Do Returning Football Managers Succeed? A look at David Moyes and other comebacks

Football is no stranger to nostalgia, with clubs often calling back former managers to recapture past glories. David Moyes’ recent return to Everton, 11.5 years after leaving for Manchester United, is the latest in a long line of managerial comebacks. Moyes transformed Everton from relegation strugglers to European contenders during his first tenure. Now, he faces a club sitting perilously close to the drop zone.

But does a returning manager bring renewed success or added disappointment? Let’s look at famous cases where managers returned to their former stomping grounds and evaluate their legacies.

David Moyes - West Ham United

• Tenure 1: November 2017 – May 2018 | Win Ratio: 29.6%, 27 games
• Tenure 2: December 2019 – May 2024 | Win Ratio: 38%, 171 games
• Outcome: Redemption through silverware and European glory.

Initially hired as a short-term fix, Moyes’ first term at West Ham was uninspiring, leading to his contract not being renewed. However, the club admitted their mistake by rehiring him in 2019.

In his second stint, Moyes led West Ham to unprecedented success, including a Europa Conference League triumph in 2023, their first major trophy in 43 years.

Jose Mourinho – Chelsea

• Tenure 1: June 2004 – September 2007 | Win Ratio: 70.8%, 120 games
• Tenure 2: June 2013 – December 2015 | Win Ratio: 59.8%, 92 games
• Outcome: A success, but marred by a messy exit.

The self-proclaimed “Special One” delivered Chelsea’s first league title in 55 years during his first stint, securing back-to-back Premier League wins and domestic trophies. However, tensions with Roman Abramovich led to his departure.

When Mourinho returned in 2013, fans greeted him with open arms. He brought the league title and a League Cup in 2015, but internal conflicts resurfaced. A disastrous start to the 2015-16 season ended his second reign prematurely.

Carlo Ancelotti - Real Madrid

• Tenure 1: June 2013 – May 2015 | Win Ratio: 74.8%, 119 games
• Tenure 2: June 2021 – Present | Win Ratio: 71.6%, 141 games
• Outcome: A triumphant return with even greater accolades.

Ancelotti’s first stint at Real Madrid brought La Décima, the long-awaited 10th Champions League title, alongside the Copa del Rey and other trophies. Despite his success, he was let go after failing to win the league.

His return in 2021 was spectacular, as Ancelotti guided Madrid to a historic La Liga and Champions League double in the 2021-22 season. He became the first manager to win all five major European leagues.

RELATED NEWS: Real Madrid Win Intercontinental Cup: Ancelotti Breaks Club Record with 15th Trophy

Massimiliano Allegri - Juventus

• Tenure 1: July 2014 – May 2019 | Win Ratio: 70.1%, 271 games
• Tenure 2: May 2021 - May 2024 | Win Ratio: 57.9%, 159 games
• Outcome: A work in progress, with flashes of brilliance but far from his initial dominance.

Allegri’s first reign at Juventus was nothing short of dominant, leading the team to five consecutive Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia wins, and two Champions League finals.

His second spell was more challenging. Faced with a rebuilding squad and financial issues, Allegri struggled to replicate the same level of dominance. Although he secured Champions League qualification and Coppa Italia finals, his second tenure at Juventus lacked the consistency of his earlier years.

Kevin Keegan – Newcastle United

• Tenure 1: February 1992 – January 1997 | Win Ratio: 54.5%, 143 games
• Tenure 2: January 2008 – September 2008 | Win Ratio: 26.3%, 19 games
• Outcome: Second term failed to live up to his iconic first run.

Keegan’s first time at Newcastle remains legendary, with the Magpies’ thrilling style of football almost delivering the Premier League title in 1995-96. Yet, his emotional management style and a famous “12-point lead” collapse defined his tenure.

His second term was brief and sour. Frustrated by interference from Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise, he resigned after nine months.

Roy Hodgson - Crystal Palace

• Tenure 1: September 2017 – May 2021 | Win Ratio: 32.4%, 148 games
• Tenure 2: March 2023 – February 2024 | Win Ratio: 32.4%, 34 games
• Outcome: A steady hand but failed to elevate the club further.

Hodgson’s first period at Crystal Palace saw stability, securing mid-table finishes. However, his return in 2023 after Patrick Vieira’s sacking offered little improvement. Palace narrowly avoided relegation but lacked the spark for sustained progress.

Zinedine Zidane - Real Madrid

• Tenure 1: January 2016 – May 2018 | Win Ratio: 70.8%, 96 games
• Tenure 2: March 2019 – May 2021 | Win Ratio: 64.4%, 87 games
• Outcome: Continued success, albeit less dominant.

Zidane's first time at Real Madrid is the stuff of legend, winning three consecutive Champions League titles. His second tenure wasn’t as illustrious but still delivered a La Liga title and other silverware.

Claudio Ranieri - Roma

• Tenure 1: September 2009 – February 2011 | Win Ratio: 55.8%, 68 games
• Tenure 2: March 2019 – May 2019 | Win Ratio: 41.7%, 12 games
• Tenure 3: November 2024 – Present
• Outcome: A loyal servant still chasing ultimate success

Ranieri's romantic connection with Roma has spanned multiple periods. His first time saw a near-miss at Serie A glory, while his second return offered stability but no trophies. Now in his third term, the pressure is on to deliver a long-awaited league title.

Kenny Dalglish - Liverpool

• Tenure 1: May 1985 – February 1991 | Win Ratio: 60.3%, 307 games
• Tenure 2: January 2011 – May 2012 | Win Ratio: 47.3%, 74 games
• Outcome: Revered for his first stint; his second was a short-term fix with mixed results.

Dalglish’s first reign as Liverpool manager is legendary. Taking over after the tragic Heysel Stadium disaster, he guided the club to three First Division titles and two FA Cups. His leadership solidified Liverpool as one of the best teams in the world.

Dalglish returned in 2011 after Liverpool’s decline under Roy Hodgson. Although he stabilized the team and won the League Cup in 2012, inconsistent league performances saw him dismissed at the end of the season.

Final Whistle

The allure of a returning manager often lies in their past triumphs, but the results can be unpredictable. While icons like Ancelotti, Zidane and Mourinho have proven their mettle in comebacks, others like Keegan and Hodgson highlight the risks of chasing past glories.

For Moyes, his Everton return represents a significant challenge—one that could either enhance his legacy or tarnish it. As history shows, not all comebacks are created equal.

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