David Moyes‘ exit from West Ham United marks the end of a tenure defined by both triumph and inconsistency.
Moyes’ crowning achievement was undoubtedly guiding the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory in Prague last year. This historic feat delivered West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years and cemented Moyes’ place among the club’s most successful managers. He also secured back-to-back top-seven finishes in the Premier League, an unprecedented feat for the club.
However, the latter stages of Moyes’ reign were marred by a significant dip in form. The team’s defence became a liability, conceding a concerning number of goals. Additionally, the attacking style, while effective at times, often prioritised pragmatism over possession-based aesthetics.
Moyes’ transfer dealings also yielded mixed results. The signings of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta bolstered the squad, while Zouma’s captaincy coincided with the defensive woes. Letting go of attacking options like Fornals and Benrahma in January backfired, and the loan acquisition of Kalvin Phillips proved disastrous.
Despite these recent struggles, Moyes leaves behind a squad arguably stronger than any West Ham has seen in two decades. He demonstrably improved players like Bowen and Antonio, fostering a culture of resilience and organization.
West Ham now turn to Julen Lopetegui, another European trophy winner, hoping to build upon Moyes’ foundation. Lopetegui’s brief and tumultuous spell at Real Madrid is overshadowed by his impressive rescue act at Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, his well-documented desire for significant investment could clash with West Ham’s financial limitations.
While Moyes’ departure signifies a turning point, his era will undoubtedly be remembered as a period of European glory and much-needed stability for West Ham. His legacy is a complex one, but his place in West Ham folklore is assured, with Prague forever etched as a pinnacle of his managerial career.
I know that I have been a critic, but nevertheless, thank you Mr Moyes !
Simon… no. He does not leave the squad in a stronger position. Far from it. He has repeatedly sold players and failed to replace them, burnt a small group of his favourites at the expense of bringing on the fringe squad players and youth, allowed the squad to age. He won a third rate European trophy when teams like Leicester, Wigan, Oxford, Blackburn, Birmingham etc etc have managed to win proper domestic trophies. He will go down as West Ham’s worst manager since Lou Macari.
Omg. Yes there are scratches on Moyes achievements but it’s not gangrene everywhere! What about Bowen? What about Antonio? What about our achievements in Europe -a trophy a semi final and all the rest. Did Pellegrini do that? Bilic? I don’t recall exciting football from those either. Moyes steadied the ship and gave us some good times. I wouldn’t condemn him for that !
I don’t want to be overly dismissive but your comment no exciting football from Bilic??? I suggest you have a look at the 2015/16 season highlights on You Tube? Not sure how long you have been a fan but Dimitri Payet was quite good that season. A lot of contentious decisions went against West Ham costing us top 4 and a 6th Round FA Cup win at Old Trafford. And we qualified for Europe.
Pelegrini’s first season had some great football – wins over Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and a 4-3 thriller with Huddersfield stick in the immediate memory along with Anderson’s twinkly toes on the wing.
Moyes stayed too long and tarnished his reputation with his dreadful tactics, inssitence on getting Kalvin Phillips and refusal to acknowledge you can use substitutes (your allowed to use 5 now Dave)
David Moyes delivered the most significant night in my WHU supporting life. Two great league campaigns as well. He goes with my eternal thanks and respect, and I wish him all the best for the future.
Pellegreeni hope I spelt it right but very much doubt it lol. Left a better squad behind . We’ve got some outstanding players Bowen Kudus pacqueta Alvarez areola . Etc . But the squad has been left to basically decompose . Whether it’s Moyes fault or Sullivans . This cannot be allowed to happen again. It’s proper kicking the can down the road nonsense.