Moyes: It might take another five years to draw level with the top teams
David Moyes marked his sixth anniversary as Everton manager yesterday by backing his players to shrug off their midweek misery and step up their bid to finish fourth in the Barclays Premier League with victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow.
In the thick of a relegation dogfight when he first faced Fulham nearly six years ago, Moyes is closing in on Champions League qualification and is adamant such an incentive will be enough to banish any lingering gloom from Wednesday's UEFA Cup penalty shoot-out disappointment against Fiorentina.
'When I took over we had to change people's thinking around the club and how people looked at Everton from the outside,' he said.
'The first six years have gone quite well but it might be another five years before we can actually draw level with the teams at the top.
'I have had to come through a couple of rocky periods but this is the best I have felt about the team and the club. There is definite progress and I can bring people here and show them we are trying to build a young squad.
'I want us to be young and vibrant, not a home for old players at the end of their careers.'
Midfielder Mikel Arteta added: 'Our confidence is really high and we will make sure we are ready for Fulham. After our experiences in Europe this season we are more determined than ever to get back in.'
