"Supporters aren't always wrong" was David Moyes' reaction to Everton fans voicing their opposition to the potential sale of teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. BBC Sport reported earlier on Saturday that Nottingham Forest had put in a £40m bid for the England Under-19 international, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Finch Farm in recent years. The 19-year-old started at Vitality Stadium as the Toffees rescued a late draw and their travelling supporters repeatedly chanted that there would be "a riot" if Armstrong was sold.
"I think you always have to consider supporters; supporters aren't always wrong," said Everton manager Moyes. "But then there are also times where I've had people at clubs who are really powerful and make difficult decisions. "I'd bring into that Bryan Gray, who was at Preston North End, and Sir Philip Carter, who was at Everton when I first came in.
Not all decisions are popular, and sometimes they have to do it for different reasons. "Managers have to make decisions on players sometimes and they feel like huge decisions. But there are sometimes bigger decisions to be made and the club will, I'm sure, make what they think is the right one.
"If I'd say something to them (the fans), I'd say their manager's an Evertonian." Armstrong has made 24 appearances for Everton and played 87 minutes against the Cherries before he was replaced by Charly Alcaraz. Are Moyes and Everton's owners on same page? How to follow Transfer Deadline Day on the BBC What does your Premier League club still need in the transfer window?
Moyes has been frustrated by the club's lack of signings and he made it clear he wanted reinforcements after the Carabao Cup second-round win against Preston on Wednesday. The Toffees have been searching for a replacement for right-back Seamus Coleman for more than a year. Moyes stressed any decision about Armstrong's future would ultimately rest with Everton, owned by The Friedkin Group.
"It's not really a question for just now. It will be a club decision," he said. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Scot also questioned whether the summer transfer window should remain open once the season has started.
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