Moyes In - for now.

I've been in a quandry this weekend, ever since the final whistle of Everton's 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic. Not that my opinion matters a jot - but I've been really struggling to decide whether David Moyes really has taken Everton as far as he can. The question on the lips of many Evertonians has, once again, "Moyes in or Moyes out?"
Historically when Everton have gone on awful runs under Moyes, the moment I've started to doubt (publicly or privately), the team has gone on some brilliant run and it's all been rosy again - making me look like an impatient fool. The last time (the only time) I've reached this point before was at the start of the 2005/06 season, when Everton were dumped out of Europe and embarked on an 8 game streak in the league in which they not only didn't win a match, but they didn't score a goal. But Moyes gradually turned it around. The team finished 11th, and followed it up next season by qualifying for Europe. I had to eat my words.
So I feel loathe to come out and say that this is Moyes' fault and that someone else should be given a go. Don't get me wrong - I'm tempted. What makes this year unique is the lack of an excuse to account for it. In the past when the team has struggled under Moyes, there has been a mitigating circumstance. There have been injuries, European elimination shell-shock, or the long drawn-out saga of losing a key player to a Premiership rival. This time though, Moyes is working with a squad which he claims is his best to date, and one which isn't blighted by injury or unrest. So what excuse is there for a run that has seen just 3 Premier League wins in 17? What possible reason can there be to drop home league points to Wolves, West Brom, Bolton. Newcastle and now Wigan?
Typically, Everton have started seasons poorly under Moyes, before he gradually steadies things and turns the team around to roar home in the latter half of the season. But when does a 'poor start' become a 'bad season'. We're 17 games in - almost halfway through. This doesn't appear to be a blip.
It's worrying. Very worrying. But after really, really thinking about it, I'm still refusing to go all out and say "Moyes out". My reasons for still backing him are thus:

• His past success - achieved on minimal budgets and against the odds - has bought him the right to be given some patience.
• He has an opportunity in January to do some transfer deals - both in and out - which could save the season.
• Other teams have not pulled away so far as to put Everton in a position of no hope. A similar run to last season in the last 21 games would possibly put the team back in the European places.
• So many dropped points this season have come in games where the team has dominated, but individuals have failed to execute in attack or defence.
• Quite simply, there's no one else who could do a better job.

For now then, I'm going to remain patient. How much longer, I don't know. But at the moment I feel there is little alternative to do anything but back the manager to get through to his players and steady the ship.
In Moyes We Trust.



But ask me again in January....