Sam Allardyce says Everton’s ambition was a key factor in him agreeing to take the reins.
The former England boss was unveiled as the Blues’ new manager on Thursday and will take charge for this weekend’s clash with Huddersfield Town.
Allardyce, who signed an 18-month contract, observed his new side from the Goodison Park directors’ box for the emphatic 4-0 win over West Ham.
Speaking after being named Ronald Koeman’s successor, the 63-year-old admitted the strength of Everton’s aspirations proved vital in his return to management.
He said: “I’ve always thought Everton was a great club. It is a great club.
“Obviously, the club has gone through a difficult spell and hopefully I can put that behind us as quickly as possible and start looking upwards again.
“Because, ultimately, it’s the ambition of the club, the ambition of the owner and the board, allied to the fact that it’s Everton and all the fantastic history, which have proved to be key for me.
“Ambition is important for any manager or coach, owner or director. It’s what you need to have and hopefully we can deliver to the fans to get this club high up the league. That’s what we’re aiming for.
“I think that whatever’s happened before we’ve just got to all rally around together. Our will to do it all together would be my way forward.
“Because we are all in it together and let’s all pull in the same direction. Let’s try to get a healthy spirit around the club.
“That’s difficult when you’re losing but the win last night over West Ham and the magnificent atmosphere around Goodison, which was just brilliant, well that’s lifted everybody around the club.
“And we’ve got to try to keep our heads up and push ourselves until we make sure we get that better.
“Last season showed what the club is trying to build and we need to demonstrate that level of ambition and assuredness again. We can.
“It’s a question now of putting in the work to do that and I’m really enthused by the prospect.”
Everton’s major shareholder Farhad Moshiri hailed Allardyce’s arrival, adding: “Sam understands the long-term ambitions we have for this great club and I know he is a man who gives it his all and is focused 24 hours a day on the club.
“Evertonians are the most passionate and best fans in the world and when the Club does badly we all suffer.
“But in football everything changes very quickly, so I hope this will help to propel us to where we should be.”
David Unsworth, who oversaw eight games as caretaker, will stay on in his existing roles coaching Everton’s U23 side and Academy Director of Coaching.