Adrian Heath Urges Moyes to Recognize Everton’s European Ambitions
Adrian Heath has backed David Moyes to rebuild Everton into a top-six side. Heath spoke to Filmogaz.com in April 2026 about Moyes’ return and the club’s ambitions. He said recent progress has steadied the team.
Heath’s Everton pedigree
Heath was part of Everton sides that won the FA Cup in 1984 and the League Championship in 1987. He watched the final Goodison Park match against Southampton on May 18, 2025. Heath noted Everton’s long history in the top flight, currently spanning 123 seasons.
Moyes’ record and recent impact
Moyes previously led Everton to nine top-eight finishes. That spell included a fourth-place finish in 2004/05, the club’s best in the Premier League era. Heath pointed to Moyes’ later success at West Ham, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023.
Heath praised Moyes’ work since his return. He said the manager has steadied the club over the past seven to eight months.
Changing Premier League landscape
Heath warned the league is now heavily influenced by state-backed investment. He referenced Manchester City and Newcastle as examples of clubs transformed by outside funding. Heath, who once played for Manchester City, said the environment is very different from his playing days.
Managerial background and perspective
Heath spent time in charge at Burnley and Sheffield United. He also managed extensively in the United States with Austin Aztex, Orlando City and Minnesota United. The 65-year-old said he no longer fears relegation under Moyes’ stewardship.
European qualification and the run-in
With seven league games left, Everton were due to face Brentford after a three-week break. Both clubs sat on 46 points, with Everton eighth and Brentford seventh. Heath called European qualification a huge bonus for the club.
Under current rules, seventh place would usually bring UEFA Conference League qualification. However, if Chelsea or Manchester City win the FA Cup and finish above the seventh and eighth teams, seventh could be bumped up to Europa League, with eighth taking the Conference League place. Chelsea and Manchester City had been kept apart in the FA Cup semi-final draw.
Looking ahead
Heath urged investment in the squad during upcoming transfer windows. He said additions could turn the current group into a top-end contender. Adrian Heath urged Moyes to recognise Everton’s European ambitions and build a team capable of competing for them.
Heath concluded that Everton should remember their historical standing. He called on supporters and the board to give Moyes the resources needed to push the club back toward the top six.
