Is David Moyes destined for greatness?

Will David Moyes be the next great Scottish manager? Given the two Merseyside derby's this week in the Premier League, and F.A Cup respectively, my attention was drawn to Liverpool's ‘other' club Everton and in particular the fantastic job David Moyes is doing at Goodison Park.

Since being appointed Walter Smith's successor in 2002, David William Moyes has taken Everton to new heights. Consistent top half finishes and regular outings in Europe have become the norm. Even an appearance in the Champions League after finishing fourth in 2005 (their highest ever placing in the Premiership) usurping rivals Liverpool who placed fifth.

During his tenure Moyes has claimed the accolade of LMA Manager of the year on two separate occasions, not bad for a man managing an ‘unfashionable' club. He has also been quite the wheeler dealer in the transfer market, players such as Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka arriving for nominal fees. These players have provided much of Everton's recent success and let's not forget his hand in nurturing Wayne Rooney, offering Alex Ferguson-esque support to a very talented young footballer. Although this relationship soured I still feel he had a hand in bringing through England's brightest talent.

Playing for Moyes has obviously been of big benefit to some players; Tim Cahill has gone from strength to strength. Mikel Arteta has become one of the most effective and well-respected midfielders in England. Joleon Lescott has earned an England call up, and most recently the imperious form of Phil Jagielka has seen him linked with a place in Fabio Capello's next England squad.

This season, Everton started sluggishly and record signing Marouane Fellaini did not seem to justify the £15 million fee. However, he has gone on to cement his place in the Toffees midfield and has been very impressive. Since defeat to Arsenal in October they have only lost 2 games in all competitions and now lie 6th in the Premiership (at the time of writing). Amid the boardroom uncertainty David Moyes has done a stellar job and continues to improve on an already excellent reputation.

With a team on the cusp of the big four/five and a shade better than those below, Moyes is in a league of his own. Clearly a manager with a big future ahead of him and I think he could be the next great Scottish manager, following in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson, the potential is most definitely there. The amazing job he has done, with a limited budget and small squad is impressive, just look across Stanley Park and you see what boardroom uncertainty can do.

Looking to the future, a question that Evertonians may not like to hear is . . . How long will David Moyes stay with the Toffees?