DAVID Moyes has gone - but only after North End forced a British record fee for their manager.

Everton unveiled Moyes as their new manager at a press conference last night.

The announcement ended two days of haggling which started when Walter Smith was sacked as the Everton manager.

At one point yesterday, North End announced the deal was off, citing the fact the clubs could not agree a fee for Moyes, who has four years left to run on his contract.

But the deal was done yesterday afternoon. North End get £1million upfront, and an undisclosed amount if Everton stay in the top flight.

If they go down, Moyes will be the first manager to have taken them down.

Last night, Moyes said: "I don't think you get jobs in management when they are easy.

"I would be lying if I said it wasn't a big job. It's been a big job for all the previous managers here.

"I have great faith in what can be achieved here. I'm under no illusions.

"I would prefer not to be in this situation, I would prefer to be at the top of the league."

His first game will be against Fulham. Three points are essential if Everton are to pull clear of the drop zone.

Up the M6 in Preston, North End were explaining the deal they had done.

At a press conference, chief executive Tony Scholes and acting chairman Derek Shaw were talking up the deal they had done.

Mr Scholes said: "We are very saddened to lose the services of who we regard as the best young manager in the game, but we couldn't stand in the way of David when he made it clear that he wanted the job at Everton.

"After protracted but fair negotiations with the Everton Board we have agreed that they will pay us £1millon plus a further sum if Everton stay in the Premiership at the end of the season."

Mr Shaw added: "He's done a remarkable job for Preston North End Football Club and hopefully if we can get his replacement to continue from that then we'll have to accept it.

"He won't be an easy act to follow."

North End had a gentleman's agreement with Moyes that they would inform him about any Premiership offer, although it was not written into his contract.

His decision to move comes despite reported pleas from several of the players he has brought through into the spotlight to stay.

David Healy is said to have led the pleas.