Fan backlash now on cards as David Moyes sack decision looms at West Ham United
Dean Jones has warned West Ham could face backlash from supporters if David Moyes is handed a new contract to extend his stay at the London Stadium beyond the end of the season.
Following an embarrassing 6-0 home defeat against Arsenal, the pressure which had been building on the manager’s position already this season was brought to a whole new level.
The offer of a new contract, which was widely expected prior to this run of form, has now been delayed by the board as a result of concern surrounding the fans’ reactions and the dip in results.
Speaking to Give Me Sport [13 February], Jones explained: “I think it makes the most sense to have a natural parting of ways at the end of this season. If West Ham give David Moyes a new contract at this point, I think there will be a big backlash from some supporters.
“Not all the supporters are against him but, from what we can gauge so far, I reckon at least half of the fanbase are ready to move on from David Moyes. There are probably more than that now, on the back of what happened last weekend.”
West Ham fans could make the difference on Moyes contract
It has frequently been dismissed as a small section of the West Ham support who are unhappy with Moyes’ tenure, given their Europa Conference League win last season and their currently lofty league position as well as Europa League progress.
However, following the heavy defeat to Arsenal at the London Stadium, more fans have started to turn on the boss and understand that a new direction may need to be taken following the expiry of Moyes’ deal.
It has been said that the feeling among fans during that game was that it could finally be the end of the manager’s reign, with the positives usually associated with their style of play now beginning to fade.
For the most part, there seems to be a conflict between pundits on the outside and fans of the club, which usually points to the fans being right. Plenty of pundits have questioned the frustration towards him, but most of the fans are now starting to turn.
In other West Ham news, Chris Sutton has hit out at Kalvin Phillips in recent days.
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