Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has reiterated his support for under-fire boss David Moyes, hailing him as "the single most important figure at the club."

Moyes has come in for some criticism of late following a poor start to the season, harsh in our book considering the the lengthy injury list he has had to contend with at Goodison Park.

Indeed, it shows how fickle our game is when you consider Moyes has led the Toffees to two successive fifth place finishes in the Premier League not to mention an FA Cup final appearance against Chelsea last May.

Everton are currently languishing in 16th place just three points above the drop zone after a disappointing 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.

To the Scots defence, he has had to make do without the services of key trio defender Phil Jagielka, captain Phil Neville and midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta, who have all been sidelined long-term.

However, with Steven Pienaar's return on Sunday and Yakubu closing in on full match fitness, Kenwright is hopeful there is light at the end of the tunnel for the club and has backed Moyes to the hilt.

"As has always been the case, David Moyes was fully supported by myself and by my fellow board members," Kenwright is quoted as saying my teamtalk.com.

"He remains the single most important figure at the club and we all strive - on a daily basis - to provide him with the tools he believes are necessary if we are to continue to evolve and develop into a genuine, meaningful force within both English and European football."