David Moyes admits to ‘lonely’ West Ham United period after sack banners
David Moyes has opened up on the lonely period he had at West Ham United earlier in the Premier League season when fans called for him to be sacked.
The Hammers boss came under severe scrutiny at numerous stages of the 2022/23 campaign but eventually hung onto his job and led the club to a 14th-place finish on 40 points.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, the Scot admitted he was aiming to remain at the London Stadium next season regardless of how his side fare in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on Wednesday (7 June).
The 60-year-old also opened up on the criticism he received from supporters earlier this season, which included a ‘Moyes Out’ banner being displayed in the away end at Craven Cottage in April.
“When I saw that banner it was hurtful because it drains your power and strength to do things,” he said.
“When people continually question you though, it drains you. I’ve got to say it wasn’t a good time.
“Did I feel lonely? Hugely.
“There are a lot of things I would like to do at this club and in my head I have a vision at the way we can continue to grow.”
Right decision
There were many stages of the season where West Ham United fans were calling for Moyes to face the axe, but the board stood by his side and stuck to their guns.
In the end, they were proven right and the Scot has led the Hammers to safety and to the verge of a first piece of silverware since 1980.
If the club were to come out victorious against Fiorentina, the decision to keep him as manager would be fully justified and he would deserve the opportunity to remain at the club next season.
Although he led a fairly disappointing Premier League season, the Hammers did have to deal with their Europa Conference League commitments, often having to play on a Thursday followed by a Sunday.
When adding into the mix injuries to the likes of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd at the back and the niggling issues for Michail Antonio, the job that Moyes has undertaken looks that bit better.
Hopefully, he can seal off a topsy-turvy season with silverware and look ahead to another year in the London Stadium dugout.