David Moyes ‘proud’ to manage 700 Premier League games

Everton manager David Moyes says he feels proud ahead of managing his 700th Premier League game.

Now in his second spell as Everton boss, Moyes has also led teams such as West Ham, Manchester United and Sunderland in England’s top flight during a successful career.

He will join an elite group of managers to have achieved this feat, alongside Arsene Wenger (828 games for Arsenal) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810 games for Manchester United).

“It’s really incredible,” Moyes said. “When you start out, I don’t think you’ll ever believe you’ll become a Premier League manager, but getting 700 games under my belt is a fair achievement.

“I am very happy. There are two great managers ahead in Arsene and Alex. I don’t think I’ll do his numbers, that’s for sure.”

This weekend’s Premier League clash between Everton and Brighton will see Moyes, the league’s oldest manager at 61, face Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler, the youngest at 31.

David Moyes says Dwight McNeil will need to return to a specialist regarding his ongoing knee injury, and may require surgery. ▶️ pic.twitter.com/e3jr0kkcns

– Everton (@everton) January 24, 2025

The occasion marks a role reversal for Moyes, who was the Premier League’s youngest manager when he first took charge of Everton in 2002.

At the time, the late Sir Bobby Robson, 30 years his senior, was the oldest in the league.

“I remember Sir Bobby giving me some words of wisdom,” Moyes added. “It’s amazing how things have changed, and I’ve been lucky to have opportunities at big clubs.”

Everton’s recent 3-2 win over Tottenham gave Moyes his first win since returning to Goodison Park and lifted the club four points off relegation.

However, midfielder Dwight McNeil is expected to undergo knee surgery, sidelined after missing the last seven games.

“He (McNeil) will probably have to have surgery on his knee,” Moyes confirmed. “It’s a real blow because we need him back for pieces, deliveries and his overall game.”