Ally McCoist reacts as West Ham United close in on Julen Lopetegui after David Moyes exit
Ally McCoist has shared his immediate reaction to the news that West Ham United are close to appointing Julen Lopetegui as their new manager.
The Hammers confirmed in an official statement on Monday (6 May) that David Moyes would leave East London at the end of the season, with former Real Madrid boss Lopetegui the frontrunner to take over the reins.
Lopetegui’s prospective appointment has received a mixed response from pundits and supporters alike who were pining for a more attack-minded manager and McCoist was quick to admit he isn’t entirely convinced.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday (7 May, 6:24) he said: “Time will tell Jeff. I don’t think there are any doubts about David Moyes in my opinion, the facts are there for everyone to see. They finished sixth, and seventh and won the Conference League.
“From where he took over he did a fantastic job. I’m looking at the table and they’re in ninth place and I’m looking at the teams that are above them: Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Spurs, Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal, you could argue they all should be above West Ham.”
Will West Ham United appoint Julen Lopetegui after David Moyes exit?
Lopetegui won’t have been the first name that came to supporters’ minds when they discussed a potential successor for Moyes at the end of the season and it seems obvious the Irons were more interested in Ruben Amorim to start with.
But West Ham can only appoint managers who want to take over at the London Stadium and it is clear from reports that Lopetegui is genuinely excited by the chance to manage in the Premier League with the Irons.
His football may not be the most exciting and there is an argument to suggest he isn’t even an upgrade on Moyes, but he has tended to be successful everywhere he has gone and there’s no reason to suggest that won’t be the case in East London.
Hopefully, the Spaniard will hit the ground running with the Irons. If nothing else, a strong start would stop pundits and rival fans alike from telling supporters that they need to be careful what they wish for.
In other West Ham news, one team have pulled out of the transfer race to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer
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