Expectations are high on Merseyside that David Moyes can continue Everton's rise into the upper echelons of the Barclays Premiership. Moyes, one of the youngest managers in the top flight after taking over the reins from Walter Smith in March 2002, has made a successful start to life in the top flight. The highly-rated former Preston boss made an immediate impact at Goodison Park as, seconds into his opening game against Fulham, defender David Unsworth crashed home a shot from outside the box to help secure a 2-1 win over the Cottagers. And throughout the 2002/03 season they became one the most consistent and hard-to-beat sides in the top flight. However, Moyes' second season at Goodison proved to be much more difficult than his first. After seeing the likes of James McFadden and Kevin Kilbane brought into the club, the Everton faithful harboured hopes that their team could possibly claim a European place. Sadly, it was not to be as a season of struggle saw Moyes' men finish just outside the relegation places. The Toffees have an illustrious history and are now the longest-serving club in the top flight. They also possess a proud record of five FA Cup wins. Their victory over Manchester United in the 1995 final at Wembley sparked a sixth-placed Premier League finish under Joe Royle. The Goodison Park Academy discovered a real gem in England international Wayne Rooney, who left Merseyside for Old Trafford in August 2004. They finished fourth in the Barclays Premiership in 2004/05 - their best season in the Premier League era - and earned a Champions League berth. Everton remain one of England's biggest clubs and with Moyes at the helm they could finally realise their potential and delight their huge fan base.

Everton's long, proud history ensures them a place in the top bracket of English football. Founder members of the Football League and formed in 1878 - 14 years older than their great rivals Liverpool - the nine-times English champions have an enviable record. Dixie Dean enjoys legendary status at Goodison Park and scored an all-time record of 60 goals in the Division One title-winning season of 1927/28. Two more league triumphs followed in the 1930s before a boom time for the Toffees arrived in the 1960s and 1970s, with an FA Cup win and two league titles. The 1980s then produced two more First Division championships, a European Cup Winners' Cup and FA Cup final victory as Everton emerged as one of Europe's most-feared clubs. Leaner times arrived in the 1990s and beyond but Everton resolutely retained their Premier League status and hold the impressive record of any team currently in the top flight for having spent the most seasons in the highest division of English football, despite their longest consecutive run only starting in 1954. Their FA Cup final win over Manchester United in 1995 also provided a welcome cause for celebration among the club's loyal band of supporters.