West Ham considering ex-Prem boss who’s adored at former club but hated by another, with David Moyes sack closer than ever
The future of David Moyes is ‘in the balance’ as West Ham continue to flirt with relegation, and a report has revealed four candidates are under consideration if they pull the trigger, including one it’s acknowledged won’t be a popular appointment.
David Moyes guided West Ham to sixth and seventh-placed finishes over the past two seasons, though things have gone horribly awry this year.
The Hammers currently sit 18th in the table and no team has more Premier League defeats than their 12.
They’re the joint-second lowest scorers in the division (15), with only Wolves (12) having found the net on fewer occasions.
Furthermore, their decline shows no signs of abating with just a single point collected from a possible 21 over their last seven matches.
What makes the club’s struggles all the more frustrating is the fact Moyes was backed heavily in the market last summer.
Indeed, Nayef Aguerd, Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca all arrived for big fees. The likes of Emerson Palmieri and Maxwel Cornet didn’t come cheap either. All in all, their net spend in the summer window was around £145m.
As such, the pressure is mounting on Moyes to turn things around, though according to the Telegraph, he may not be given the chance.
David Moyes future could hinge on Everton result
They report West Ham’s ‘ideal’ scenario is to give the Scot more time. However, it’s claimed Moyes’ future is ‘in the balance’ ahead of their crunch clash with Everton next Saturday.
Defeat in that contest would see the Toffees leapfrog West Ham in the table. If the resurgent Southampton can secure at least a point at home to Aston Villa, Moyes’ side could end next weekend bottom of the table in that scenario.
Moyes’ position is thus under greater threat than at any previous time he’s been at the club. What’s more, the article states four potential successors are already being sized up.
The shortlist is split into two categories – so-called ‘dream’ options and more realistic ‘short-term’ fixes.
Regarding the former, West Ham would love to appoint either Thomas Tuchel or Mauricio Pochettino.
Both are considered among the world’s best managers, though it’s acknowledged both Tuchel and Pochettino are ‘out of reach’ given West Ham’s current predicament.
Instead, a more attainable figure is likely to be targeted in the event Moyes is pushed out. Two names are mentioned, Nuno Espirito Santo and Rafael Benitez.
Benitez a practical but unpopular appointment
The report notes the pair would be viewed as ‘fire-fighter’ appointments with the express aim of steering the club to safety. If either were given the nod, it’s suggested it’d only be until the end of the season.
Both are known for their defensive tactics and it’s acknowledged neither would be greeted warmly by the West Ham faithful. However, needs must and relegation would constitute a disaster for the club.
Benitez in particular would be a divisive appointment if his previous spells in the Premier League are anything to go by.
He made his name in England with Liverpool between 2004-10 where he’s fondly remembered to this day. However, he was vilified from day one when moving back to the city with Everton in 2021.
His ill-fated Toffees stint was his most recent managerial role and ended after being sacked after just 22 matches in charge.
The report concludes West Ham hope Moyes can spare them from having to make a difficult decision by leading them to victory against Everton.
But if they taste defeat once again, his three-plus year stint at the helm may conclude with West Ham ready to roll the dice on a controversial new appointment.
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