Simon Jordan and Graeme Souness clash live on talkSPORT over David Moyes exit at West Ham United
Simon Jordan and Graeme Souness have clashed over the disrespectful nature of how David Moyes’ West Ham exit has been handled.
The club announced via their official website [6 May] that the Scot would be parting ways with the Hammers at the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
However, it appears that plans had already been discussed to replace Moyes, with Fabrizio Romano reporting hours before that Julen Lopetegui had agreed terms to become the next West Ham boss.
While Moyes admitted in February that he had been offered a new contract, the manager has been under considerable pressure this season, with his sacking mooted on several occasions.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Monday (13 May, 12:18pm), Jordan said: “The idea that a football club should sit back and accept this wonderful courtesy of not interviewing people…”
Souness interrupted, stating: “No, you’re missing the argument. He was offered a contract verbally, but then it was withdrawn. That’s where the bristle comes from.
“The anger, disappointment, and bad feelings that developed between the manager and members of the hierarchy will have come about because he was verbally offered a contract, said it would be dealt with at the end of the season, and subsequently took it away.
“So, you’re saying it’s okay for them to make a verbal agreement then take it away? Don’t try to justify them interviewing other managers,” to which Jordan replied, “No, I’m not saying that at all.
“First of all, most managers like stability so it’s a ridiculous observation that he wanted to leave the situation until he was out of contract.”
Souness added: “He felt comfortable. They were going well. At Christmas time, there was no panic so he said they would look at it at the end of the season.”
In response, Jordan simply said: “Well then, he’s a fool, isn’t he? Who leaves a contract to expire before you agree a new one? Nobody in their right mind.”
Should David Moyes have been shown more respect by West Ham United?
The situation surrounding Moyes and West Ham is a highly debated one. On one hand, the Scot led the Hammers to their first European trophy in decades and helped them compete on the European stage for three consecutive seasons.
On the other hand, football is a results-based sport and many of the performances this season have been extremely disappointing, leading to pressure mounting on the manager’s shoulders.
His style of football has also been criticised. With the number of attacking talents in the squad, many feel he should be far less defensive and move away from counterattacking football.
Moyes will certainly be remembered at the London Stadium for the amazing memories he created for the Irons, especially that famous night in Prague as they pipped Fiorentina to the Europa Conference League title.
However, now feels like the best time for the two parties to go their separate ways before the criticism sees the relationship become sour and the manager leaves the club on that note.
In other West Ham news, a BBC pundit has destroyed a Hammers player for being “Shocking” after he embarrassed the fans recently.
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