David Moyes: 'Being sacked makes me tougher'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 20 November 2015

A defiant David Moyes insists that his best years are still ahead of him despite rough spells at Manchester United and Real Sociedad.

David Moyes has suggested that his perceived failings at Manchester United and Real Sociedad have only strengthened him as a football manager.

The 52-year-old's year-long spell with Sociedad was cut short earlier this month after being sacked by La Real, who sit 18th in the Primera Division.

It was his first job since being fired by United in April 2014 after struggling to replace the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, but Moyes insists that these experiences have intensified his hunger to prove himself.

"Has my reputation taken a battering? No," the Scot, who spent 11 years as Everton boss, told The Sun. "It should have been enhanced because I now have a knowledge of the Spanish players, the Spanish league and a lot more idea of a different style of play.

"I think my peak years are still to come. I was a young manager at Everton and had 11 great years there. I followed Sir Alex at Manchester United and took a risk by going to Spain, to experience something new, a different culture.

"So wait a minute, let's put this in perspective. Is this someone who is trying to challenge themselves? Trying to develop? So I hope the best years are to come. I think with more experience I'm probably wiser, calmer. You hope you'll be able to use your knowledge a bit better. I certainly now see myself as a more experienced manager and better for the experiences I've had."

After parting company with the Liga outfit, Moyes revealed that he had turned down a "number" of jobs prior to his dismissal.