Although Moyes won West Ham’s first trophy in forty-three years, his stated departure at the end of the current campaign raises questions about whether his successor will be an improvement.
After winning his first major trophy and West Ham’s first piece of silverware in forty-three years, David Moyes, a quarter of a century into his managerial career, will always have Prague, Dad-dancing in the dressing room to the Proclaimers.
After eleven months, Moores’ exit had become the worst-kept secret in football. Since all teams are required to plan for succession, it was especially hurtful for them when Ruben Amorim had to issue an apology for meeting the defending Europa Conference League champions.
While Julien Lopetegui will undoubtedly succeed Moyes, one aspect of Moyes’ legacy will be the continental honor that a team that was in danger of relegation to the Championship after sending an SOS to the Scot in 2019 has now achieved.
Moyes departs West Ham as their best manager since John Lyall, maybe their third best manager ever, for this reason, though it is by no means the only one. It’s time to let them go based on their recent record of just four victories in 2024, their very unMoyesian defensive record of 70 goals conceded, and their tendency to lose badly, which is inconsistent with the Scots’ decisive, resilient, and well-organized teams.
Additionally, there was a feeling that Moyes was being criticized by supporters after each loss. That would not have served as a foundation for the upcoming season.
Nevertheless, despite their recent difficulties, West Ham is still ranked ninth, behind eight teams with larger finances. It is not underachievement if stylistic problems (high goals conceded, low possession) are also present. If Moyes’ team defeats Luton on Saturday, it might result in a 13th top-nine finish in his Premier League career. Of them, only one—at Manchester United—was arguably below par.
That is part of the reason to celebrate his reign—or reigns, really, considering that West Ham wasn’t supposed to let him go in 2018. He prevented them from being relegated twice in two half-seasons. Before taking home the hardware, he then achieved the first consecutive top-seven finishes in their history as a top flight competitor.
