Moyes outlines ´difficult´ Everton challenge

Everton manager David Moyes believes his side is facing an uphill battle to finish in the top ten of the English Premier League this season.

With the Toffees failing to sign anyone during the off-season due to financial constraints, Moyes has had to sit tight with what he has got while mid-table clubs like Sunderland and Stoke have added to their squads.

“I think it will be really difficult for Everton to finish in the top ten this year. I think we’re going to struggle – look at the spending Stoke City have done, Sunderland have done. You know Fulham have added one or two players and changed it around,” he said.

“Supporters want to see signings in the summer. They want to see you add to the squad and they want you to bring players in.”

“Either we’re talking Swahili and people can’t understand us, but I’m sure the chairman’s saying, ‘Sorry, this year we don’t have anything unless we trade’. And let’s be honest if we trade, that money will probably go back to the bank anyway, so let’s not kid ourselves.”

Everton’s season gets underway at Goodison Park on Saturday in a clash against newly promoted Queens Park Rangers. Their opening Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur was postponed due to the recent riots in London.

Moyes paid tribute to his counterpart Neil Warnock, who oversaw QPR’s long-awaited return to English football’s top flight.

“Neil’s done a great job in getting QPR up and he needs every opportunity now. And it looks like he might come in with some cash (courtesy of new owner Tony Fernandes) and he’ll be able to do a bit with the money,” he said.

Despite making no changes to the squad and knowing how tough the Premier League can be, Moyes remained upbeat about the upcoming season.

“We don’t need five or six players, we need maybe one or two but we’ve got a good team here,” he said.

“So I’m really happy with the boys I’ve got – if I can add to it great, if not then we’ll just get on with it.”