David Moyes has expressed his gratitude to Everton’s fans, while also admitting he hadn’t planned to leave the club before the offer to manage Manchester United transpired.
Moyes told a BBC reporter at today’s regular Friday press conference he had already begun planning for next season, with the intention of signing a new Everton contract.
"I wasn't planning on leaving. If you'd pushed me I would say I was swaying toward staying with Everton.
"I've got everything ready for next season and the chairman and everyone knows the route we need to take next season. This is a club competing to be in Europe."
The Scot spoke of his appreciation for the Everton fans, while admitting he was hoping they would give him a pleasant send off over his final days as manager of a club he has guided for the past eleven years.
"They've been great to me. It was over 11 years ago when I came in and had the game against Fulham,” he said.
"I was relatively unknown coming from Preston. They supported me and got behind me and I'd like to thank them for their support. It's not normal that a manager stays in a job for 11 years and without the backing of the supporters that wouldn't have happened," he added.
"I hope they react the way they did when I first stepped in the door. If they don't, I can understand because I'm a fan myself.
"If the fans don't react well I understand because you support your team. I will stand in the same position I always do and the big thing is we finish the season with as many points as we can," he said.
Alex Ferguson played a major role in the selection of Moyes as his successor, and Moyes spoke today of his willingness to perform a similar task with Everton, should his services be desired.
"I've spoken to the chairman. He asked me and I'll help as much as I possibly can.
"It has been very difficult. I have great respect for the chairman and have a great relationship with him. He is a really good guy. We had a difficult meeting on Wednesday but he totally understood.
"Walter Smith [Moyes' predecessor] recommended me for the job and if there's anything I can do to help Bill Kenwright and Everton then that's what I'll do," he said.
