Ex-Sunderland boss linked with shock Premier League return as Charlie Methven reacts to 'tough' decision

Former Sunderland and Manchester United boss David Moyes is the bookies’ favourite to replace Marco Silva at Everton.
David Moyes managed Sunderland during the 2016/17 season.David Moyes managed Sunderland during the 2016/17 season.
David Moyes managed Sunderland during the 2016/17 season.

Silva, who took charge of the Toffees in May 2018, was sacked by the Merseyside club on Thursday following a 5-2 defeat against local rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

And Moyes, who managed Sunderland during the Black Cats’ dismal 2016/17 campaign, is now being strongly tipped for a top-flight return.

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Moyes managed Everton between 2002 and 2013 before leaving to join United.

The 56-year-old Scot is now 5/4 with bookmakers SkyBet to replace Silva, ahead of second favourite Vitor Pereira, who manages Shanghai SIPG in China.

Back at Sunderland, Charlie Methven has explained his decision to resign as Executive Director.

Methven will still own a 6 per cent stake in the club but will officially step down from the board next Thursday.

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“This is a really tough decision to make, but for both family and work-related reasons it was something I felt I had to do,” said Methven.

“My wife and I are expecting our first child in the New Year, and the reality of my day job – which is largely political consultancy – is that the first months of a new government will be very challenging.

“As a shareholder, I will of course take a very keen interest in how we get on in the coming months.”

The Black Cats are also preparing for their third meeting of the season with Gillingham.

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The two sides met twice in the FA Cup last month and will now face off in the league at the Priestfield Stadium this weekend.

Gills boss Steve Evans is expecting another tough game, despite Sunderland’s poor form which has seen them win just two out of 11 games under Phil Parkinson.

“I know Phil well, he is a very gifted manager,” Evans told Kent Online: “Those last two results weren’t great and they needed a break but they knew this was coming.

“They have had the chance to get some players back in that weren’t available against us and it will be another battle."