Nevin believes Moyes’ upbringing in Glasgow instilled in him “integrity” and a “deep inability to cope with the concept of defeat.”
The latter trait prompts comparisons with fellow Glaswegian Ferguson and Moyes shares similar levels of intensity, although his approach has mellowed.
“I feel more relaxed now, but maybe that comes with experience and being in the job a bit longer,” Moyes told reporters last season.
Moyes’ skills as a tactician have shone through this term when he has had to cope with the loss of key forward players.
The other factor in his success story is time.
Everton stuck with him after they slumped to 17th in his second full season and again when a Champions League qualifying loss to Villarreal sparked a run of seven defeats in their first eight league games of 2005-2006.
Moyes has steadily improved the quality of his squad. His inspired signings include midfield trio Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar for a combined £6 million (US$8.49 million), although the injured Arteta is out for the season.
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