“Laughably Hypocritical” | Moyes Cronies Rally Ahead of Everton Move

The reporting on the Sean Dyche situation at Everton is astonishingly hypocritical, especially with many suggesting David Moyes as his replacement.

Just a few months ago, pundits like Paul Merson, Alan Shearer, Jeff Stelling, and others were adamant that it was disrespectful to even suggest replacing Moyes. Former Sky presenter Richard Keys went so far as to call West Ham’s director of football Tim Steidten a “sneaky weasel” for attempting to recruit a new manager after Moyes declined a slightly reduced role as head coach.

West Ham fans were warned to be careful what they wished for and were patronisingly lectured on respect and decency by the ‘be careful what you wish for brigade’.

Therefore, I find the coverage of Sean Dyche’s situation at Everton shocking, especially since many of the same voices now claim Moyes is perfect for the job.

Sources close to Moyes have hinted that he has left his Canary Wharf apartment and returned to his spiritual home in the North West, making himself “available.”

It seems the respect demanded for Moyes isn’t extended to Dyche, who managed to keep Everton clear of relegation despite last season’s points deduction.

Double standards

As if the double standards couldn’t be more glaring, the usually likable Jeff Stelling added fuel to the fire by defending himself against accusations regarding his “beef” with West Ham fans. Stelling, like many of Moyes’ other supporters, has struggled to report on West Ham impartially since the Scotsman left East London. TalkSport co-host Shebahn Aherne even confronted him, to which Stelling revealingly responded, “It’s just the backing of David Moyes. I think most people in football thought he was doing a good job.”

There you have it—because many pundits are loyal to Moyes, they criticise West Ham for wanting better. Like his former colleague Paul Merson, who once said, “Lopetegui could stay at West Ham for 25 years and not win anything,” Stelling has allowed his personal feelings to cloud his judgment and reporting.

But let’s spare a thought for poor old Sean Dyche, who doesn’t enjoy the same media protection as Moyes. When referring to the Scotsman’s likely return to football, Stelling remarked, “I think he’ll [Moyes] be back in football before long as well.”

Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. We all know what that insinuation meant—apparently, it’s fine as long as Moyes is the one getting the job.