Five things we learned from David Moyes' first press conference as Sunderland boss

01 August 2016 01:53

David Moyes made his first public appearance as Sunderland manager on Monday. Here, Press Association Sport picks out five things we learned from the new Black Cats boss.

THE TOFFEES ARE HIS TOUCHSTONE

If assembled journalists had a pound for every time Moyes used the word 'Everton' they would have been very happy indeed. Moyes repeatedly pointed to his achievements at Goodison Park, with barely a passing reference to his time at Manchester United or Real Sociedad.

His experiences in those two jobs will doubtless be part of the bigger picture but it is clear where he will be looking for his Sunderland blueprint and it is Merseyside rather than Manchester.

HE STILL BELIEVES IN HIS ABILITIES

Moyes would be forgiven if his ego had taken a dint since he left what had become a comfort zone at Goodison Park, but he was bullish about his own credentials.

He stated that his transfer record at Everton was the best in the top flight, talked with pride of having overseen the fourth highest total wins in the Premier League era and said he planned to be "aggressive" in his leadership of the team.

Recent failures do not appear to have sapped his spirit.

HE WILL AIM FOR STABILITY

Moyes confirmed that Allardyce's coaches Paul Bracewell and Robbie Stockdale will remain on his staff in first-team roles.

Both men have deep ties to Sunderland and, though he may look to build his backroom team in time, a sense of consistency is desirable at a club that has seen far too much turbulence in recent years.

"I will make changes in some areas but these people helped keep the team up last year," he said.

"I don't want to disrupt too much now. This club has too many disruptions in the past."

A BRITISH SPINE

Sunderland have recruited more talent from these shores than most top-flight rivals in recent seasons and Moyes is minded to stick with a core of players familiar with UK football. That means a chance for the club's academy prospects to pitch for the first XI too.

"If they're available I'll try and promote that type of player. I want to look at boys in the academy too, that's what it's there for, but it's up to them to step up," he said.

HE DID HIS HOMEWORK BEFORE SIGNING

Moyes' predecessor, Allardyce, was one of the first people he spoke to about the task ahead at Sunderland. The pair talked in depth about the current squad and the set-up on Wearside, meaning the new man came in with eyes wide open.

He has also been impressed by what he has seen and heard from owner Ellis Short, a man he compares to his old boss Bill Kenwright.

"They allow you to get on with your job, there's not much interference, they give you all the money they can, they allow you to take control and try to run the club the way you want," he said, with a noticeable lack of mention for his United paymasters.

Source: PA