Moyes' Programme Notes For Ipswich Test

Welcome back to Hill Dickinson Stadium for our fifth Premier League fixture of the season.

Our last time out here in the Premier League saw us come away with a last-minute point against Manchester United.

On the day we felt we were worthy of at least a draw and that we had done enough to justify getting something from the game.

The goal which earned us that point, from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, was a magnificent strike and hopefully representative of the kind of quality we will see from Everton players in this stadium many times in the future.

It was also great to see Tyrique George score his first goal for the Club in spectacular fashion.

While we came away perhaps a little disappointed we didn’t win, we were also happy to secure a point so late in the game.

The performances and attitude of the players helped generate a great atmosphere in the stadium throughout the afternoon.

There was another great turnout on Wednesday when we got the job done against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, which earned a home tie in the next round against Newcastle United.

For long periods of the match we dominated and eventually got the goal we deserved in the end.

We were pleased with lots of aspects of our game, happy to see ourselves through to the last 16 of the competition and pleased we received another home draw in the fourth round.

After today’s game we will have a three-week international break. We’re used to international breaks early in the season but this time it’s unusual to have such a long gap between Premier League fixtures.

It will cause a few problems for many clubs in that some will have very few players left behind to form training groups.

The most important thing for us is that, with players facing four games in three weeks with their international teams, our players do not pick up any injuries while they are away.

It is a privilege for our players to represent their countries and we hope we continue to have players called up, but equally I hope they all return safe, well and in good condition.

We have plans for the players who are not away, to train, have some rest time and possibly have a game to keep them in as good a condition as possible and ready for when we return to action at Hull City.

Finally, I would like to welcome Gary O’Neil and his Ipswich team and staff here today.

It’s good to see Ipswich Town back in the Premier League.

They have had some wonderful teams throughout their history. Some of you will remember the magnificent side they had under Bobby Robson, which featured some amazing players like Paul Mariner, Alan Brazil and John Wark. They have a great history and it’s good to see them back in the top division.

Today is another difficult test and nothing can be taken for granted in this league. We want to continue building momentum and with your support behind us we hope to gain another valuable three points today.

Enjoy the game.

David