Celtic Eye Moyes – But Is He Really The Answer?

Reports suggesting Celtic are monitoring David Moyes’s situation at Everton have certainly caught my attention. And I must admit, this is one potential appointment that leaves me genuinely torn.

According to a report published on 12 October, citing journalist Alan Nixon, Celtic are keeping an eye on Moyes as uncertainty surrounds Everton’s ownership and his future at the club.

Whether that interest develops into anything serious remains to be seen.

But it raises a fascinating question. Would Celtic be getting an outstanding, experienced manager? Absolutely. Would they necessarily be getting the right manager? That’s where my doubts begin.

Moyes Has Earned His Reputation

Let’s give David Moyes the credit he deserves.

This is a man who spent eleven years building Everton into a respected Premier League force. He took them into the Champions League qualifiers, delivered consistent top-eight finishes and reached an FA Cup final.

He subsequently managed Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland, with varying degrees of success.

However, his achievements at West Ham over the last five years deserve particular recognition.

He guided the London club to sixth and seventh-place Premier League finishes, reached a Europa League semi-final and, most impressively, won the Europa Conference League in 2023.

That was West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years.

Since returning to Everton in January 2025, he has again demonstrated his ability to bring stability and competitiveness to a club facing difficult circumstances.

Nobody can seriously question his experience, professionalism or understanding of football at the highest level.

But What Does Celtic Really Need?

Here’s where I struggle.

Moyes is 63. Martin O’Neill is 74. Both have enjoyed remarkable careers, and I have enormous respect for what they have achieved.

But surely Celtic must also consider a different direction?

Someone younger. Someone with fresh ideas, modern coaching methods and the hunger to build something lasting.

Kieran McKenna immediately springs to mind.

His work transforming Ipswich Town and securing consecutive promotions demonstrated outstanding coaching ability. He represents the sort of ambitious, progressive appointment I would love Celtic to explore.

Then there’s Eddie Howe.

His achievements at Bournemouth and Newcastle have shown his ability to develop players, improve teams and compete at the highest level.

Neither would necessarily be available or easy to attract. But surely those are the calibre of candidates Celtic should be investigating.

Experience Or A Fresh Beginning?

There’s another factor worth considering.

Moyes knows Celtic. He played for the club, understands Scottish football and would arrive with considerable authority.

Those are genuine advantages.

But Celtic shouldn’t appoint someone because they once wore the Hoops, or simply because they have managed hundreds of Premier League matches.

The club needs a manager capable of building a modern, exciting, attacking team while making Celtic competitive in Europe.

Could Moyes do that? Possibly.

Would I be disappointed if he arrived? Not necessarily. His record demands respect.

But would he be my first choice?

No.

I would prefer McKenna or Howe, provided either could be persuaded to take the job.

Celtic have an opportunity to think beyond the next season and build something substantial for the years ahead.

David Moyes would be a credible appointment.

I’m just not convinced he would be the most imaginative one.