David Moyes has made a significant return to Everton, taking over from Sean Dyche as the club’s new manager.

The Scottish manager enjoyed a decade of dedicated service at Goodison Park, a chapter that came to an end 12 years ago when he made a controversial switch to Manchester United. Unfortunately, his tenure at Old Trafford was short-lived, lasting less than a season. This latest move marks yet another chapter in his career as he seeks to revive his former club’s fortunes.

Moyes is no stranger to returning to previous clubs, having had two successful spells at West Ham United. Initially, he helped the team stave off relegation in 2018, after which his six-month contract was allowed to lapse. However, by the end of the following year, he was back at the helm, again guiding the club through a challenging period.

During his second term at West Ham, Moyes demonstrated that rekindling old relationships can lead to substantial success, as he steered the Hammers to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League, their first major trophy in 43 years. The burning question now is whether he can replicate that success at Everton.

Exploring Ten Notable Football Managers Who Returned to Their Former Clubs

Zinedine Zidane – A Legendary Return to Real Madrid

The illustrious French manager Zinedine Zidane is celebrated not only as one of the greatest managers in Real Madrid’s storied history but also as a prominent figure in European football. He is one of only three managers—along with Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti—to have won the coveted European Cup three times. Remarkably, he achieved this feat in just under three years, clinching the Champions League title during each of his three seasons at the Bernabeu.

What exactly is the secret behind Zidane’s exceptional success? Unlike contemporaries such as Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, and Diego Simeone, he lacks a rigid tactical framework or philosophy that his players must follow. Instead, Zidane is recognized as a master facilitator, adept at managing the egos of the club’s star players, known as the Galacticos, and maximizing their potential on the pitch. However, there is certainly more to his managerial prowess than merely being a great diplomat.

His footballing acumen was clearly demonstrated in the summer of 2018, when he advised club president Florentino Perez against selling Cristiano Ronaldo and suggested that there was no need to replace Keylor Navas with Thibaut Courtois. When his counsel was ignored, he chose to resign, foreseeing a significant decline on the horizon.

Zidane’s foresight proved accurate, as Real Madrid’s performance plummeted. His return came in March 2019 after the club had struggled under two different managers, resulting in an unexpected Champions League exit. That summer, Perez invested heavily, spending €350 million on new talent, but much of that money went toward disappointing signings like Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic.

Although Los Blancos managed to win La Liga and the Supercopa that same season, they fell short of silverware the following year, which ultimately led to Zidane resigning for a second time.

Read – Zinedine Zidane’s Most Memorable Goals at Real Madrid

Louis Van Gaal – Iconic Returns with Barcelona and the Netherlands

Louis Van Gaal, the renowned Dutch coach, is another manager who left a lasting mark on football by successfully returning to former clubs. He first managed Barcelona during the final three years of the 1990s, where he secured two La Liga titles. However, his squad fell short of clinching a third consecutive title in his last season, finishing behind Deportivo La Coruna.

Following his time at Barcelona, Van Gaal took the reins of the Netherlands national team, but the squad failed to qualify for the World Cup, marking the first significant setback in what is considered one of the most brilliant coaching careers. Less than a year later, he returned to Barcelona, but this comeback was marred by the club’s crisis, leading to a brief six-month stint that ended with the club hovering just above the relegation zone.

Van Gaal rebuilt his reputation at AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, where he won league titles at both clubs. A decade later, he reclaimed the Netherlands post, leading the national team to a commendable third-place finish in the 2014 World Cup.

With his legacy restored at the international level, Van Gaal returned to club football one last time, taking charge of Manchester United in 2014 and winning the FA Cup, thus completing his remarkable record of winning trophies at every club he has managed. He announced his retirement just recently, closing a distinguished chapter in his career.

Read – The All-Time Best Premier League Dutch XI

José Mourinho – A Triumphant Return to Chelsea

José Mourinho, who succeeded Van Gaal at Old Trafford, also found his way back to an old club, rejoining Chelsea in 2013 after a six-year hiatus. His initial period at Stamford Bridge was nothing short of spectacular, as he clinched the Premier League title in two of his three full seasons before parting ways with the club under unusual circumstances at the start of the 2007-08 season.

After it became apparent that he would not be taking over from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013, Mourinho was warmly welcomed back by Chelsea supporters, and he repaid their faith by securing another league title in 2015.

However, his second tenure took a downward turn, characterized by strange press conferences and public disputes with players, marking a shift in his managerial style. Ultimately, he left the club before the halfway point of the season, having overseen one of the most disappointing title defenses in recent memory.

In 2018, there were whispers of a sensational return to Real Madrid, but this was ultimately vetoed by club officials—though many would argue that they made the right call.

Harry Redknapp – A Remarkable Return to Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp’s return to Portsmouth was nothing short of extraordinary, as he took the reins for a second term at the club. Initially, Redknapp led Portsmouth to promotion to the Premier League during his first spell. However, tensions flared when he left for fierce rivals Southampton, leading to accusations of betrayal by Portsmouth fans. Ironically, Southampton could not stay afloat in the Premier League, which pleased the Pompey supporters.

In an astounding turn of events, Redknapp returned to Portsmouth less than a year after his departure. Faced with a relegation battle, chairman Milan Mandaric sought out a familiar face to guide the club to safety. Although the reception was lukewarm, Redknapp managed to steer the team clear of relegation, beginning a remarkable redemption arc.

Under his guidance, Portsmouth achieved consecutive top-half finishes and famously lifted the FA Cup in 2008, restoring Redknapp’s popularity among the club’s faithful.

