West Ham United sack decision on cards as David Moyes bubble bursts
David Moyes has earned a certain amount of credit in the bank at West Ham, but their decision to delay the offer of a new contract could now prove to be a masterstroke from the board.
The club had faced plenty of criticism for the decision [talkSPORT, 9 October], particularly after the Europa Conference League victory and fast start to the season, but the bubble may finally have burst for Moyes.
His side have failed to win any of their last four games, with Olympiacos putting an end to their record unbeaten run in Europe, while relegation-threatened Everton handed the Hammers their latest disappointing result at home.
It was shared on Twitter [29 October] by Sean Whetstone that the club’s technical director Tim Steidten may already be drawing up a list of managerial candidates to replace Moyes, with the pressure beginning to mount on the certainty of his job.
It has become clear that the behind-the-scenes string-pullers at West Ham haven’t placed their full trust in Moyes, with Claret & Hugh [18 October] reporting that key staff departures and the increasing influence of Steidten may see the boss’ role become more uncertain.
The hiring of Steidten may have been what got the ball rolling in terms of this uncertainty, with disagreements in the summer of transfer targets well-publicised, and the German beginning to take more and more control.
Away from the internal politics at the club, which are ultimately the turning point of this discussion, the results on the pitch will also need to improve, as will the performances.
Frustrations had already risen around Moyes for many fans after the club faced a poor season last time out before the European success papered over the cracks.
With games against Arsenal, Brentford and Olympiacos coming up, the Hammers will be targeting at least two wins from those three, and failure to win any of them could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in terms of the board’s patience with Moyes.
On the pitch, the style of play has also come into question, with a perceived overreliance on set pieces and an inability to get the best out of some of the club’s creative players suggesting Moyes may not be the man to take the club to the next level.
The club’s decision to hold off on offering a new deal to the boss may have proved a masterstroke if they decide to make the change in the coming weeks, with the next three imperative for Moyes to save his job.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are targeting a £40million+ sensation.