Where Does David Moyes Rank Among Premier League Coaches?

Ranking Premier League managers against each other is never an easy task, especially given the varying scenarios faced at each club.

Silverware is obviously the primary method of establishing credentials, yet aside from an extra European title available to some, only three domestic trophies are contested each season—which are generally snatched up by the very elite.

Everton's David Moyes is undoubtedly one of the most respected managers in the Premier League, and rightly so, yet his resume lacks any form of silverware which makes grading his managerial effectiveness a harder task.

Moyes is not elite, but in terms of titles arguably only Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Roberto Mancini and Rafa Benitez, of current Premier League managers, could be considered such. 

For Moyes, who has never had the backing to consistently target trophies, more criteria needs to be considered.

Achievements in respect of wage budgets, consistency, individual managerial awards, growth of club and players, European finishes and overall length of service all demand attention, and these are areas Moyes generally triumphs in.

Longevity is certainly something that earns you considerable credit, particularly in the turbulent climate of the modern-day Premier League. Having overseen a decade in charge at Goodison Park, that's something Everton's manager clearly has, outlasting nearly all his contemporaries.

He has now taken charge of 402 games in the Premier League, with a win percentage of 40 percent. That is only bettered by Harry Redknapp (595 games at 38 percent), Arsene Wenger (613 games at 57 percent) and Sir Alex Ferguson (785 games at 65 percent).

In this time, despite limited financial backing, Everton as a club have drastically improved under his guidance.

From generally under-achieving in the lower rungs of the Premier League ladder, he's ensured his side have predominantly been a top eight side, if not higher. In fact the Toffees have only twice failed to finish among the division's top eight in his ten full seasons at the helm.

Moyes has also guided his side into Europe four times, including a Champions League finish in 2005, and has come agonisingly close to landing a domestic cup.

The fact he's had so few resources supporting his cause along the way has helped him establish his reputation as one of the Premier League's finest, which is well reflected by his managerial awards.

His three LMA Manager of the Year trophies are matched only by Sir Alex Ferguson, and Manchester United's manager, alongside Arsene Wenger, are the only two individuals with more Manager of the Month awards than Moyes.

On paper, a trophy in the cabinet means the likes of Martin O'Neill and Harry Redknapp have achieved more than the Toffees' manager, yet few Everton supporters would be keen on either of those two ever taking charge at Goodison Park. Neither have enjoyed anywhere near as much prolonged consistency.

Other managers have come in and had better individual seasons than Moyes, such as Alan Pardew's impressive work at Newcastle last season, but over time Moyes' sustained record of success eclipses those feats.

The fact his work has never led to a Champions League side pursuing him is baffling, and may in some part be due to the loyalty he's shown Everton, possibly making him a slightly unfashionable choice.

However, despite others being more likely to find work at these clubs, or having already won a trophy, very few current Premier League managers have a genuine case for a higher ranking than Moyes.

Obviously Ferguson stands on his own pedestal, with Wenger not far behind. The wealth of Chelsea and Manchester City have attracted Benitez and Mancini, managers with impressive records overseas and blossoming achievements in this country, yet after these four, it's hard to find someone that overshadows Moyes.

It would certainly help cement his status if a trophy or another top-four finish could be achieved over the next couple of years, but during his time at Everton, Moyes has forged a reputation as one of the Premier League's finest managers, and deserves a lofty status.

With just this season to run on his current deal, Evertonians will be hoping it's them he continues prospering with.

How highly do you rank him?

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