In my opinion, Everton are at their peak. They won't get any higher than where they are now unless they are willing to spend some serious money, that's why I think Moyes is such a good manager.
I think you're dead right Arwr. Sad as it seems, Everton have no serious money behind the club and they'd need it to challenge any higher than they are now. The only foreseeable future is getting someone of a similar character to stay top half, or slide down the table with someone less able at the helm.
No doubt in my mind that Moyes has achieved massively there - even over-achieved wouldn't be unfair. He's proved a shrewd Premier League manager with far more limited resources that the clubs above them.
If/when he goes, there aren't many other managers who could step into his shoes and finish as high up the table with what he's had to work with.
Poisoned chalice for someone like Malky. Martinez could do a decent job there - he's had to struggle in the same fashion with even less resources despite Whelan's wealth, and would be up for the task. Leading the mid table pack would appeal to him - it would be better than what he's had..
I don't think for one minute Malky will get an offer, but I'm still concerned that if he did, he might take it. That could prove a bad move for him and Cardiff City FC.
If it was made, it maybe seen to be the best offer he's likely to get at this early stage in his career, but choosing Everton could be a big mistake for one so relatively inexperienced.
I hope he doesn't view the similar progress that Brendan Rodgers has made as a parallel for himself - Liverpool are massively more influential and resourceful club than Everton.
