West Ham United: Stephen Warnock doubles down on David Moyes sack verdict live on Sky Sports
Stephen Warnock is amazed that the future of David Moyes as West Ham manager is repeatedly being called into question.
Moyes guided United to Europa Conference League success in June, with many feeling that was the right time for the Scotsman to step aside.
The Irons have had a positive start to the 2023-24 campaign overall, yet questions remain over the man in charge following Sunday’s (3 December) 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Asked about Moyes’ future on Sky Sports News [4 December, 10:56], Warnock- who has regularly defended the former Manchester United manager’s record – said: “I find it incredible that so often we talk about his future.
“It does surprise me. Once you win a European cup, there is an opportunity there to say ‘right, here’s a three-year contract, we believe in you’.
“It’s not a fluke they won the trophy. The players he’s brought in, he needs time to adapt and change his style of play.”
Frustration
From the outside looking in, there is not a great deal for West Ham supporters to be upset about right now.
After all, United are in the top half of the Premier League, through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League and into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
However, many fans have grown frustrated at the style of play under Moyes and what can be perceived as being a lack of ambition with the resources available to him.
Late goals from Tomas Soucek in wins over Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Backa Topola papered over the cracks of some underwhelming displays.
West Ham found a way to win those matches without being at their best, but they were unable to do so in the disappointing draw with Palace.
Whether Moyes deserved a new contract or not on the back of the Europa Conference League success is another matter, but a decision does need to be made on his future soon.
It is not healthy for the dressing room if this debate drags on right until the end of the season, but hopefully it will become clear much before then whether or not the Scotsman is staying on.
In other West Ham news, a journalist believes a United player will be “torn” over whether to quit the club in 2024.