Moyes tells media he thought he’d be staying at Everton

David Moyes spoke for the first time today since being appointed as Alex Ferguson’s successor and said he thought he would remain at Everton.

By Declan Whooley

The Everton man was in the media spotlight today for the first time since being appointed as Fergie’s heir and while he said out of respect to his employers he didn’t want to discuss anything other than the visit of West Ham tomorrow, he did reveal that he thought he was going to remain at Goodison Park for next season until very recently.

“I hadn’t planned to leave Everton,” he said. “My contract was running out. If you had pushed me I would have said my mind was swayed on staying”.

When he was swayed is a matter of speculation and it was thought that the move was sewn up long before it came to light earlier this week, though Moyes’ comments would suggest otherwise.

He admitted that there was no way he could turn down the offer to replace Ferguson and that he was sad to be leaving such a great club.

Moyes added that he had always enjoyed a “great” relationship with Bill Kenright who fully understood and appreciated his desire to move to Old Trafford while also paying homage to the support he has received since he took over in 2002.

Here is part of the presser today, though you won't find much of an insight into his team to face the Hammers tomorrow.