David Moyes last season led West Ham to their first major trophy since 1980. AFP Photo
Paul Kennedy
I really feel there’s plenty of life left in David Moyes, and was honestly surprised this week when West Ham announced he’d be leaving.
Last season, Moyes led the Hammers to European success in the Conference league, which was their first major trophy in 44 years.
Following on from that triumph, this season West Ham reached the quarters of the Europa League and currently sit in a reasonable ninth place in the Premier League.
Granted, no silverwear this time around, but I’d hardly say Moyes has failed at West Ham, especially when you factor in the loss of Declan Rice, arguably their best player, who moved to Arsenal at the start of this season.
I know supporters have complained about his style of play, but come on… this is West Ham, winning in Europe, you all should be over the moon.
Moyes will be replaced by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui who I think it’s fair to say has had a controversial career.
After spells at Real Madrid and as national coach with Spain, both ending in his dismissal, he took over at Wolves, where speaking to one or two supporters, I understand he hardly set the world alight.
Lopetegui left Wolves after complaining he wasn’t given enough money to spend, and I don’t think the road to West Ham will be paved with gold.
But back to Moyes, and I think the best word to describe him is stalwart.
The majority of his career has been at the highest level and I still think he wasn’t given a fair crack of the whip when he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. They were, after all, the biggest of shoes to fill.
Other than a blip with Sunderland, he’s never really let any of the teams down that he’s managed.
And apart from a spell in Spain with Real Sociedad, he’s been a Premier League manager for 22 years. That’s some going.
Believe it or not, Moyes is 61 years old, just four years older than Lopetegui. I guess being brought up on the mean streets of Glasgow has given Moyes much more of a weathered look.
He won’t struggle to find a new suitor. There’s talk Spartak Moscow are interested in the Scot. As for Lopetegui, time will tell. But I do think over time, West Ham fans may well miss Moyes more than they realise. VNS
OVietnam