Handover

So he's finally gone - Sir Alex that is. And our own (I speak as an Evertonian!) David Moyes lined up to succeed him. It will be a big step up for him, from a smaller, less successful club to such a legendary and successful institution as Man U. Every Evertonian will wish him well. He has done so much for us, the only disappointment being he never won any honours with us. That must make him a bit of a risk for Man U, but then again Everton have never had the financial resources of a really big club. Moyes has done well to keep us consistently in the top half of the Premiership. So who will succeed him at Everton? Martinez of Wigan has been suggested.

It's interesting that Ferguson seems to have groomed Moyes for this moment. It comes as no surprise really - except that, is it really Fergie's appointment? Don't the owners and the directors have a say, or does Fergie's success entitle him effectively to appoint his own successor? For Moyes, his accountability will not be to Fergie - except perhaps personally - but to the Club. Whilst Fergie will cast a long shadow, he will not directly be influencing things.

By coincidence, today commemorates another 'handover', as the Church celebrates Ascension Day. Jesus returns to heaven, having completed his work on earth. However, he remains 'in charge', and his appointment is not of one successor but of the Church, to be his witnesses. For now (as with Moyes, pending his appointment and starting the job) there is a period of waiting, for the coming of the Holy Spirit in 10 days time.

But...our task is not to work for the success of the 'club' (the Church) but for the continuation of Christ's work on earth till kingdom come.