Moyes gets funding pledge from board

May 17 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON’S board have outlined their intention to give David Moyes the resources he is craving to strengthen his squad over the summer.

The manager revealed after last week’s final-day win over Newcastle – that secured fifth place and a second successive UEFA Cup campaign – that he was confident he would be supported in his attempts to land his top transfer targets.

And chief executive Keith Wyness has assured Moyes of their backing as he looks to maintain the club’s status as regular European qualifiers.

Moyes was in London yesterday for an end-of-season meeting with chairman Bill Kenwright, with ongoing discussions about his own contract high on the agenda – but the pair are in day-to-day contact regarding the transfer budget.

“As we have done in the last few years, we will support David to make the squad the best it can be,” Wyness said.

“Bill is chatting with David Moyes every day and we are well aware that we have got to build on the success we have had. But we are keeping it close to our chest at the moment.”

Wyness is hoping that the funding will pay off as well as it has done in the previous two years, when players have jumped at the chance to go to Goodison Park once aware of Everton’s interest.

He added: “There is no doubt we are on the top list of where players want to come to. It makes it easier at the elite level and also when bringing in the young players.

“In the transfer window I am speaking to agents all the time. Nine out of 10 don't come to anything, but you have to be speaking and know what is in the market place.

“There is an air of optimism about the club at the moment.”

That mood has been increased by a double injury boost as Leighton Baines and Tim Cahill are on schedule to return for the start of next season.

Both players had their season fragmented by injuries but having undergone surgery, are confident that their recoveries will go according to plan.

Left-back Baines was troubled by an ankle problem and Everton physio Mick Rathbone said: “Leighton had the operation on Monday night to remove a piece of bone on his ankle.

“It was a little more awkward to get out than anticipated but he will be back for pre-season training.

“The piece of bone has been bothering him for much of last season and it was important to sort it out.

“He will now be doing his rehabilitation during the summer and hopefully be available for the start of the season.”

Tim Cahill needed an operation on the foot that has troubled him since he first suffered a metatarsal break in March 2007.

He had to sit out the final two months of a campaign in which he scored 10 goals in his 28 appearances, after the problem flared up again – but he is convinced he did the right thing by making his return to assist Everton’s push for domestic and European honours.

“If I had to sit out a whole season to get the foot right I would have,” he said.

“But I’m very passionate about football and I don’t like to sit on the sidelines.

“I understood what was going to happen.

“I played 20-odd games, scored 10 goals, played in UEFA Cup again and helped my club finish in Europe again.

“Now everything is going right on schedule.

“I have seen the specialists again, and they let me go in the swimming pool,” he added.

“I had a long session which was pretty tiring.

“The swelling has gone down, and everything looks really good.”