Newcastle looks ripe as David Moyes’ next landing spot

When it broke, it wasn’t the most surprising of news. Mainly because it was meant to happen a day earlier, but also because of his run of form, David Moyes’ sacking as Real Sociedad boss shocked few.

Having won just two of his final 11 outings, Moyes’ tenure lasted a year in San Sebastian. He departs the Anoeta having taken charge of a season’s worth of league games spread across two campaigns.

38 matches, 11 wins, 13 draws and 13 losses. It’s not a record that either screams failure or points to obvious success. Perhaps that, in a nutshell, best sums up Moyes as a manager.

Appointing him to make an immediate impact, in a relegation fight for example, is a futile strategy. As it turned out, neither Manchester United or La Real were willing to take the rough with the smooth over the long term.

His Everton CV – which had five seasons of topsy-turvy performances before settling into the consistency he became famed for – proves it takes time for the Scot to mould a team in his image. Any club looking to become his next employer should take that fact into strong consideration.

How quickly the 52-year-old wants to return to management is up for debate. Naturally there will be clubs keen to test the water with him, especially in the Championship where a pandemic of sackings has broken out. But Moyes is selective in his career moves and needed convincing more than once to move to Spain.

On that basis, the 5/6 Ladbrokes offer that he’ll be back in a Premier League dugout this season looks too short. Jumping headfirst into a new project is not the former Toffees boss’ way.

7/4 that Newcastle are his next club is an appealing price. Steve McClaren isn’t pulling up any trees at St James’ Park this season and with Moyes willing to stay patient for the right opportunity, the Magpies could be an ideal landing spot.

Odds of 9/4 that he moves to Celtic next are equally appealing, with Ronny Deila under pressure and the chance to add some long-sought silverware to his CV a tempting proposition for Moyes.

Norwich, Fulham and QPR all feel like a poor fit for the former Manchester United man, a kind of rebound relationship normally reserved for secondary schools, while a return to familiar surroundings also looks a distant possibility.

Prices on Moyes managing Everton, Preston and Manchester United next range from 20/1 to 50s and should only be invested in if burning cash is a particularly favourite pastime.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.