Wilson Praise For Moyes

Ray Wilson has praised the progress Everton have made under the stewardship of David Moyes.

The Toffees Boss hasn't endured the most successful starts to the 2008/09 Premier League season, but Wilson reckons the Scot has done a fantastic job since he joined six years ago.

The former Everton player, who was part of the FA Cup winning side of 1966, is in no doubt that if Moyes had the same funds at his disposal as the teams who finished in the top four places last season, then Everton would be a vying their trade in the Champions League this season.

He said: “I think David Moyes has done an exceptional job with what he’s added to the squad with the funds that have been available to him.

“When I joined Everton they were called ‘The Mersey Millionaires’ because money was everywhere at the club but things have tightened up a bit since then.

“Without a doubt it’s more difficult now for a club from outside the ‘big four’ to win a trophy.

“It’s purely and simply about money now.

“If somebody threw some money into David Moyes’s hand and he could buy certain players then I’m pretty sure his team would have no problem getting into the top four and challenging for honours but obviously that’s not available for him."

Despite having less money than other Premier League sides, Moyes has managed to break the Club's transfer record three times in the past three seasons - with the signings of Andrew Johnson, Yakubu and most recently Marouane Fellaini.

But Wilson has revealed that it’s the team-spirit at Everton that separates them from the rest, not financial power.

He added: “I’m just happy that David gets the players, whoever they are and wherever they come from, to work for the team. That’s a good sign that things are okay.”

“Most of us would be happy to play now because of the money.

“It’s absolutely staggering now when you consider what the wages were like in those days."