MOYES HAS LOW HOPES

No manager has threatened the top four monopoly so frequently, yet it seems every summer passes with Evertonians lamenting their latest missed opportunity to build on the promise of the previous campaign.

Consecutive UEFA Cup spot finishes led to calls for Moyes to be given the resources to take the elusive step needed to challenge his immediate rivals across Stanley Park.

They ended last season yearning for three or four new faces to deliver an early statement of intent.

By the end of July, all the club had to announce was a new four-year-contract for 31-year-old Phil Neville. Respected though the ex-United man is, this wasn’t a piece of business which prompted street parties at Goodison.

Thrawted

In fairness to chairman Bill Kenwright, the intent is there, but Moyes’ ambitions appear to be continually thwarted by harsh football reality.

Whatever his board give him, and the club’s transfer record will be smashed again this year, those above will always splash out more. Moyes recognises when he gets the cash he can’t afford to make a mistake.

That’s often led to accusations of over-caution as he deliberates on the merits of a deal. It’s believed such pondering cost Gilberto Silva a summer switch to Goodison.

What some at Everton would call meticulousness, others describe as hesitancy.

Moyes’ transfer record to date suggests he’s got far more right than wrong, although it’s the lower league gems he’s been forced to ‘gamble on’ who have caught the imagination more than big signings.

Tim Cahill and Joleon Lescott must rank as two of the most astute purchases since Howard Kendall’s glory years and their fitness is key.

If the proposed switch of the Portuguese midfielder Moutinho for an estimated £18million goes ahead, Moyes will be satisfied if he has the same impact as those much cheaper, championship alternatives.

Should Yakabu show as much interest in his second season on Merseyside as his first, he, too, will be a match-winner.

In contrast, Andy Johnson’s transfer to Fulham ended a disappointing spell, albeit he was sold at a handsome profit.

The target for Everton is fourth, but without more reinforcem- ents and in the midst of more Merseyside boardroom uncertainty — chief executive Keith Wyness abruptly quit this week — that looks unrealistic.

The tragedy for the club may come in March if, as last year, a two-way fight for fourth with Liverpool falls flat because of a lack of strength in depth.

If that happens, Moyes might again find himself looking back to now as the time an opportunity to gather some momentum was lost.

As a club, Everton has done little more than regain its birthright by establishing itself back in the top five.

What Moyes really needs is a trophy to show for his efforts and there may be those at Goodison who would even sacrifice a league placing or two for a Carling, FA or UEFA Cup win. The taste of silverware would compensate a fanbase starved for too long.

That Moyes has hung around proves he still considers the Everton job only half done.

But having assembled a squad which has been punching above its weight for years, he may spend the few months reassessing if he’ll ever be in a position to consistently bruise the Premier League heavyweights.

Everton remain the most likely to do so, but just as in recent seasons, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best equipped.

KEY TRANSFERS

IN: None.

OUT: Lee Carsley (Birmingham, right) free; Darren Dennehy (Cardiff) free.

SCORE PREDICTION: 7th

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