Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham envy of West Ham United fans as unloved David Moyes potential exit on horizon – Martin Samuel
It would be no “shock” if David Moyes departed West Ham in the summer amid “Ange-xiety” among the club’s fanbase over the excitement at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, according to Martin Samuel.
The Times journalist wrote in his column for the paper’s website on 5 December that “supporters see the tightrope being walked at Tottenham, and yearn for that thrill” when the football under Moyes is so boring by comparison despite the Scot’s undoubted achievements at the London Stadium.
Samuel claimed that the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend was the “short straw” for any viewers, not least in comparison the Spurs’ dramatic 3-3 at Manchester City, the latest in a series of “great fun” but potentially “suicidal” performances from the Australian’s men.
With Moyes taking his side across London on Thursday night (7 December) Samuel contrasted the feeling towards the two men in the dug-out when he wrote: “When Tottenham play West Ham on Thursday the love felt by the managers will be very different.
“Of course, the away end would take a win no matter how it came, but there remains an ambivalence to Moyes that does not surround Postecoglou at Tottenham.”
Writing may be on the wall
Nobody can deny that Moyes somewhat rescued a flagging West Ham when he returned for a second spell, and the Europa Conference League trophy he lifted at the end of last season has secured his place in Irons history forever.
And yet the feeling seems increasingly unavoidable that he is simply working out the remaining months of his deal before the club finally move forward.
It would be wrong to suggest the former Everton and Manchester United boss has been holding the Hammers back when he is the one who brought the club to the level where they can regularly enjoy European football.
But it isn’t too difficult to argue that his work here is now done having achieved that, allowing for the undeniable risk involved in moving on to another manager.
There was also a risk of sticking with Moyes last year as he struggled in the Premier League enough for relegation to be a genuine concern, before he pulled a rabbit out of the hat late on to win a European trophy.
Since he has been allowed to enter the final year of his contract with no hint of an extension on the horizon, and with Tim Steidten increasingly prominent after reported clashes between the two during the summer, it seems just a matter of time before a new era arrives at West Ham.
Whether that is right or wrong will only be proven in time but, unless the wheels come off for Postecoglou’s Spurs side, there would be a fair amount of the Hammers fanbase who would gladly sign up for something similar with whoever comes next.
In other West Ham news, pundit admits surprise at Irons transfer decision on £20.5million goal machine.