Why David Moyes was all smiles in his first game as Sunderland boss

The Stade Camille-Fournier provided a tranquil setting for David Moyes' first game in charge as Sunderland manager.
David MoyesDavid Moyes
David Moyes

The former Manchester United and Everton boss had a perfect view of Lake Geneva from his seat on the bench as the latest chapter in the club's history got underway.

Moyes was in a relaxed mood as he made his way from the entrance of the quaint ground to the pitch, dressed in his club training gear and dark sunglasses.

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His first viewing of his new Sunderland side came in the win at Rotherham United, with Moyes coming on to the pitch at the end to thank the fans.

And he carried on in that vein here too.

Spending time chatting, smiling, signing autographs and taking pictures with those Sunderland fans who had made the long trip to watch his first game in charge.

There was genuine warmth between the 53-year-old Scot and the fans, who have welcomed him with open arms to Wearside.

The fans hope that he can provide the long-craved for stability in the top flight.

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He then took a keen interest in the warm-up - not that a warm-up was needed on a beautiful night in south-eastern France.

Moyes named a youthful-side for his first game in charge, with Vito Mannone, Billy Jones, Lee Cattermole and Jack Rodwell the only senior players, alongside Duncan Watmore.

During the warm-up he was within feet of the players, keeping a close eye on proceedings.

Moyes was out of sight from our vantage point during the game, the solid white dug-out keeping him and the rest of the coaching staff covered from the few hundred Sunderland fans watching on.

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But you could still hear him, occasionally taking to his feet to dictate proceedings.

In was a comfortable evening for Sunderland against a Swiss third division side but Moyes will have been encouraged by what he saw.

And once again the younger players caught the eye. Duncan Watmore, Lynden Gooch, Rees Greenwood among those giving Moyes food for thought.

All in all a good night's work as Moyes' time as Sunderland manager got off to a winning start.