Moyes backs supporters as Everton fans protest possible Armstrong sale after Bournemouth draw
David Moyes responded to Everton supporters' protests about a possible sale of teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong during the club’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Tarkowski struck late to secure the draw for Everton.
BBC Sport reported that Nottingham Forest had lodged a £40m bid for Armstrong, an England Under-19 international who is described in the report as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Finch Farm in recent years. The 19-year-old started the match, played 87 minutes and was replaced by Charly Alcaraz; he has made 24 appearances for Everton. Travelling supporters repeatedly chanted there would be "a riot" if Armstrong was sold.
On the subject of the fans’ reaction Moyes said: "I think you always have to consider supporters; supporters aren't always wrong." He added that club leaders sometimes have to make unpopular calls and cited examples: "But then there are also times where I've had people at clubs who are really powerful and make difficult decisions. I'd bring into that Bryan Gray, who was at Preston North End, and Sir Philip Carter, who was at Everton when I first came in. Not all decisions are popular, and sometimes they have to do it for different reasons."
Moyes made clear decisions over Armstrong’s future would be taken at club level, saying: "It's not really a question for just now. It will be a club decision." The article notes Everton are owned by The Friedkin Group and states the owners would "be risking the fury of their own fanbase" should they agree to a sale.
The manager also spoke to Sky Sports about the timing of the transfer window, commenting: "For all the years I've been in the Premier League this is probably the first time I've thought it was really a nonsense we're still playing games when the window is still open." He continued: "It feels like we'd have been better off just getting it shut." Moyes added: "Maybe it's just the way I am at the moment, I might feel better on Tuesday, but just at the moment it just leaves too much open, too much talk, mainly from the media."
Moyes has publicly expressed frustration at Everton's lack of incoming signings and insisted he wanted reinforcements after Wednesday's 4-0 Carabao Cup win at Preston. The club have been searching for a replacement for right-back Seamus Coleman for more than a year, and the article reports key players including Iliman Ndiaye have been linked with moves elsewhere, with Forest's interest in Armstrong described as "real"; the report adds there are currently no indications Everton will accept an offer and that it "would be a real coup" if Forest completed a deal.
The piece says the way Everton handle Forest's approach "may be a defining moment for TFG and Moyes," and notes the transfer window for Premier League and EFL clubs closes on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.
