If you’re searching for an English managerial mastermind who doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, look no further than David Moyes. A man whose footballing journey was practically written in the stars, Moyes was born into a football-loving family, with his father, David Sr., serving as a scout for Everton and previously coaching at Drumchapel Amateurs—the very club where Moyes himself took his first steps in the game.
This biography delves deep into his story, tracing his path from a childhood shaped by volunteer work and a passion for the sport to his rise as one of the most resilient and tactically astute managers in football. Beyond his well-documented coaching acumen, this account uncovers the lesser-known aspects of his life—his family background, formative years, and the defining moments that shaped him both on and off the pitch.
Many know of Moyes’ managerial prowess, but few truly appreciate the journey behind the man. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the story of David Moyes—a footballing strategist whose legacy deserves more than just a passing mention.
David Moyes: The Story of a Forgotten Tactician Who Shaped Modern Football Image Credit: goodisonnews
David Moyes Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, David William Moyes was born in the year 1963 to David Moyes Sr. (father) and Joan Moyes (mother). He is of Scottish origin but was born and brought up in Bearsden, United Kingdom.
As a boy, he grew up supporting Rangers despite playing for Old Firm rivals Celtic. David was known for his hard work and reliance on a strong paternal influence.
Yet, it would be simplistic to regard Moyes’s upbringing as privileged.
It was quite the opposite. In fact, as a child, looking on at his father’s determined work with amateur and college football teams, Moyes took on board the core beliefs he has exhibited to this day.
In his words…“I was brought up in a family embedded in volunteer work through my dad’s involvement with Drumchapel Amateurs and as a teacher at Anniesland College, where he ran their team as well,” Moyes recalls. “I used to watch his workaholic nature, which I followed.”
He continued…
“My earliest memories are him spending hours on the house phone at night – no mobiles in those days – and it was always arranging times, places, pitches, referees, opposition. It was all planning.
And my mum was washing the strips. She used to moan because it got too much at times for the washing machine in the house. We’d end up taking the bags to the laundrette in Whiteinch on the Sunday after the game.”
David Moyes Biography – Career in Summary:
Did you know?… The man behind Everton’s 2025 revival had a playing career that began when he was a 12-year-old kid at Celtic Boys Club. Here is Young David Moyes at the time he progressed into his professional playing career.
A rare photo of David Moyes, at the time he was a footballer.
He turned out just 24 times for the senior team. After a low-key time at Cambridge United, Bristol City and Shrewsbury Town, he returned to Scotland and Dunfermline Athletic.
Moyes in His Playing Days: A Journey Before Becoming a Premier League Manager.
There, he struck up a close friendship with Ian McCall, who was once regarded as Scotland’s brightest young manager, which remains to this day.
“I shared a car with David and Billy Davies from Glasgow to Dunfermline, and we were all very interested in the management side of the game,”
McCall explains. “David was down at Largs [at the Scottish FA’s coaching base] at every opportunity.”
This led to a coaching career connection with Alex Ferguson having his hands in it.
David Moyes Family Life:
The Moyes family’s football legacy continues today, rooted in a strong background built on hard work. His father, David Sr., worked as a scout for Everton and was previously a coach at Drumchapel Amateurs, the club where Moyes first began his career.
David Moyes Father – David Moyes Snr.
Moyes’ father worked full-time as a pattern-maker before becoming a lecturer at Anniesland College in North Glasgow. His mother, Joan, originally from Portrush in Northern Ireland, worked in clothing stores in Glasgow. Additionally, Moyes’ cousin, Dessie Brown, serves as the secretary of Coleraine Football Club.
David’s brother, Kenny, is a football agent with clients such as Charlie Adam and David himself on his books, while their cousin, Dessie Brown, is the general manager of Coleraine. Below is David Moyes and his look-alike brother, Kenny.
David Moyes Brother- Kenny Moyes.
Pamela Moyes:
Behind the successful manager is a woman who holds his heart. David Moyes is married to his childhood sweetheart, Pamela Moyes.
David Moyes and Wife- Pamela Moyes.
With his wife, he has a daughter, Lauren Moyes, who attended Archbishop Temple School and a son, David Jr, who went to Preston.
Just like his dad did, David Moyes also named his son (David Moyes Jnr). Below is a picture of his family as they celebrate a trophy at Wembley.
David Moyes Family
Religion Facts:
While playing for Cambridge United, David Moyes faced abuse from teammate Roy McDonough due to his strong Christian faith. McDonough believed that religion was distracting them from focusing on their game. He criticized Moyes, along with Alan Comfort and Graham Daniels, for spending time in the changing room with a little black book, discussing their faith instead of preparing for a crucial relegation battle.
