Moyes, 63, managed West Ham United across two separate spells totalling around six and a half years, most recently from December 2019 to June 2024 when he left by mutual consent. His most significant achievement was guiding the London club to the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2023 — their first major trophy in 43 years.
West Ham go into the final day 18th and needing both a win over Leeds United at London Stadium and a result to go their way elsewhere to survive. If Everton beat Tottenham, the east London club would stay up should the Hammers win.
Moyes was candid about the emotional pull he feels toward his former club, while keeping a firm grasp on where his obligations lie.
"I would love to keep West Ham in the league if I can do. But it's more important that I get Everton a top-half finish and we try and get a few more million pounds because of our league position, which is so important."
He made clear that the commercial significance of league position is not always understood in the moment.
"Sometimes when you're in this position, you don't look at your league position until you're five or six years on and you look back. You say 'I finished 14th' — well, the truth is you should have probably finished tenth or ninth."
Everton's prize money varies significantly depending on final position. A ninth-place finish would deliver approximately £31.9m from the league, compared to £18.6m for a 14th-place finish — a difference that carries genuine consequences for summer recruitment.
Moyes ended with a clear statement of his hopes for Sunday.
"But yeah, I really do hope that West Ham stay up."