Moyes would recommend new deals for veteran duo

Lyndon Lloyd , 15 November, 16comments | Jump to most recent

It may be a little premature at this stage with the summer still months away but David Moyes says that he would recommend new contracts for Phil Neville and Sylvain Distin at the end of the season.

Neville will be 36 come June while Distin will turn 35 next month but Moyes believes that both of his dependable veterans have more left in the tank to offer Everton.

"We are monitoring Phil's position," Moyes is quoted in The Express, "but if you were asking for me, I'd say let's give him another year's contract and keep it going."

"I'd say the same for Sylvain Distin, who is in the same position.”

Neville has made no secret of his desire to earn his Uefa coaching badges as a precursor to moving into management when he eventually retires but remains in very good condition for his age.

Distin, meanwhile, has not lost much, if any, of his impressive pace and strength and has stated his desire to finish his career with the Blues. Assuming Moyes is still manager at the end of the campaign — the Scot is yet to sign an extension to his current deal that also expires in the summer — both players may get their wish to play on at Goodison next season.

Quotes or other material sourced from The Express

Reader Comments (16)

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James Flynn
1 Posted 15/11/2012 at 00:31:50

Can understand Moyes wanting to keep veteran presence in the squad. Like hearing him referring to "We are monitoring Phil's position," Moyes is quoted in The Express, "but if you were asking for me, I'd say let's give him another year's contract and keep it going."

"I'd say the same for Sylvain Distin, who is in the same position.”

Is that Coleman and Duffy I hear him referring to without saying their names?

Eric Myles
2 Posted 15/11/2012 at 00:54:04

Keeping them as experienced back up is OK but we need new faces on the pitch each week in their position, whether that's from existing academy players or new purchases is the question.

Sean Wafer
3 Posted 15/11/2012 at 01:37:29

Is it just me or does this sound like Moyes doesn't plan on being around in order to make such a decision – ie, his contract expires along with the other two and he'll be in no position to offer another?

Anto Byrne
4 Posted 15/11/2012 at 06:22:44

So what BIG jobs will be vacated come June 2013? SAF? Wenger? Mancini? Given the way we play now, what about a continental job? We get a top 4 finish this time around and Moyes can have his pick of any job that comes along. He would have to be top of the list.

Realistically there are only two jobs worth having and that's the OT job and of course the Everton job. We get 4th and the board are going to have to back him with funds, Kenwright will have to make way for a new owner with money. There will be good money to made in the CL.

I can't see Moyes leaving or any Evertonian wanting him to go now. The new Everton is the best footballing team since the mid eighties and is almost as good as the 1970 team: Morrissey, Husband, Ball, Royle, Kendall, Harvey, West, Wright, Wilson, Labone, Whittle... and my favourtite was Hurst.

James Morgan
5 Posted 15/11/2012 at 08:22:00

Keep on Distin, let Nev's wages go elsewhere, times up I'm afraid.

Drew O'Neall
6 Posted 15/11/2012 at 09:52:46

Better for Moyes own contract bargaining position if half his squad are waiting on his signature.

Liam Reilly
7 Posted 15/11/2012 at 10:42:31

More conspiracy theories about Moyes and his contract.

What is wrong with keeping your options open and seeing where we are after the transfer window? If anything, it tells BK that he could walk if he allows our best players to leave and doesn’t provide funds to strengthen the squad.

As regards Neville and Distin, again isn't this just good management to say it'll be discussed at the seasons end? What’s he supposed to say “Neville’s shit and we want him out in the summer”?

Nick Entwistle
8 Posted 15/11/2012 at 10:59:43

Odds on Phil Neville as next manager?

Barry Rathbone
9 Posted 15/11/2012 at 11:03:17

Liam, I reckon he's said that already and BK is organising his leaving party as we speak.

Just waiting for the managerial merry go round to plug in.

Liam Reilly
10 Posted 15/11/2012 at 11:23:47

Hope you're wrong Barry. It's taken a while but I'm enjoying watching this team play. It's a nice time to be an Evertonian and long may it continue.

Noel Early
11 Posted 15/11/2012 at 12:34:25

#678 Nick

I'd say the odds on Neville being next manager are short, I think he is being groomed for it.

Jack Wilkinson
12 Posted 15/11/2012 at 13:05:39

A few days ago on Twitter I thought that Nev was implying he was retiring next season. Referring to the junk food his brother can now happily consume, he said he could too enjoy them "Next year!!!"

Christopher Kelly
13 Posted 15/11/2012 at 16:43:39

Good shout, Drew. Realistically why would Moyes leave when the job here is only 80% done??

Also, as mentioned, where would he go?? I believe it to be a bluff and good on him for that. This fucking board are a bunch of scoundrels and that's putting it lightly

Patrick Murphy
14 Posted 16/11/2012 at 00:04:01

Anto, whilst I agree we have a good group of players, I think it's stretching credibility to speak of them in the same breath as those legends of the 1967-70 team.

None of our current crop would get into that team and only 1 or 2 would be considered for the 1984-1987 teams.

Jack Lee
15 Posted 16/11/2012 at 04:15:10

Not Neville please. Distin deserves an extra year though.

Jim Harrison
16 Posted 16/11/2012 at 06:36:58

Neville should get a reduced rate and reduced role. He should also hand over the role of club captain.

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