Steidten to Liverpool
Numerous websites are circulating a story suggesting that West Ham’s director of football, Tim Steidten, could be on the verge of leaving the club if David Moyes remains as manager. Whilst these articles may seem somewhat believable at first, especially with their mention of ‘angst’ and ‘friction’ between the two, the truth of the matter is quite different.
In reality, Steidten and Moyes have a very good working relationship. Whilst they may not be holidaying together at Butlins, they do share a friendly rapport. Reports of them nearly coming to blows during the summer lack any substance or credibility.
Steidten did identify Ibrahim Osman as a potential signing, and there was some buzz about it last month. However, the failure of the transfer had nothing to do with David Moyes, despite contrary reports. In fact, all sources close to the club (including Claret & Hugh) reported that the signing of Osman was agreed upon by Mark Noble, Steidten, and Moyes.
Steidten to Liverpool? Maybe but reports of a rift with Moyes are wide of the mark
Nevertheless, with rumours circulating about Liverpool’s interest in hiring Steidten, it would be unwise to assume he’ll remain with West Ham. Whilst he may have a good relationship with Moyes, it’s fair to say that he would enjoy far more control at other clubs than he has at West Ham.
A DOF who can’t direct football
In many respects, Steidten finds himself as a director of football with limited influence over football matters. The sole signing made in the winter window (Kalvin Phillips) was the manager’s choice, with Moyes holding ultimate veto power.
Moyes operates more like an old-style football manager, accustomed to running a club from top to bottom. Steidten, on the other hand, comes from a background where clubs hire a head coach, and recruitment is handled by a separate department.
Working in an environment where one’s suggestions often don’t progress beyond the development phase must be frustrating. This frustration became evident when Steidten gave an interview to Sky Sports Germany on Tuesday, where he emphasized his contributions to the role and took pride in signing Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Steidten were to depart from West Ham, but suggesting that he would be forced out by Moyes is utter nonsense.
This is another of those, “not again?”, moments at West Ham.
Obviously I’m an armchair fan living in Australia, but I grew up in the UK supporting West Ham in the 80s and 90s.
I honestly thought we were going to be the next big thing after the boys of 86, only to watch the club cash in rather than invest.
Every board since seems to talk big things, but after the Icelandic horror show G&S have brought a much needed stability. Hopefully the end of our “yo-yo” years.
But still the old mistakes creep in, why bring on a DoF if they have no power to influence the direction of the team. Especially someone of Steidten’s standing.
Any excitement I felt at his appointment has long since gone the way of the dodo.
It seems the manager is loath to hand over any of the decision making around the team (if reports are true), which seems an old school way of doing things.
The uninspired feeling I get now, after the euphoria of winning the Conference League, is that the board are happy with mid-table safety. After that all other success is a bonus.
Which probably isn’t true, but it definitely feels that way.