Faith Under Fire: Moyes Endured Abuse from Teammate Roy McDonough Over His Christian Beliefs
After a 3–3 draw with Wigan Athletic on 9 March 1985, McDonough, then 26, claimed he “battered” 20-year-old Moyes for not putting enough effort into the match.
Roy McDonough is regarded as Britain’s wildest footballer. He was popularly regarded with names like the ‘big fella’ with the moustache, Red Card Roy, etc.
The rugged footballer was sent off (red-carded) a record 22 times during his career. They compared him to modern-day Sergio Ramos, who has a similar red card record.
We have described him as terrifying, a footballer’s bully, a self-confessed serial boozer and a womaniser. In fact, McDonough’s tale is not for the faint of heart. David Moyes was indeed a true victim of bullying.
Moyes’ Daughter Story with Wilfried Zaha:
According to WILFRIED ZAHA: “People said I slept with David Moyes’ daughter. I’ve not even met her!”.
David Moyes was fueled with anger as pictures of both Zaha and his daughter Lauren on the bed got released over the internet.
Moyes’ Daughter and Wilfried Zaha: The Rumor That Rocked Manchester United
This is the reason why Wilfried Zaha left Crystal Palace for Manchester United in 2013 for £15m. His stay at Old Trafford proved unhappy, with rumours fueling between him and Lauren Moyes.
More so, opportunities were limited. His move away from Old Trafford started with a loan spell to Cardiff before a permanent move to Crystal Palace.
The Accusations:
On 22 May 2014, Moyes was investigated by police after an alleged assault on a man at a wine bar in Clitheroe, but no action was taken by police.
The Accusations: David Moyes Faced Police Investigation Over Alleged 2014 Wine Bar Incident – No Charges Filed
The issue with Rooney:
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney was once sued by his former manager, David Moyes, over comments made in his autobiography.
The book, entitled My Story So Far, accuses Everton manager Moyes of being overbearing, controlling and ultimately responsible for Rooney’s £27 million transfer to United in 2004 due to his close relationship with Ferguson.
Moyes was reportedly claiming more than £300,000 in libel damages from his former player.
In the book, Rooney claims he told Moyes he wanted to leave Everton after a newspaper revealed he had visited prostitutes.
The footballer goes on to suggest Moyes leaked details of the conversation to the Liverpool Echo newspaper, which led Rooney to leave the club he had supported from childhood.
In a statement filed with the High Court in London, Moyes argued that the allegation had harmed both his professional and personal reputation, causing significant embarrassment and distress.
Moyes went on to issue libel proceedings against the book’s author, Hunter Davies and publisher Harper Collins. He has also asked for an injunction preventing the offending passage of the book from being published again.
Once Threatened to Beat up a BBC Reporter:
When Tensions Boiled Over: The Story Behind David Moyes’ Heated Clash with a BBC Reporter
Former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes have once been fined £30,000 for his “slap” comment towards a female journalist in her interview with him.
Moyes was charged by the FA following a conversation which took place between the Scot and BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks at the end of a post-match interview while he was in charge at Sunderland.
What really happened??… Moyes was unhappy with one of Sparks’ questions and said to her:
“You were just getting a wee bit naughty at the end there, so just watch yourself. You still might get a slap even though you’re a woman. Careful the next time you come in that way.”
The Football Association on Friday said he was guilty of “improper and/or threatening remarks” following the match against Burnley.
Although the interview was over at the time Moyes made his remark, the camera was still running, and footage of the incident was published three weeks later by a national newspaper.
Moyes was contrite about the incident when questioned at a subsequent press conference.
David Moyes later admitted, “In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comments to a BBC reporter, which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it.
I phoned the reporter to apologize, and she accepted. It’s not my character, it’s not my type, as most people know, and once again, I apologized for it.”
Sunderland FC called Moyes’ conduct “wholly unacceptable” but continued to support him as he worked to keep the team in the Premier League.
Moyes resigned from his role at the Stadium of Light on May 22 following Sunderland’s relegation.
David Moyes Biography – Wanted 600 Passes per Game for United:
That’s a lot. It’s more than Real Madrid managed in 120 minutes of the Champions League final. It’s twice as many as what Holland managed when beating Spain 5-1 at the World Cup.
And it’s about the same as Spain managed in the same match, which shows why Moyes’s target, if true, was such a folly. Even if he did have a passing target, why tell his team? Unless he wanted them to spend the whole game playing safe backward passes.
Appreciation Note:
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