Hayden Hackney of Everton looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between VfB Stuttgart and Everton at MHP Arena on August 8, 2026 / David Moyes, Manager of Everton, during the Spurs vs Everton final match of the 2025/26

Hayden Hackney has not made the best start to life at Everton.Imago

'Sack him now' - Everton fans in meltdown over David Moyes admission

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

18 Aug 2026, 11:00 am

David Moyes has seriously rubbed Everton fans up the wrong way with his recent comments on new signing Hayden Hackney.

The 24-year-old has started each of the Toffees' last five pre-season friendlies after arriving on a £24million deal from Middlesbrough.

In the 2025-26, he notched six goals and seven assists from the base of midfield, turning on his creative charm to help Boro to a fifth-place finish in the Championship.

Loved for his ball-carrying abilities, progressive passing and tempo control, much like James Garner, he was expected to settle in seamlessly on Merseyside.

The reaction to his performances in pre-season have been positive, especially amongst the fanbase, but not everyone shares that joy.

Moyes, it would appear, it still searching for perfection ahead of 2026-27. His comments on the situation have stirred up a reaction, to say the least.

David Moyes under pressure at Everton

As well as admitting that preparations were not at the level he wants, the Scot also suggested that Hackney is not ready for the new season.

Stating that the midfielder needs time to adapt, supporters are deeply concerned for the 24-year-old's first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Absolute drivel. He could have come out and said we’ve had a decent pre season, bigged the young lads up, said Hackney has fitted in seamlessly but we’ll need to be patient, happy with the players but we need a few more bodies etc. A funeral is more exciting than these comments. https://t.co/gRyPMKhDgb
— Robert McNabb (@RobertMcNabb8) August 17, 2026

Soft launching Hackney’s year on the bench also known as ‘The Dibling Treatment’ https://t.co/YTPf2Eu9CJ
— Connor (@EFCPidge97) August 17, 2026

Doesn't sound great does it if we're honest 🤦 only way Hackney will develop is by putting faith in him and playing him 🤷
Preferred it wen dino Dave was radio silent if I'm honest 🤣 https://t.co/JYEnT0F7XF
— MickmcSNB (@mickmcSNB) August 17, 2026

Not heard from him all summer. Comes out with this and again putting a new young signing down.

His attitude and treatment of players is awful, I’d be amazed if he’s still here by October https://t.co/XsOFE2YFKL
— Doha Evertonians🇶🇦 (@DohaEvertonians) August 17, 2026

Moyes attitude and body language in that interview again just screams looser plus you can see he’s 100% clashing with the committee behind the scenes’ that’s where our problems are and he’s saying he wants to do a lot more business while turning players away. Sack him
— Ste P (@PapaSmurf1878) August 17, 2026

Reading his quotes on social media, some fans are ready for the Friedkins to "sack" Moyes if he treats Hackney badly or gives him the "Dibling treatment".

Moyes certainly splits opinion at the Hill Dickinson. But one thing is for sure, and that's that the manager will always speak his mind, regardless of who is annoys.

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