Yahoo Sports Moyes, Mourinho, Redknapp – Five Premier League managers who returned for second spells
David Moyes has been named as Everton’s new head coach with the former favourite tasked with salvaging the club’s season.
Moyes returns to Everton for a second spell, following a previous successful 12-year stint with the Blues. The Scot took charge of Everton for the first time in 2002, where he led the side for more than a decade. During his tenure, he helped the Toffees to Champions League qualification and an FA Cup final.
Everton’s league finishes since 2002/03 with and without David Moyes 🔵 pic.twitter.com/gUj25m6m5Q
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 12, 2025
He returns as a replacement for Sean Dyche, as Everton hover precariously above the relegation places. Everton will hope Moyes can lead an upturn in form but history suggests Premier League returns do not always work out as planned.
We remember five Premier League managers who returned for second spells.
Kevin Keegan (Newcastle)
Kevin Keegan’s first spell at Newcastle United was one to remember, as the ex-England striker led the Magpies from the second tier to the top end of the Premier League. After winning promotion to the Premier League, Newcastle secured four consecutive top-six finishes, including as runners-up in 1995/96 and 1996/97.
The first of those seasons is etched into Premier League folklore. Newcastle held a 12-point lead over their title rivals at one stage but capitulated over the run-in to surrender their advantage to Manchester United. Known as ‘The Entertainers’, Keegan’s side were one of the most fun but flawed sides in Premier League history.
He returned for a second spell at St James’ Park in January 2008 but resigned just eight months later. Keegan cited irreparable differences with owner Mike Ashley and executive director Dennis Wise, who had made signings including Spanish striker Xisco without his approval.
90s Gold: How Newcastle United went from Keegans Entertainers to Dalglish’s Dad’s Army
Harry Redknapp (Portsmouth)
Just over a year after being branded a ‘Judas’ for walking out of the club to join arch-rivals Southampton, Harry Redknapp returned to Portsmouth in December 2005.
His first spell at Pompey had seen Redknapp lead the side to Premier League promotion, but he quit Fratton Park claiming he ‘needed a break from football’. After pitching up at Southampton just a fortnight later, Redknapp was the subject of a furious reaction from the Portsmouth fanbase.
He was unable to keep struggling Southampton in the Premier League and left St Mary’s in December 2005. His resignation paved the path to return to Portsmouth, in a remarkable U-turn on the south coast.
Redknapp’s second spell at Portsmouth was his most successful, as he averaged more points per game, secured two top-10 finishes in the Premier League, and won the 2008 FA Cup. That success was the club’s first major trophy since 1950.
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)
Chelsea fans could not contain their delight at the return of ‘The Special One’ in 2013.
Jose Mourinho’s first stint with Chelsea saw silverware aplenty, as he led the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles. The first of those triumphs ended a 50-year wait and was achieved with a record low of just 15 goals conceded.
After successful spells at Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Mourinho made his return to Chelsea in 2013. He added a third Premier League title as Chelsea were crowned champions in 2014/15, but departed the following season following a dramatic decline in results.
Roy Hodgson (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace turned to a familiar face in 2023 with the club battling to beat the drop. Without a win in 12 games, the 75-year-old was coaxed out of retirement to replace Patrick Vieira.
Hodgson had previously spent four seasons in charge of the Eagles, consolidating the South Londoners in the Premier League. He helped Palace avoid relegation upon his return but stepped down in February of the following season with the club again in a dogfight.
David Moyes (West Ham)
Everton can take heart from David Moyes’s successful second spell at West Ham.
Moyes was first handed the reins at West Ham in November 2017 and led a struggling side to safety in the Premier League. However, he was overlooked for the role long-term as West Ham appointed Manuel Pellegrini the following summer.
After realising their mistake, West Ham brought Moyes back to the club in December 2019. He spent four-and-a-half seasons at the London Stadium, in which the Hammers secured regular European football. The highlight of his time was success in the 2023 Europa Conference League, as West Ham won their first major trophy in 43 years.
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