Gary Lineker aims "scrooge" jibe at David Moyes after what he did at West Ham. Credit: Imago / BBC Sport YouTube

Gary Lineker aims 'scrooge' jibe at David Moyes after what he did at West Ham

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

20 Dec 2024, 7:10 am

Gary Lineker has called David Moyes out as a Christmas "scrooge" after revealing his antics while in charge at West Ham.

With the dust now settled on his controversial exit from the London Stadium this summer, the 61-year-old has gone down as a cult legend in the club's history books after lifting the Europa Conference League title.

However, having had two spells in East London, one between 2017 and 2018 and a second between 2019 and 2024, his start to life with the Hammers was not as bright as we know it became.

Speaking via The Rest is Football podcast [20 December], Lineker said: "In 2017, at West Ham, you cancelled the Christmas party and said, 'And if they go out, I'm sure my spies in London will find out. I've got a lot all around the city and they're well placed.' Scrooge!"

Bursting into laughter, Moyes replied: "When you've done it as long as me, you have to cancel the odd party!"

David Moyes still a much-loved figure at West Ham

Managers are paid to make the tough decisions, and it seems one of Moyes' first choices at the London Stadium may have quickly seen him become the enemy of the squad.

However, having finished 13th in the Premier League table that year, his decision to cut the Christmas party from the squad was clearly the right decision.

Moyes is the manager who West Ham have regularly turned to when needing "ugly" victories, rather than playing football that is easy on the eye.

David Moyes will be remembered fondly by West Ham supporters.

While Julen Lopetegui was hoped to install that style of play at the London Stadium this summer, his tenure has been far from ideal so far, with fans already calling for a change.

The Hammers are 14th after 16 matches, seeing them sit only seven points above the relegation zone, with Moyes even being linked with a third spell with his old side [The Sun].

This may not be the last time that Moyes and West Ham are said in the same sentence.

In other Everton news, a report has shared if the Toffees could include an obligation to buy in a deal for Evan Ferguson.

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David Moyes

Gary Lineker

West Ham