CHURCH OF MOYESOLOGY HITS FOREIGN SHORES

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has been appointed as the new boss at Real Sociedad. After a disastrous spell at Old Trafford, the Scot attempts to rebuild his career away from the glaring spotlight of the British media. 

D. Ray Morton, 11th November 2014.

David Moyes embarks on a Spanish quest, taking over as manager of Real Sociedad in an attempt to fix what is a damaged reputation

A solemn man, holy and true. So holy and true in fact that he attends both Catholic and Protestant religious services divvying his parents' belief systems being a good lad, not attempting to offend anyone. This is how one could look at his troubled ten months as Manchester United manager. Out of his depth and trying to appease a ravenous fanbase and a complacent dressing room, Moyes often came across as a timid and confused figure when microphones were planted in front of his face, one disappointing result after another.

Now he is off to Spain in an attempt to reassemble what was a promising career until it was smashed violently all over the floor like a toppled vase. He had mentioned that more British managers should go abroad. Before Roberto Di Matteo took the reins at Schalke, he was heavily linked to that job. Instead, he finds himself at Real Sociedad pipping Pepe Mel to the role as the Basque club narrowed down their shortlist in the past week.

This rebuilding process will be likened to the career moves of Steve McClaren, another flopped British manager who took to continental Europe in order to avoid the ridicule of the domestic media. McClaren went to Wolfsburg first, it should be remembered, where he did not do very well. It was not until he reached FC Twente in the Netherlands that the healing began. Moyes hopes Sociedad will be his Twente. The only thing is, McClaren's adventures in Germany and Holland were relatively obscured by the fact that those leagues are not very well followed in Britain. The profile of the German game has increased with the form in recent years of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League but Spain's Liga BBVA is probably the most closely watched league for Britons outside of their own.

Sky Sports will, no doubt, take a keen interest in his progress and the talk will not subside. Their Liga coverage is concise, the discussion more educated than their Premier League equivalent. Analysis will be cast on Moyes' playing style, the level of his spoken Spanish and the results of course. Sociedad lie perilously close to the relegation zone in 15th place with only nine points in eleven games. What will the Scot bring to turn the club's fortunes around?

Real Sociedad have some talented players, like Mexican international Carlos Vela, and Moyes will be challenged with getting the best out of them
 

Sociedad have dabbled with British managers in the past. Two Welshmen as it happens. Chris Coleman failed to impress there most recently and John Toshack has managed the club on three separate occasions having been something of a "go-to guy" for the side. Perhaps Moyes will take comfort and solace from the fact that this road has been relatively well travelled from a British perspective. Louis van Gaal's struggles at the club that jilted him must also strengthen his resolve. That will not deflect the spotlight, however, and eyes will be on Moyes to prove that he is not the one-club wonder people think that he is post-Everton.