Moyes Returns to Everton – How Did Other Coaches with Second Spells at an Old Club Do?

David Moyes has been named as Everton’s new head coach, tasked with the responsibility of salvaging the club’s challenging season.

This appointment marks Moyes’s second spell at Everton, following a successful 12-year tenure with the Toffees. The Scottish manager initially took charge of the Merseyside club in 2002, steering them through over a decade of competitive football. Under his leadership, Everton achieved Champions League qualification and reached an FA Cup final.

Now stepping in as a replacement for Sean Dyche, Moyes inherits a side precariously positioned just above the relegation zone. While Everton fans hope for a turnaround under their former manager, history shows that Premier League manager returns often yield mixed results.

Here are five notable Premier League managers who made second comebacks to familiar dugouts.

Kevin Keegan (Newcastle United)

Kevin Keegan’s first tenure at Newcastle United was nothing short of iconic. The former England striker transformed the Magpies from a second-tier team into one of the Premier League’s elite. After securing promotion to the top flight, Newcastle achieved four consecutive top-six finishes, including back-to-back runners-up spots in the 1995/96 and 1996/97 seasons.

The 1995/96 campaign is particularly memorable, as Newcastle built a 12-point lead over Manchester United in the title race, only to falter in the final stages. Dubbed ‘The Entertainers’, Keegan’s Newcastle were celebrated for their attacking flair but were often let down by defensive vulnerabilities.

Keegan returned to manage Newcastle in January 2008. However, his second spell lasted just eight months, ending in resignation due to disputes with owner Mike Ashley and executive director Dennis Wise. These disagreements included unauthorised signings such as Spanish striker Xisco, which undermined Keegan’s authority.

Harry Redknapp (Portsmouth)

Harry Redknapp’s managerial journey at Portsmouth is a story of dramatic exits and even more dramatic returns. Just over a year after controversially departing Pompey to join arch-rivals Southampton, Redknapp made a sensational return to Fratton Park in December 2005.

Redknapp’s first spell at Portsmouth saw him guide the club to Premier League promotion. However, he left in 2004, citing the need for a break, only to join Southampton two weeks later—a move that infuriated Portsmouth fans. Despite his efforts, he could not prevent Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League and stepped down in December 2005, paving the way for his Portsmouth comeback.

In his second stint, Redknapp brought unparalleled success to the south coast club. He averaged more points per game, secured two top-10 finishes, and led Portsmouth to FA Cup glory in 2008, their first major trophy since 1950.

José Mourinho (Chelsea)

When José Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013, the Stamford Bridge faithful greeted the comeback of ‘The Special One’ with unbridled enthusiasm.

Mourinho’s first reign at Chelsea delivered a glut of trophies, including back-to-back Premier League titles. The 2004/05 title-winning campaign ended the club’s 50-year drought and featured a record-breaking defensive display, conceding just 15 goals all season.

After successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Mourinho’s Chelsea return brought more silverware. He guided the Blues to another Premier League title in the 2014/15 season. However, the following campaign saw a dramatic decline in performances, leading to his dismissal.

Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace turned to a trusted face in 2023 as the club faced the threat of relegation. Winless in 12 games, the Eagles persuaded Roy Hodgson to come out of retirement at the age of 75 to replace Patrick Vieira.

Hodgson’s first spell at Palace spanned four seasons, during which he stabilised the club as a Premier League outfit. Upon his return, Hodgson managed to steer the South London side clear of the drop zone, though he stepped down midway through the following campaign with the team embroiled in another relegation battle.

David Moyes (West Ham United)

And we come back to the man himself. Everton supporters can take inspiration from David Moyes’s triumphant second spell at West Ham United.

Moyes initially took charge of West Ham in November 2017, successfully guiding the club to safety. However, he was overlooked for the permanent role the following summer, with the club opting to appoint Manuel Pellegrini instead. When Pellegrini’s tenure faltered, West Ham reinstated Moyes in December 2019.

In his second spell, Moyes revitalised the Hammers, securing consistent European qualification. The pinnacle of his achievements came in 2023 when West Ham triumphed in the Europa Conference League, earning their first major trophy in 43 years.

Conclusion

While second spells can be fraught with challenges, they also provide an opportunity for managers to rewrite their legacies. For David Moyes and Everton, history is yet to be written, but fans will hope his return brings similar success to that seen during his earlier tenure.