For so long over the past 25 years, Everton has been living in Liverpool’s shadow. Yet as this season draws to a close and with the Toffees five points clear of the Reds, they could finish ahead of their next door neighbours for the second year in a row.

In that light, today’s Merseyside derby should be celebratory for Everton. But instead there is a slightly sombre feel to the blue half of Merseyside.

Sixth place is the height of ambition for a club so strapped for cash, and they may even have to reduce their wage bill which is 75 per cent of turnover with Financial Fair Play set to be introduced.

Although this is the best Everton side that David Moyes has assembled in his 11 years at Goodison Park, Chairman Bill Kenwright does not seem capable of attracting the desired level of investment to the club, which means that the manager may be on his way out this summer as his contract expires.

However Moyes may need to look abroad as the very top clubs are unlikely to come in search of his signature as he is untested at elite level, while the only vacancies will be at clubs that would amount to a sideways step or are below the level that Everton currently occupies.

He has spoken admiringly of the German Bundesliga with reports linking him with Schalke 04. In many ways, it is encouraging that he values a league outside of the UK, unlike many other British and Irish managers, but a move would still pose a considerable risk.

At Everton he has full control of the team and transfer affairs, along with rock-solid job security. And even if the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines move on this summer, he has shown an ability to rebuild effectively from the academy or the transfer market.

As ambitious as he is to manage in the Champions League, there is no replacement for job security that has been established over the last decade.

And what would happen to Everton if Moyes is to leave?                                      

Managerial stability has been one of the key reasons why they have consistently punched above their weight over the past decade. When Moyes took over, the Toffees were candidates for relegation and he has taken them into the Top 8 with regularity. They would be hard pressed to find a manager that can have a similar impact on such a tight budget.  

It’s not to say that there aren't any managers out there that could match Moyes’ achievements but with the lack of funds, the club cannot afford to make a costly mistake.