Tony Gale makes ‘fair’ admission about what’s been said of David Moyes at West Ham United
Criticism aimed at David Moyes’ tactics is “sometimes fair”, but the “different kinds” of new signings could facilitate improvements at West Ham, according to Tony Gale.
In an interview with talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, the former Hammers hero was understanding of criticism aimed at the Scotsman, he backs the boss to “get the philosophy right”.
Gale harkened back to his spell at the club to suggest Moyes had a “good, solid base” which could allow the “flair” to emerge from the new signings.
Speaking with Abrahams, Gale said: “Sometimes it’s fair, but I think David Moyes will be true to his word. He’s signed different kinds of players this year, so once we get the philosophy right, in that we can defend.
“Then when you start getting forward, that’ll get better as it goes along. [My West Ham team] were similar in ’86. We had a good, solid base and as the season progressed all the flair came out.”
Repeating history?
Gale reminisced on his long spell at West Ham, suggesting a similar situation is emerging in Stratford today as it did back in the mid-eighties.
Along with West Ham Zone pundit Frank McAvennie, Gale’s West Ham side struggled in the early stages of the First Division, with three losses in their opening four games. Come the end of the season, the Hammers earned a third-place finish, missing out on the title by just four points.
While the contemporary Hammers are not expected to replicate this success, it does reflect how system and tactical changes can occur throughout the season to great reward.
Luckily for Moyes this season, he can direct anyone criticising his tactics towards the Premier League table, with their fourth-place spot speaking for itself.
The new signings have bedded in well, with the exception of Mohammed Kudus who is yet to get his first start for the Hammers and has only had a few minutes experience in the Premier League after being a late substitute at Kenilworth Road.
Once the foundation of the new-look Irons side have been solidified, perhaps Moyes will be keen to allow his creative players to express themselves more, which could spell the start of something very interesting in East London.
In other West Ham news, Kevin Nolan has revealed his feelings about Harry Maguire’s failed Hammers move.