By Hughie Southon
Tomas Soucek’s position at West Ham remains unchanged with a seemingly impossible gap between him, the manager and thus a new contract.
We are hearing that Newcastle are interested but that suggestions Villa might come in are probably not true.
It had been hoped that there may have been a change of heart from the manager on a new deal but even were that to become the case – and it hasn’t so far – the comments passed at the first round of talks have had a profound impact on the player’s attitude.
He learned from his agents at a meeting attended by the manager with Karren Brady understood to be in attendance that his form had been poor and there was no way forward on a deal – and that was after he had played in virtually every game.
That Moyes has been chasing targets such as Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Lille’s Amadou Onana suggest anyway that a parting of the ways is on the cards.
Sadly, so very sadly, and we so hope we are wrong, it is beginning to look inevitable and we had the story we broke back in the year confirmed by three separate outlets today.
Stupidity , his form was not bad , Moyes needs to look at where he played him last season . Moyes and co can chase who they want but realistic offers need to be made . The squad should be strengthened with Soucek in it , not only do we need strength but also cover if we are to improve. Moyes must be looking at a different player to me !
Agreed. Played in a different role to enable Dec to try to improve his attacking game. Also, played numerous club and country matches with little of a break in the summer. Hopefully he will be more rested this year, particularly as Czechs haven’t qualified for the WC.
In any event, if he was so poor why wasn’t he dropped? If Moysie felt Nobes or Kraal were not up to it, given they have both left, who will play if Dec or Soucek’s replacement are injured, suspended or off form?
Hopefully we will sign an additional player and give Soucek time to get back to his best……..if he wants to stay?
Get rid of Moyes, keep Soucek & and go for Pochettino to replace Dithering Dave !!
I don’t see it that way.
A 3 of Rice,Soucek and some one like Onana will offer better options and protection.
Rice’s strength is ploughing forward from deep, Souceks is all about timing. Being in the right place at the right time.
I have explained it as it is and well known among some of us
This surely must be due to some sort of bust up between them. If it isn’t I just don’t get it.
I think the story explains that
There are some things Moyes does really well, like the spirit of a small squad and tight unit. The downside of that is the exclusion of others, whilst flogging players every game and out of position or role. This is a classic result of that. To compound it by openly criticising Soucek, insulting really, seems that words spoken have cut too deep. The very loyalty Moyes engendered, he has smashed. Meanwhile, young players are restless as they see no opportunity. Even worse is reports of the club chasing U 23’s from other clubs. They must feel it’s playing favourites and faces not fitting. Add all that to no transfer activity, no apparent plan, arguments with the board, large turnover, and we look in a mess. No amount of ‘i love Moyes’ alters that.