections saw us end up in the front office after the game, where we managed to bump into Mr Moyes. Face like thunder (as you would after giving a goal away to that lot with 5 mins to go), but as soon as we were introduced, he broke into a broad smile, was happy to have a chat and let us get a cheesy pic for posterity.

The dude is all right!


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