ExWHUemployee predicts Steve Round arrival at West Ham United after Arsenal exit decision
Following reports that Arsenal assistant coach Steve Round had left Mikel Arteta’s side by mutual consent, he has been tipped for a switch to West Ham by ExWHUemployee.
Writing on Patreon (6 July), it was speculated that Round’s previous working relationship with West Ham boss David Moyes at Everton and Manchester United could mean he is “in the mix” for a job with the Hammers.
With the club needing to replace outgoing coaches Mark Warburton and Paul Nevin, Round’s appointment could be around the corner at the London Stadium.
Needed experience
52-year-old Round has earned himself an impressive CV. Having had assistant roles at Everton, Manchester United, Newcastle and England, Round also spent two years as Aston Villa’s technical director.
The man knows football, and his previous relationship with Moyes would set the scene for a needed reunion at West Ham.
The Hammers also lost two key assistant coaches this summer in Warburton and Nevin. Warburton’s departure was announced by the club last month (15 June), with Moyes saying he “played an important role for us over the last 12 months and has been a great help to me personally.”
The Scot was just as complementary upon Nevin’s departure which was announced yesterday (6 July). Moyes said: “He is highly ambitious as a coach and is keen to test himself in a new environment and we wish him well in doing so.”
It is clear that West Ham’s recruitment should not just be focused on the playing staff, but the backroom staff too. Steve Round may be an ideal fit.
The club would want to recruit their coaching staff as soon as possible as pre-season gears up, with the Hammers having five friendlies within 19 days.
Round joined Arsenal in 2019 at helped them to their FA Cup triumph in 2020 and Champions League return after an impressive second-place Premier League finish. He helped create the positive culture at the Emirates that led to such success, and West Ham fans would be excited by his appointment if he can bring some of that magic to West Ham.
West Ham, however, are in a very strong position following their Europa Conference League victory and remaining in the Premier League.
But West Ham can be an unpredictable club.
Following the departure of Declan Rice and their upcoming Europa League campaign, the club will need to perform well and remain mentally resilient, and Round’s vast experience could go a long way in ensuring this.
In other West Ham news, an injury expert reacts to West Ham’s links to treble-winning midfielder.