Coleman backs Moyes to rise again after Real Sociedad

David Moyes leaves Real Sociedad in 16th place in La Liga, their position when he was appointed. Picture: Getty

The Spanish club dispensed with 52-year-old Moyes’ services on yesterday after a year in the job with La Real sitting in 16th place in La Liga, the same position as when he took over.

However, full-back Coleman, who made his name under the Scot at Goodison Park, is confident he will not be short of offers.

Speaking after training with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin yesterday afternoon, the 27-year-old defender said: “I’ve just heard it there and I’m massively disappointed for him. He was great with me since he took me from Sligo Rovers with the help of the scout. He taught me a lot about the game. He was a tough operator, but he was fair.

“I was delighted to see him get the [Manchester] United job and I am disappointed at how the last 18 months has gone for him because he is a great manager and I have seen that at first hand.

“Hopefully he will be back in the game soon because he still has a lot to give. He’s respected a lot in the Premier League and I’m sure he’ll get back in and he’ll get going again.

“Any of the lads who have been at Everton for a while under him only have good things to say about him. I’m disappointed for him, that’s all I can really say.”

Sociedad announced Moyes’ departure in a statement which said: “Real Sociedad has decided to rescind the contract of the coach of the first team David Moyes.”

His assistant Billy McKinlay has also parted company with the club.

In the statement, Real Sociedad said: “The club wishes to thank David Moyes as well as Billy McKinlay for the contribution, professionalism and dedication that they have shown during the time in charge of the first team. We wish them the best of luck in their professional and personal futures.”

Friday’s 2-0 away defeat by Las Palmas was La Real’s fourth loss in their last five league games and left them with nine points from their first 11 fixtures. Under Moyes, whose contract was set to expire in June 2016, Real Sociedad have won just twice this season after 12 victories in 38 steered them to a final position of 12th in the 2014-15 league campaign.

Former Barcelona assistant coach Eusebio Sacristan was last night named as Moyes’ successor. The Spanish tactician, who had been out of a job since being dismissed by Barca’s reserves in February 2015, arrives on a deal until June 2017.

Eusebio, 51, coached Celta Vigo in the Segunda Division in the 2009-10 campaign, but had yet to guide a Primera Division side.

Real Sociedad host Sevilla in San Sebastian after the international break before travelling to the Nou Camp to face defending Spanish champions Barcelona on 28 November.