Villa link puzzles Moyes

Moyes: In charge of Everton for last nine years

Long-standing Everton boss David Moyes admits he has no idea why he is being touted as the next manager of Aston Villa.

Ill health to current Villa manager Gerard Houllier is the latest fuel added to the fire, with uncertainty surrounding the Frenchman’s ability to carry on in the job.

Moyes, who has been in charge at Goodison Park for nine years, took a step back from suggestions he could replace Houllier with an abrupt response to deny any interest in the role.

“It is nothing to do with me,” said the 48-year-old. “I am at a great club and have got a great job. I don’t know what to say.”

Heading into Saturday’s trip to Wigan, Everton are seventh in the Premier League table, five points shy of city rivals Liverpool.

Moyes admits his team have met the pundit’s predictions, but he is disappointed not to have offered a greater challenge to the top four.

“This is probably the position where most people would have put us,” said the Scot. “Most people would have said we’d be between fifth and eighth.

“I’m disappointed because I felt we could have gone one better than that.

Run-in

“But there is still enough to play for, we have tried to emphasise to the players it is important we stay near the top.

“That is where we want to be and I have not seen any signs from the players to suggest they think any different.”

In Wigan Moyes faces a side fighting relegation and he is wary of their threat despite his side’s good run of just one defeat in their last eight outings.

“They are always pretty tough games against Wigan,” he said. “Roberto (Martinez) always gets his team playing in a good footballing style, but I am sure at the moment winning is the key.

“We had a spell six or eight weeks ago when I felt we had to make sure we won.

“Luckily we did and when you get those wins it brings a bit of confidence back to the team and the squad and hopefully your performances can improve.

“Just over a week ago Wigan came out of the bottom three for the first time in a long while and they will know they are not far away from that.”