Newcastle boss Eddie Howe shares West Ham United recruitment verdict under ‘outstanding’ David Moyes
West Ham recruited “really well” last summer under manager David Moyes, but their Europa Conference League journey has severely impacted their league form, according to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
The two clubs go head-to-head in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Wednesday (5 April), with the hosts desperate for points in their fight for safety.
The visitors meanwhile are seeking to establish their position in the top four, with their manager full of praise for Moyes in the Hammers dugout.
“David Moyes is an outstanding manager, huge experience,” said Howe, according to Football Daily.
“And I think, yes they’ve probably suffered a bit this season with the European travels that they’ve had, and those exertions put a different dynamic on your squad.
“But they’re a top team, with very, very good players. I thought they recruited really well last summer so it just goes to show the fine lines in the Premier League.”
Huge clash
The trip to London represents a chance for Newcastle to really cement themselves as top four candidates, with the Magpies currently joint third with Tottenham and Manchester United on 50 points.
But more of the headlines will be focused on Moyes and his struggling squad, who are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. The Hammers are one of four clubs on 27 points, just four ahead of Southampton in 20th.
The likes of Brazil star Lucas Paqueta and Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd were among the summer recruits for West Ham, with the former failing to live up to expectation and the latter missing plenty of action through injury.
Striker Gianluca Scamacca was also brought in by Moyes, but the Italian has been very underwhelming in his debut campaign in England.
Scamacca has already been linked with a summer move away from East London, with that potential exit expected to turn into a certain exit should the Hammers drop down to the Championship.