Moyes eyes Europe as Everton anniversary arrives

David Moyes marks his first year back at Everton and says the role has renewed his enthusiasm; he remains hopeful of challenging for a European place despite injuries, suspensions and a run of one win in six games.

David Moyes is approaching the first anniversary of his return to Everton and says the job has renewed his enthusiasm. He spoke after a draw with Wolves and after the club had an appeal rejected over Michael Keane's red card. Everton face Sunderland in the FA Cup third round while missing a number of senior players. Moyes outlined both short-term aims for the season and longer-term plans to rebuild the club behind the scenes. Key facts: - Moyes signed a two-and-a-half year contract when he succeeded Sean Dyche and says the return has reinvigorated him. - Everton have won once in their last six matches and were fifth in the league on 6 December during a strong run earlier in the season. - Several first-team players are unavailable ahead of the FA Cup tie, with injuries (including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's hamstring) and international call-ups (Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye at the Africa Cup of Nations) cited, plus suspensions such as Jack Grealish and Michael Keane. - The club's appeal over Keane's red card was rejected, and the manager's reaction underlined ongoing tensions around selection and discipline. - Ownership and structural changes under the Friedkin Group have included a new football leadership structure and adjustments to recruitment; Moyes said new stadium revenue and other steps are expected to support rebuilding. Summary: Moyes says there are signs of progress at Everton while accepting the team is facing a testing spell on the pitch. The immediate next event is the FA Cup third-round match at home to Sunderland, with squad availability affected by injuries and suspensions. He frames European qualification as a realistic target as the club works on longer-term improvements behind the scenes.