As we all know now, Ruben Amorim, has committed his future to Sporting CP. This now puts Julen Lopetegui in the lead for the vacant West Ham hotseat. Fabrizio Roman confirmed football’s worst kept secret this morning as leaks began to emerge about an agreement between The Hammers and former Sevilla coach.
West Ham fans hoping for Amorim’s attacking brand of football will be left disappointed. Amorim publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Sporting, aiming to secure a historic three-peat of Portuguese league titles. His contract extension until 2026 signifies his long-term vision with the club.
Sporting’s recent championship victory undoubtedly influenced Amorim’s decision. This success solidifies his position within the club and fuels his ambition for further achievements.
With Amorim out of the picture, Julen Lopetegui emerges as the frontrunner for the West Ham job. His experience managing Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League makes him a credible candidate. An additional advantage for West Ham is that Lopetegui is currently without a club, eliminating the need for a transfer fee. This financial aspect is likely appealing to co-chairman David Sullivan, known for his cost-conscious approach.
David Moyes’ time at West Ham seems to be nearing its end. A string of disappointing results, culminating in the recent drubbing by Chelsea, has extinguished any hope of European football next season. The upcoming match against Luton is expected to be Moyes’ final home game in charge, with a trip to Manchester City marking the official conclusion of the season for West Ham.
While Lopetegui is currently the favourite, West Ham is reportedly keeping its options open and considering other candidates. A final decision on Moyes’ successor is likely to be made after the season’s conclusion.
West Ham finds itself back to square one, with Amorim’s now official departure creating a new path. Lopetegui appears to be the frontrunner, but whether he will ultimately lead the Hammers remains to be seen.
Embarrassing! Unprofessional. Sad.
So Sullivan!
I’m old enough to remember this: “However, West Ham’s attempts to secure O’Neill appear to have been jeopardised after the Irishman was deeply unimpressed with the way reports emerged on Saturday claiming he would be named as Grant’s successor after the Arsenal game. The Irishman was disappointedwith the way the story was leaked and the implication that he had effectively accepted a position before the current incumbent had been dismissed. While clubs will nearly always make soundings before sacking the man in charge, those discussions are generally kept private, with West Ham’s failure to do so making the whole episode look undignified.” I wonder if the same principles will apply here. Guessing not!
So it’s official then Moyes is off. Lopetegui to take over. Didn’t want him but now we will have to get behind him. You never know he might get us playing some decent football.
It seems Sullivan is intent on appointing Lopetugi. Whether that’s right or wrong he could pull off a masterstroke by appointing Will Still as assistant coach. Will clearly has a lot of talent and is probably a little short of experience for the Premier League. So get him in and groom him in the old West Ham way, like Lyall following Greenwood.