“Pompey fans used to come down on fishing boats and shout abuse at me”

“Stefanović said gaffer you’re mad, why did you come back?!”@Redknapp on leaving Portsmouth for great rivals Southampton in 2004 and then returning to the club a year later

The Joe Cole Cast… pic.twitter.com/pkJeueGpSu

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 24, 2022

However, his reconciliation with the fans was short-lived. Just five months after winning the Freedom of Portsmouth, Redknapp faced heavy booing from supporters when he left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Matt Busby – Navigating the Shadows of Manchester United

In the long aftermath of Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Manchester United, six managers have tried to fill the massive void he left behind, a task considered one of the most daunting in football. The challenges faced by the current squad pale in comparison to the tumultuous decade following the retirement of legendary manager Matt Busby.

Busby stepped back from management a season after achieving his crowning achievement—leading United to European Cup glory in 1968. Though he transitioned to a club director role, his influence remained palpable throughout the club.

After Wilf McGuinness was sacked midway through the 1970-71 season, Busby was reinstated almost immediately. He steadied the ship, achieving an 11-10 record in 21 games, with United finishing in eighth place for the second consecutive year.

Despite no intention of returning permanently, Busby appointed former player Frank O’Farrell, but O’Farrell struggled to escape the shadow of his predecessor. Other challenges plagued his tenure, including George Best’s decline and poor man-management, ultimately leading to his departure after 81 games.

Busby continued to serve as a director and later as club president, but his brief return to management may have done more harm than good for United in the long term.

Read – David Moyes, Frank O’Farrell and the Struggles of Manchester United’s Chosen Ones

Walter Smith – A Successful Second Chapter at Rangers

Walter Smith, recognized as the second most successful manager in Rangers’ history, left an indelible mark on the Glasgow club during the 1990s, amassing an impressive collection of 13 major trophies over seven years, including seven consecutive league titles and a near-miss Champions League final appearance.

In 1998, Smith took the helm at Everton, but after four years of underachievement, he was dismissed and succeeded by David Moyes. Two years later, he took charge of the Scottish national team, where he performed admirably before resigning in January 2007 to return to Ibrox.

Could Smith replicate the incredible successes of his first stint? As it turned out, he could and did. Under his leadership, the Gers won three consecutive league titles and reached the UEFA Cup final in 2008. He retired in 2011, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate within the club.

Kenny Dalglish – The Return of ‘King Kenny’ to Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish, affectionately known as ‘King Kenny,’ was an immensely successful manager, having clinched multiple league titles with Liverpool and even winning a Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, which was his last major success. It may seem surprising then that Dalglish was appointed for a second term at Liverpool in 2011, long after his managerial peak.

Aside from a brief caretaker role at Celtic in 2000, it had been 13 years since he last held a permanent managerial position. Initially, he was expected to serve as a stopgap following Roy Hodgson’s disastrous tenure. However, his impressive short-term results made it difficult for the club’s owners to dismiss the legendary figure.

As the next season unfolded, it became apparent that modern football had bypassed the once-great player, as his increasingly irritable demeanor in press conferences did not sit well with the fans. Despite securing the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, he was relieved of his duties in May 2012.

Read – Five Premier League Legends Who Flopped as Managers

Graham Taylor – A Tactical Innovator with Mixed Returns

Graham Taylor earned a reputation for his direct, Route One style of football throughout his managerial career, relying on the innovative POMO (Position of Maximum Opportunity) tactic inspired by statistical analyst Charles Reep. While this approach may not have been aesthetically pleasing, it was undeniably effective.

During his tenure at Watford, Taylor guided the club from the fourth tier of English football to the First Division, culminating in runners-up finishes to Liverpool in the league in 1983 and a narrow defeat to Everton in the FA Cup final the following year.

In 1987, he took charge of Aston Villa and successfully secured promotion to the top tier in his first season. Within two years, the club finished second in the league, with Liverpool once again denying him the title.

In the 1990s, Taylor returned to Watford following a challenging stint with England and a brief period at Wolves, leading the club to both the Division Two title and playoff success in his four-and-a-half years back. However, his second spell at Villa was less fruitful, lasting just over a year with a win rate of only 31%.

Read – Players versus Managers: Turbulent Relationships and Explosive Conflicts

Fatih Terim – The Enduring Legacy at Galatasaray and Beyond

At the age of 71, Fatih Terim has had a storied career in football management, beginning in 1987 and still active today at Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab. However, he is most synonymous with Galatasaray, where he has served as manager on five separate occasions.

Terim has secured an impressive eight Super Lig titles over three decades, with his most remarkable achievement being the UEFA Cup victory in 2000, where his team triumphed over Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Copenhagen.

In addition to his club successes, Terim has taken the helm of the Turkish national team three times, also spanning three decades. Under his leadership, Turkey qualified for Euro 96, reached the semi-finals of Euro 2008, and narrowly missed advancing from the group stage in Euro 2016. There remains a chance that Terim could return to national duty, aiming to guide Turkey to their first World Cup appearance.

Read – The Shortest Managerial Reigns in Premier League History

Luiz Felipe Scolari – The Journey of ‘Big Phil’ with Brazil and Palmeiras

When Luiz Felipe ‘Big Phil’ Scolari first took charge of the Brazilian national team in 2001, they were in disarray and faced the real possibility of missing out on the World Cup finals for the first time ever. However, he managed to turn the situation around, culminating in Brazil winning the tournament for the fifth time.

Sadly, Scolari tarnished his legacy by returning to the role in 2012, attempting to replicate that success. Brazil made it to the semi-finals of their home tournament but suffered an unimaginable humiliation, losing 7-1 to Germany in Belo Horizonte—a defeat that will forever be etched in football history.

Scolari has also managed Palmeiras on three occasions, leading them to a Serie A title in 2019, so he has likely found solace in some of his later achievements.

Read – Five Instances of Premier League Managers Returning to Their Former Clubs

See Also – Ranking Every Premier League Club by Their Current Trophy Drought

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