'Supporters aren't always wrong' - Moyes on Everton fans' anger
August 29, 2026 18:59
Everton manager David Moyes reacted to travelling supporters’ visible anger about the prospect of the club selling teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Fans chanted there would be “a riot” if Armstrong was moved on; Moyes said “supporters aren’t always wrong” while noting that some major decisions at clubs are taken by powerful figures.
Earlier on Saturday, BBC Sport reported Nottingham Forest had lodged a £40m offer for the 19-year-old. Armstrong started at Vitality Stadium and was substituted after 87 minutes; he has made 24 appearances for Everton.
KEY CONTEXT
Armstrong is an England under-19 international and is widely regarded inside the club as one of the best young players to emerge from Everton’s Finch Farm academy in recent years. Everton are owned by The Friedkin Group (TFG). The club’s transfer activity has frustrated Moyes, who said he wanted reinforcements after the Carabao Cup win over Preston; Everton have also been searching for a replacement for right-back Seamus Coleman for more than a year.
Moyes, in the final year of his Everton contract, also questioned whether the summer transfer window should remain open once league matches have started.
WHY IT MATTERS
A sale of Armstrong would touch on several sensitive issues: it would remove a highly regarded home-grown prospect from Everton’s squad and, according to the BBC’s chief football writer, risk provoking strong fan backlash while sending a potentially worrying message about the owner’s ambitions. Moyes framed transfer decisions as ultimately for the club to make, highlighting the tension between supporter sentiment and board-level choices.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Everton will accept Nottingham Forest’s reported £40m approach — the BBC noted there were no indications yet that a bid would be accepted.
- Any statement or decision from Everton’s ownership or sporting directors before the transfer window shuts.
- The Premier League and EFL transfer window deadline: Tuesday 1 September at 23:00 BST.
KEY FACTS
- Nottingham Forest reportedly submitted a £40m bid for Harrison Armstrong.
- Armstrong is 19, an England under-19 international, and has made 24 Everton appearances.
- He played 87 minutes in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth before being substituted.
- Everton are owned by The Friedkin Group; Moyes said final decisions on transfers are club matters.
- The Premier League/EFL transfer window closes 1 September at 23:00 BST.