Everton boss David Moyes is made of the right stuff to take the club to the top

By David Maddock

Published 11:30 11/08/09

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No one thought Everton would be able to resist Manchester City's Arab millions on offer for Joleon Lescott, not least because the defender had a patchy campaign last season, and, early on at least, looked the most vulnerable component of a solid Gooodison unit.

But that was ignoring the singular quality of David Moyes. Here is a manager who is so committed to the idea that Everton are a club heading back towards the greatness that is part of their heritage, that he will let nothing get in the way of achieving that goal.

Not even much needed cash to strengthen his squad. And there is a reason behind that. If Lescott were allowed to leave, then it would signal to other top clubs that Everton's best players were buyable.

Mikel Arteta is wanted by many top clubs, and Jack Rodwell has already arrived on the Old Trafford radar. If the Blues simply flogged off their family jewels at the first opportunity, then how long before they lost more diamonds?

Lescott may still go, but if he does it will be for a ridiculous fee after some serious hard bargaining. And that will send out a simple message to other clubs.

Everton will only sell if the money gets so preposterously high that it is impossible to resist. And remember, even Manchester United got to that point when Real Madrid offered £70million for Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the meantime, the Goodison faithful can rest easy that their club is in the capable hands of a man who believes in Everton, and who will do everything possible to return them to their rightful place amongst the game's elite.

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