FOR those supporters who have become restless at Everton’s reluctance to echo many of their rivals and spend beyond their means, a reward of that long-term strategy was sat alongside David Moyes at Finch Farm yesterday.

Sylvain Distin was unveiled as the latest newcomer to the Goodison manager’s growing squad after completing a £5.3million transfer from Portsmouth.

It was only a little over 12 months ago that Distin was parading the FA Cup around Wembley after helping the South Coast side to victory over Cardiff City.

But uncertainty is now the only thing that reigns at Fratton Park, the team decimated this summer by the financial crisis that has gripped tightly around all areas of the club.

That was enough for Distin to seek employment elsewhere. And in search of stability, the 31-year-old could see no better example than the one being set at Everton.

It only took a brief conversation with fellow Frenchman Louis Saha to convince the centre-back he was making the right decision.

And as he prepares for a Goodison debut against Wigan Athletic tomorrow, Distin has underlined why he felt compelled to ignore interest from the likes of Aston Villa and answer the call to bolster Moyes’s centre-back options following the departure of Joleon Lescott.

“I wanted to move to a club that was a lot more stable than Portsmouth,” says the defender. “Everton are always in the top six for a few years now and the team hasn’t changed too much, they are trying to improve the squad rather than sell their best players. So yes, stability is really important.

“I am not the kind of player who wants to change club every year, I want to feel comfortable and happy where I am.

“I knew a few players from living in Manchester. I had a few words with Louis Saha who I know best and that just confirmed my impression. I have been in England for eight or nine years now so I knew a bit about the club.

“I had a chat with Louis and he confirmed what I was thinking about the club. He said everything is really good. I have met the lads and I feel really comfortable and that is a really good sign.”

Having helped Portsmouth claim their first major trophy in 58 years, Distin – who has also played for Manchester City, Paris St Germain and Newcastle United – could have expected the club to build on that success.

But, once manager Harry Redknapp departed, matters were allowed to deteriorate unchecked.