Former Everton midfielder Barry Horne believes there are signs of growing tension behind the scenes at the club, but has urged supporters to think carefully about calls for change, insisting David Moyes remains the right man to lead the club.
Horne was speaking to ToffeeWeb after Everton secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Newcastle United to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, in the latest episode of our Once a Blue podcast.
While delighted with the cup progression, Horne suggested the result was particularly important for Moyes amid what he perceives to be growing dissent surrounding the Everton manager.
“I think it was important for David Moyes to do well in the cups this year. There is always a constant sort of background of dissent about David Moyes. And I get the impression that that’s building a little bit, to be honest with you,” Horne said.
“I’m a massive David Moyes fan. I think he’s the right person for us for the next two or three years, because I sense a bit of turbulence. Well there is, isn’t there? The owners have put the club up for sale. I might be putting two and two together and getting six, but I get the sense that all is not well at the club at the moment.
“I’m thinking about the interview that David gave at the end of the transfer window when we didn’t get anyone in and were left with Thierno Barry as the only out-and-out striker. Then there’s the Jack Grealish thing…”
Horne questioned the wording surrounding Grealish’s suspension, after Moyes described the decision involving the winger as a club decision while making clear that he supported it.
“I was just curious how David Moyes was very clear to say it was a club decision and that he supported it,” Horne explained.
“That’s fine. But what exactly does a club decision mean? And when he says he supports it, that suggests to me that maybe he wasn’t part of that decision-making process. I don’t know.”
The uncertainty surrounding Moyes’ own future has added another layer to the situation, with Horne revealing that he had heard reports that contract discussions between the manager and Everton were currently on ice.
“I just get the impression that there’s a bit of friction there,” he added.
“And I would say to everybody, be careful what you wish for. You know, from where we were 18 months ago to where we are now is a much more comfortable place.”