by David Moyes has urged Everton fans to help him “rebuild” the club after being appointed manager for a second time following the departure of Sean Dyche.
Moyes spent 11 years at Goodison Park before leaving to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, and had been unemployed since leaving West Ham in the summer.
The PA news agency understands the 61-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract, with the first match of his second spell in charge taking place at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Everton are currently 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with three wins in 19 games this season.
Moyes said: “It’s great to be back. I had a wonderful and successful 11 years at Everton and I didn’t hesitate when offered the opportunity to join this great club.
“I’m excited to work with the Friedkin Group and look forward to helping them rebuild the club.”
“Now we need Goodison and all Evertonians to play their part in supporting the players during this important season so we can move into our fabulous new stadium as a Premier League team.”
Everton will be desperate to avoid relegation under Moyes as they prepare to move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season.
Executive chairman Marc Watts said: “We are delighted to have David join us at this pivotal time in Everton’s history.
“With over a decade of experience at the club, he is the right leader to propel us through to our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium.
“We look forward to working with David to lay the foundations for a new era for Everton.”
Dyche’s reign at Everton had effectively ended since the defeat at Bournemouth on January 4, with TFG first sounding out former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who later joined West Ham.
PA understands that the surprising timing of Dyche’s departure announcement, which came after his press conference for the Peterborough match, was due to rows over the terms of his salary.
Former Everton defender Leighton Baines, now head coach of the under-18s, and club captain Seamus Coleman, who is currently injured, took charge of the 2-0 win over Posh.
Speaking after that match, Michael Keane admitted the players had to take some responsibility for Dyche’s dismissal.
“Anytime you lose a manager it’s really disappointing and sad,” Keane said.
“He was great for me. He’s been a brilliant manager, he’s a brilliant manager. It’s just one of those things. It’s football and it doesn’t always work.
