West Ham boss David Moyes could lose his job if his side are beaten against Southampton this Sunday.
The Mail claim that the Scot is set to be axed if fans at the London Stadium turn on him despite surviving the international break.
This is not the first time his coaching staff have been a defeat away from the sack – here lies the problem.
West Ham manager David Moyes reportedly believes he may be sacked if the Hammers lose this weekend.
Moyes was on the brink of the chop coming into the match against Nottingham Forest, which we eventually won 4-0. There were similar concerns leading up the match dubbed ‘El Sackico‘ between West Ham and Everton. The Hammers won 2-0 and it was Frank Lampard who left his respective club.
Owner David Sullivan has stuck by Moyes throughout this season despite growing frustration and concern from fans and even the players, think back to Declan Rice‘s words post-Spurs and cryptic posts from the likes of Manuel Lanzini’s wife regarding him rarely playing. It feels unlikely that Sullivan would pull the trigger so close to the end of the term, he’s taken the risk and it seems too late to make a change now.
People will put Moyes’ poor implementation of new signings and lack of flexibility with tactics down to his stubbornness. But their has just as much stubbornness from the board this season. To their credit, they have been ambitious and backed the manager heavily in the transfer market, fans have been crying out for this and Moyes deserved money to spend to push us on after a fantastic previous two years.
However, what West Ham’s owners have failed to grasp is that surely, regularly being a defeat away from firing the manager, is a ‘sackable’ offence in itself?
The constant danger hanging over the club, the added pressure and uncertainty must create issues on the pitch and in the dressing room. The other point is how long does this one-game away style last? How many positive results does Moyes need for him to comfortably have his head above water? It seems it will be this way until the end of the season at West Ham.
Let’s say the club gets relegated, then Moyes leaves. If the Hammers fail to win the Europa Conference League and stay up, given the fantastic chance to win a trophy, then the manager still departs. Winning the European trophy and going down to the Championship is bizarre and feels such a West Ham outcome, but again for relegation it should be a ‘thanks for the cup but we must re-build, goodbye Moyes’.
Perhaps the ideal scenario that all supporters are hoping for – staying in the Premier League and winning the Conference League – presents a serious headache for Sullivan. Winning something at West Ham is a huge achievement, but beating sides like AEK Laranca or FCSB with the squad shouldn’t be enough to convince your bosses that you’re good enough for the future.
Prem survival and a trophy win remains a dream and it feel like an incredible achievement. Yet, at the same time it could paper over the cracks. Most supporters would still want Moyes gone even if he won the Cup, but Sullivan may easily think differently. It secures top-flight revenue for another year, on top of more glorious European nights for next season.
There is no doubt in my mind that Moyes must leave in the summer (as it’s too late to get rid now) no matter what happens on the pitch between now and the end of the campaign.
Living life with a manager constantly one loss from getting fired is no sustainable way to run a club. A fresh start is needed next season, whether we are playing Championship football or the elite’s in Europe once again. Let’s hope our board feel the same.