David Moyes was tempted to relocate after West Ham United sack decision
West Ham United manager David Moyes was tempted to relocate back to the North-West to be closer to his family during his challenges last season, according to the Daily Mail.
West Ham ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy with a memorable 2-1 win over Fiorentina at the Fortuna Arena in Prague [7 June], lifting their first major honour since 1980, despite a disappointing campaign in the Premier League, finishing 14th.
And the European win may have saved Moyes’ West Ham job after Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth revealed on Saturday morning [10 June] that the Scottish manager was expected to stay at the London Stadium after a decision was made by Sullivan on Moyes’ future.
Moyes has been previously linked to the Celtic job after Ange Postecoglu’s departure to join Tottenham Hotspur, and according to the Daily Mail [12 June], the Hammers boss was tempted to relocate following calls for him to be sacked weeks before the final.
Huge task ahead
It certainly seems as if Wednesday’s memorable win in Prague has swayed the decision of the West Ham United board after Moyes’ position looked absolutely in jeopardy well before the Euro final.
The former Manchester United boss could have been forgiven for jumping ship especially when things got so toxic after their 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United on 5 April. That game looked to be Moyes’ last in charge but for a change of heart by Sullivan.
However, with the Scottish manager now expected to remain in charge, he certainly holds a huge job on his hands to ensure that last season’s disastrous Premier League campaign doesn’t happen again, and the summer activities will play a huge part in that. Also, can Moyes finally evolve his style which could see West Ham become a more proactive attacking unit?
West Ham United are resigned to losing a significant number of their key stars this summer, not least club captain Declan Rice who is attracting plenty of interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United as he goes in search of Champions League football next season. How the Hammers will look to replace him will be interesting.
Also, Michail Antonio is also set to depart too and the Jamaican international will also leave a gaping hole to fill given his huge presence and influence in the dressing room.
The Hammers fans will be expecting the club to be reaching the heights of the 2021/22 campaign again and even further, and for that to happen, this summer’s transfer activity will arguably be the club’s most pivotal yet.
Next season has got to be better.