Moyes has made most of a real roller-coaster ride at Goodison Park

May 9 2006 By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post

IT HAS been a roller-coaster season for Everton but a finishing position of 11th is no mean achievement - especially considering how low they found themselves heading into 2006.

The season has underlined that David Moyes's side can be very difficult to beat but that they need to maintain a very high tempo week in, week out to enjoy success.

The problem has been a lack of goals with just 34 to show from 38 games, the lowest in a league season in the club's history.

It is always going to be a balancing act between being difficult to beat and being creative enough to score goals.

It is fair to say Everton did create chances this season but the goals seem to dry up at key times. I am sure Moyes would love to buy another striker, especially as Duncan Ferguson has bid emotional farewell to Goodison.

While James Beattie would benefit from support and while James McFadden will always chip in, a 12-15 goals a season man would go a long way to propelling Everton into the top eight.

In defence, too, Moyes will be weighing up his options and again the futures of Alan Stubbs and David Weir may hinge on whether Joseph Yobo moves on or not.

It is not going to be easy for Moyes in the summer. He does not have the biggest transfer pot and given the small size of his squad he will probably look at players who can fill a couple of positions, which is where Phil Neville has proved himself such a good signing.

Supporters always expect more from their side, but Moyes has done a good job as he juggles his squad.