The Game Is Up For David Moyes But Can You Guess What Happens Next?

We know, he knows, we know he knows, and he knows we know he knows. Even his pals in the media have finally caught up. The story now isn’t whether David Moyes leaves West Ham or not, but who will replace him when he does. Will they be embarrassed by their superficial punditry and careful-what-you-wish-for-ery? I doubt it. It does make you wonder what value pundits and co-commentators bring to the game, but I guess their job is to get a reaction, not to offer reasoned analysis.

It would be better for all concerned if the club now came out and confirmed the manager will be departing at the end of his contract. Leaving it up in the air makes no sense. Moyes will continue sniping at questions about his future in post-match interviews and the players will feel able to play with a touch more freedom in the final four games.

For the elimination of any remaining doubt here’s a quick refresher on the downward trajectory of Moyesball since its peak at the end of December 2022. In the 90 (NINETY) league games since then there have been 30 wins and 40 defeats – a sorry win percentage of just 33%. Most recently, we have celebrated victory only three times in the last 15 Premier League fixtures. A manager lauded for his organisation skills and defensive nous has presided over the leakiest defence in the division outside the bottom three. And all of this while playing the dullest, dreariest, drabbest excuse for football known to mankind.

As attention turns to what comes next there are several obvious problem areas. Firstly, the summer will be a busy period of managerial change. Just in the Premier League, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle may all be joining Liverpool in looking for a fresh face and fresh ideas. Any coach with a decent CV will be in heavy demand with swift action required. Secondly, an astute coach might run his finger down the thin and ageing squad list and baulk at the size of the rebuilding job required to make it fit for purpose. And, thirdly, the sceptical (hopefully not cynical) suspicion that the Board are incapable of acting with good sense and vision in appointing a successor.

Journalists and commentators have been busily scouring Wikipedia to ensure there are no shortage of managerial rumours. Roughly they fall into three categories: young up-and-coming continental coaches; older been-round-the-blocks experienced managers; and the comedy candidates – yes, you can even get odds on Steve Cooper, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker.

Many Hammer’s fans are putting a lot of faith in the Board taking heed of Tim Steidten’s wise counsel. For the club to progress it has to adopt a far more enlightened approach to both player and coach/ manager recruitment. Identifying potential instead of signing agent recommendations for established players who are not good enough for the bigger clubs. A long list of expensive flops is testament to the shortcomings of past practice. But Steidten will need all his powers of persuasion. For the West Ham Board, a 39-year-old is more likley to be seen as a new player than a manager. Attitudes have to change with the decision makers, whatever that dynamic is in the current ownership structure..   

Of the names that have been mentioned, Arne Slot and Ruben Amorin generate the most excitement but are sure to have more glamourous suitors – although it’s not out of the question that a club like West Ham could prove a useful stepping stone for them. Thomas Tuchel’s name has been linked since his departure from Bayern was announced and could be viewed as West Ham’s answer to Unai Emery. He is another who may attract the attention of bigger clubs (Manchester United) and there is an underlying concern as to how well those who have managed at the top can adapt to life further down the ladder. On the face of it, the same might be said of early front-runner, Julen Lopetegui. But dig a little deeper and his CV is not particularly impressive. A short, failed stint at Real Madrid and one Europa League win during a two and a half year spell at Sevilla is not much to show as a 59-year-old. He’s a ‘no’ from me!

The remaining suspects who could satisfy the Board’s desire for experience and also fit within our price and feasibility range are Graham Potter, Gary O’Neil and Paulo Fonseca. I have reservations about Potter. For all the intricacies of his football it lacks the explosive element required to turn possession into goals. With O’Neil, I still have him pigeon-holed as a backs-to-the-wall manager. Great work at Bournemouth and Wolves but very much in the counter-attacking mould.

That leaves Fonseca, the only one of the three without Premier League experience. His brand of football is encouraging but can it translate to the English game? In the past he has been linked with moves to Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa but nothing has ever come of it. Is there a reason?

I have zero inside track on what might happen. I would be happy with Amorin or Fonseca but its not my call. Equally, there may be other names on Tim’s list that are being kept firmly under wraps. Past performance does not guarantee future results but what are the chances of the Board making the right choice. Steve Bruce anyone?

Despite all the intrigue there’s still the matter of a home match against Liverpool at the weekend. The visitor’s title hopes were effectively torpedoed in last night’s Merseyside derby leaving the high hopes of a magnificent Klopp farewell triumph in tatters. The German has chosen a good time to leave Anfield as it has the look of a team on the way down, at least in the short term. Players such as Nunez and Diaz are decent enough, but do not measure up to the departed Firmino and Mane at their peak. A reaction to the Everton defeat should be enough to see them ease past a demoralised West Ham who have the look of a side going through the motions.

Oddly enough, despite an appalling run of performances and results, European qualification is still mathematically possible. Other sides as well as the Hammers seemingly reluctant to take the opportunity for the minor placings. Could events still take an unexpected turn? COYI!