Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to Everton counterpart David Moyes and his club for the stability they have created in a cut-throat managerial world.Watch Blackburn Rovers vs. Everton Live Stream August 14 Premier League 2010
"It is a rarity now and Everton are extremely fortunate to have kept David where he is because of the work he has done and how hard he has worked to turn the club around from what was a difficult position when he took over,'' said Allardyce.
"David and the club fit very nicely and they are reaping the benefits of stability and the backing of a manager and good working relationships.Watch Blackburn Rovers vs. Everton Live Stream August 14 Premier League 2010
"It is something that lots more clubs in the Premier League, and certainly the Football League, should take notice of because without that stability you are not going to bring any sort of success to a club.
"It tells you about the enormous pressure of being a manager. We make the decisions we make because people don't see it in the same light we see it.
"In Steve's case it is the second time it has occurred where he is not comfortable in the surroundings - it happened at Manchester City a few years ago.
"Rather than it lingering on and damaging the club or him they have decided to part company.
"Martin has decided it is not longer viable for him to carry on at Aston Villa.''
Allardyce's side lost twice to Everton last season, including a thrilling 3-2 defeat at Ewood Park, but he believes his squad is stronger this season.
One of the reasons is the acquisition of Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf on loan.
"Anything we get against Everton this year will be a bonus because we got nothing from them last season,'' added Allardyce, who confirmed Ryan Nelsen will continue as club captain while fellow centre-back Christopher Samba will skipper Rovers on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Moyes says he had "realistic fears'' Mikel Arteta would leave Everton in the summer.
Instead the Spanish playmaker - linked with Arsenal and Manchester City - followed Tim Cahill by pledging his long-term future to the club.
Both players have been influential figures at Goodison Park, where money remains tight.
Moyes said: "Mikel is so important to us. He proved that when he came back last year from injury.
"I did not want to lose him and had no intention of selling him. But I had realistic fears he might go elsewhere, although not back to Spain.
"We try to do our best for the players and the chairman (Bill Kenwright) did well to convince him to stay with Everton.''
Arteta is set to face Blackburn as is midfielder Cahill, who sat out Australia's match against Slovenia in midweek with a slight knee problem.
Victor Anichebe is the only definite absentee and Moyes was in optimistic mood ahead of the new campaign.
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford could be on the bench after scoring three goals in pre-season with Louis Saha favourite to be employed as a lone striker.
Moyes is pleased with the progress of Beckford, who has climbed up the ladder from non-league Wealdstone.
"He has terrific movement in and around the box. He offers us something different,'' said the Everton boss.
"He is a hungry player. He has come from non-league to Leeds. You hope he retains that hunger and remembers where he was not too long ago and how far he has come.
"I hope he shows that in his performances. What he wants to do is score goals and that's what he does. What we have seen so far in training, he is very good at it.''
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