Why Scotland and Dithering Dave are a Match Made in Purgatory

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·28 juin 2026

Why Scotland and Dithering Dave are a Match Made in Purgatory

If there is one thing we Evertonians know intimately, it is the profound, soul-sapping embrace of deliberately lowered expectations.

So, as the Scottish FA reels from Steve Clarke’s utterly predictable 2026 World Cup exit — resigning yesterday, a mere 30 days after signing a contract until 2030, in a display of administrative foresight that would make even the Goodison Park board blush— they face a daunting task. How do you possibly replace a man who successfully managed to make reaching a major tournament feel like a gruelling shift down the pit?

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Step forward, David William Moyes.

According to whispers floating out of Hampden Park (presumably carried on a bitter, freezing wind), the former Everton, Manchester United, and West Ham overlord is the "outstanding candidate" to take the reins. And honestly? It makes perfect sense. If you are a nation whose entire footballing identity is predicated on glorious failure and dour pragmatism, Moyes isn't just a candidate; he is your ultimate divine destiny.

Let us objectively examine why "Dithering Dave" is the single most highly qualified man in world football to guide the Tartan Army into their next cycle of inevitable disappointment.

A Masterclass in Expectation Management: Steve Clarke did a fine job of telling everyone Scotland were just happy to be there, but Moyes wrote the book on it. Imagine the sheer poetry of Moyes facing the Scottish press before a crucial qualifier against San Marino, solemnly declaring that "we're taking a knife to a gunfight, but the lads will run hard." He will have the entire country convinced that securing a 0-0 draw at home against the Faroe Islands is a tactical triumph on par with peak Guardiola.
The Tactical "Nuance": Under Clarke, Scotland played a rugged back five and hoped Scott McTominay would spontaneously turn into prime Zinedine Zidane. Moyes can take this further. He will reintroduce the low-block 4-5-1, ensuring that no Scottish player crosses the halfway line unless they have filled out the proper requisition forms in triplicate. Possession will be viewed not as a tool for creating chances, but as a dangerous liability to be handed back to the opposition as quickly as possible.
A Ruthless Youth Policy: There are some exciting young Scottish talents emerging. Billy Gilmour is in his prime, and younger lads are knocking on the door. Moyes will brilliantly protect these youngsters from the harsh realities of international football by never, ever playing them. Why risk a 21-year-old with technical ability when you can unearth a 34-year-old journeyman who "knows the ropes" and can do a job tracking back?

To fully grasp the seamless transition the SFA is looking at, one only needs to look at the data:

Moyes appears to be set for another fabulous season of mediocrity in charge of resurgent Everton, who escaped the increasingly dreadful Moshiri years and surged up the Premier League table to an incredible 13th-place finish that surprised everyone under his frugal and uninspiring leadership.

But the call of his homeland must be strong. Who else possesses the unique blend of furrowed brows, defensive stubbornness, and an innate ability to make a 1-0 victory over Haiti look like a desperate rearguard action at Rorke's Drift?

The SFA needs to get this deal over the line immediately. Offer him a 10-year contract. Promise him total control over the height of the grass at Hampden. Assure him that he will never, under any circumstances, be asked to play expansive, attacking football.

It is time to bring the Moyesiah home. Let the relentless, doggedly depressing era begin. We wouldn't wish it on anyone else, but for Scotland? It’s a match made in heaven.

Reader Comments (17)

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Kunal Desai 2 Posted 28/06/2026 at 11:15:14

Moyes favourite for the Scotland.

Please let this be true.

John Collins 4 Posted 28/06/2026 at 11:43:38

Anyone thinking the self preserving Moyes will take a £4 million cut in his Everton annual wage had better think again.

Michael Kenrick 5 Posted 28/06/2026 at 11:56:08

Oh bugger, John. That's brought me back down to earth with a bang.

I had built my hopes up to a peak of frienzied excitement and anticipaton, writing up the dream scenario -- and you just shot it to pieces... or perhaps I should say stuck a knife into the bleeding heart of it, as Moyes ain't got no guns.

Kevin Molloy 7 Posted 28/06/2026 at 12:30:53

This will flush things out either way. If the Friedkins are minded to not extend, I think he'll jump now. I'm sure he'll want to be Scotland manager, and this may not come up again. Why stay here for another 9 months just to get booted?

If this has been in the offing for a little while, it could help explain some of Moyes recent behaviour. His 'up yours' to the fans, heading out to the World Cup etc.

Let's face it, we know he likes to 'plan for the future'. The way the Scots FA works, I'm sure they've been in his ears for months/years.

Annika Herbert 8 Posted 28/06/2026 at 12:31:40

Please God let it be true! How can he turn down a knife to a gunfight in every single match Scotland play?

Gary Borrows 9 Posted 28/06/2026 at 12:37:03

I can only add what's been written before is there a god can we be saved from another season of mediocrity watching the old over-the-hill defence surrender game after game?

Please, Moyesy, it's what you need to do, so thanks for the brief memories and depart leaving us Toffees to rekindle some hope.

Peter Gorman 10 Posted 28/06/2026 at 12:48:26

This article is absolutely brutal, Michael.

10/10 would read again.

Rob Beattie 11 Posted 28/06/2026 at 12:55:13

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE he's absolutely dire

Raymond Fox 12 Posted 28/06/2026 at 13:04:19

While I have sympathy with the wish for a new manager, don't expect wonderful, joined-up, winning football with the squad we have at the moment. They have had enough time to show their ability, although maybe I'm being too unkind to them because they did quite well up to the disastrous last 7 games.

Your Man City and Arsenal have spent bleeding fortunes on players that can knock the ball around and can even pass it to a team mate... unlike ours.

I will take a bet now whoever is our next manager will be deemed crap by some after his first season.

Josh Horne 13 Posted 28/06/2026 at 13:06:50

Watching Scotland put me in mind of Everton.

It would be just our luck for us to end up with Steve Clarke as a natural successor with the same philosophy of dour, cautious, negative football.

Mark Ryan 14 Posted 28/06/2026 at 13:13:30

In the words of Steven Patrick Morrissey, Please, please, please, let me get what I want, this time.

If the SFA offer him a 4-year deal he'll bite their hand off and, if it happens, I will say 10 Our Fathers, 10 Hail Marys and a dozen Glory Bes because that will mean there is a God.

Everything crossed.