With David Moyes’ departure from West Ham United confirmed, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has proposed a surprising yet intriguing next step for the Scottish manager: the vacant Republic of Ireland job.
Moyes’ tenure at West Ham came to an end on Sunday, with a 3-1 win against Luton Town marking his final home game in charge. The decision not to renew his contract has opened the door for a new manager at the London Stadium, with Julen Lopetegui reportedly the frontrunner for the position.
Cascarino believes Moyes’ experience and age make him a perfect candidate for the Republic of Ireland job. He argues that international management is a suitable fit for managers at this stage of their careers. While acknowledging the significant difference in salary compared to his West Ham role, Cascarino emphasises the potential of the Irish project.
Cascarino highlights Ireland’s recent struggles and their desperate need for a strong leader to change their fortunes. He believes Moyes‘ experience and leadership qualities could be instrumental in guiding them towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Cascarino’s suggestion is just one possibility for Moyes’ future. Despite facing criticism during his final months at West Ham, his managerial record suggests he won’t be out of work for long. The key question remains: will Moyes choose the international route or pursue a return to club football?
While international management is often seen as a natural progression for experienced managers, it requires a different skillset compared to club management. The success of an international manager depends heavily on maximising limited time with players and navigating the unique challenges of international competition.
Whether or not he could cope with that is another question.