Martin Keown and Alex Crook make David Moyes West Ham contract verdict on talkSPORT
talkSPORT pundit Martin Keown and journalist Alex Crook were glowing in their praise of David Moyes, suggesting he should be in line for a new contract at West Ham.
The boss’ current contract is due to expire at the end of this season, and after the success he has achieved, particularly last year, the duo were shocked he hasn’t already been given an extension.
Keown claimed his belief that Moyes is continuing to improve as a manager, despite being in the latter stages of his career, and that his European success is taking his side from strength to strength.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [9 October, 12:22], Keown commented: “It’s jogging along nicely now isn’t it for David Moyes? Still able to keep that success in Europe, which has been fantastic for them. Getting the balance right.
“They’ve dropped to seventh place but are still in and around it and look like they can build from that.”
Crook then interjected: “We’re talking about a new contract for a player here [Bowen], but what about a new contract for the manager?
“It’s an unusual scenario that David Moyes wins a European trophy, he stays, but he doesn’t stay with a new contract. Surely these conversations have to be taking place?”
Keown responded: “You trust the ownership, but I think David Moyes deserves credit because you know he’s at the back end of his career but I think he’s getting ever-better.
“He’s actually showing improvements. Fantastic work they’re doing in Europe, and he seems to be relishing the battle right now.”
A new contract must be in the works
It would come as a huge surprise if the people in charge at West Ham didn’t come forward with a new deal for the boss sooner rather than later, with last season’s success currently being followed by a strong season across all three competitions so far.
The Hammers will compete in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League this season and are aiming to achieve success in all of them, with the bug for silverware catching on with the Europa Conference League medals still shining.
Having given a huge new contract to Jarrod Bowen – a seven-year deal that has reportedly made him the highest-paid player at the club – surely now is the time for Moyes to get his reward?
Building unity among the players, with everybody knowing where they stand with regard to the boss and the club, would stabilise their plans and give them the best chance of achieving their goals.
In other West Ham news, here are three things we learned from the clash with Newcastle.