Don Hutchison has backed David Moyes to take Everton to the next level but insists the club must overhaul their recruitment approach if they are to return to European football.
Hutchison dismissed doubts among some Everton fans about Moyes, pointing to the manager’s record at West Ham as proof he is more than capable of succeeding in the right environment.
“I think he can take the team to the next level. I know some Evertonians are a bit pessimistic about Moyes but I don’t understand it,” he said in an interview Bet Tom.
“Look at what he did at West Ham United. He took the team to Europe three seasons in a row and won the Europa League. Everton have the right manager but they need investment.”
“They either have to sign players for £60m or £75m or recruit smarter. Clubs like Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton have shown that you don’t always need to buy big names.
“You need a strong scouting network to find the next Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenho or players who will surpass their value. If Everton want to get back into Europe, that’s one route: keep Moyes and improve recruitment.”
‘They are playing with an elite player’
Hutchinson believes the presence of Manchester City player Jack Grealish will be a big factor in the club’s success this season after he rejoined the Toffees on a year-long loan.
“I think he’ll be great. I don’t think the club needs to convince him to join – he actively wants to be there.
“He has a great football brain. He can slow down the game, get other players involved and control the tempo. You can see why Guardiola values him.
“Now it’s up to David Moyes to get the best out of him, but the rest of Everton’s players also need to get the best out of them.
“They’re playing with an elite player and they need to run the ball and read the game at the same level as him.”