David Moyes has been appointed as Everton manager, marking a return to Goodison Park following the sacking of Sean Dyche. The Premier League club confirmed the announcement on Saturday, with Moyes signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 61-year-old Scotsman, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, takes over with the team languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. Everton have secured only three wins from 19 league matches this season.

“David is widely recognised as one of the Premier League’s most experienced and accomplished managers, having led Everton for more than 500 matches during his first spell,” a statement on the club’s website read.

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Everton executive chairman Marc Watts welcomed Moyes, saying, “With over a decade of experience at the club, David is the right leader to propel us through our final season at Goodison Park and into our new stadium. We look forward to working with him to build the foundation of a new era for Everton.”

Moyes, who left Everton in 2013 to manage Manchester United, expressed his excitement about returning. “It’s great to be back! I enjoyed 11 wonderful and successful years at Everton and didn’t hesitate when offered the opportunity to rejoin this great club,” he said.

The club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, made the decision to bring Moyes back after dismissing Dyche on Thursday, hours before Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Peterborough.

Moyes, who has been out of management since leaving West Ham at the end of last season, remains a fan favourite among Everton supporters. During his first tenure, he led the club to a fourth-place finish in 2005 and an FA Cup final appearance in 2009.

He will face a challenging start to his second spell, with Everton set to play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday. Moyes’ primary task will be to steer the Toffees clear of relegation as they prepare to move to their new Bramley Moore Dock Stadium next season.