The Scot had a decent base to build on – with a good squad including the likes of Lamine Kone, Wahabi Kahzri and Jermain Defoe left by the departing Sam Allardyce…
Moyes, however, wanted to stamp his own mark on Sunderland’s squad… here’s what happened to his Stadium of Light signings.
5. JOLEON LESCOTT
Arguably the biggest waste of wages of the lot. Signed in January, the ex-Everton man (yes, another one) played just two games for Sunderland despite reportedly netting a huge salary. The ex-England international has since retired and occasionally appears as a pundit on television. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
6. JASON DENAYER
Another ineffective loan signing, this time from Manchester City. The big Belgian failed to make any impact at all on Wearside. We should have expected as much, any defender skinned alive by Hal Robson-Kanu executing a Cryuff turn probably isn't Fabio Cannavaro. Amazingly, the 24-year-old now plays for Champions League outfit Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Stu Forster
7. STEVEN PIENAAR
Ex-Everton? Tick. Best days behind him? Absolutely. Big wages? You bet. "Want to play centre midfield, son?" The former Tottenham winger was a disaster on Wearside. Pienaar has since retired after a stint with Bidvest Wits in 2018. Photo: Stephen Pond
8. DARRON GIBSON
After a stint with Wigan Atheltic in the Championship, Gibson signed a six-month contract with League Two Salford City. He was released by Salford on 17 May 2020 following the Coronavirus enforced decision to end the season. Photo: Clive Brunskill