Who’s in the house?

I guess we’ll never know if David Moyes wanted to stay at the helm of the good ship West Ham or if he was made to walk the plank. One things for sure he came into a sinking ship in rough waters and some how managed to steer us to Premiership survival. This was no easy feat. When he arrived the team were low on confidence, points and fitness. Somehow along the way we gained enough points to stay up and look forward to a summer of rebuilding for the season ahead.

Moyes was known as a disciplinarian who stood for no nonsense. He was criticised for going public on individual players performances rather than keeping it in the dressing room. His mantra was if you’re big enough to be in the team you’re big enough to take what’s thrown at you. This may work in some instances for some pro’s but it was frowned upon with the treatment of young starlet Declan Rice. Andy Carroll was an unused substitute in the defeat against Manchester City and left the bench with twenty minutes to play. He was subsequently fined after a meeting with Moyes and sent home. This was all over social media shortly after their exchange.

Here lies a major problem for any incoming manager at the club. Mark Noble spoke of a club being run properly on an emotional night after the final match at Upton Park. Those words seem rather hollow now. If there’s a guide book how to mess up a club then the board have read it thoroughly and are implementing it word for word.

David Moyes came across as a decent chap with a wealth of footballing knowledge and someone I’d have kept. Our final match against Everton was the best I’ve seen us play where the players expressed themselves and had a real swagger. This was a team playing with no fear. The criticism aimed at Moyes was harsh to say the least. He had to find a way which he did and fulfilled the brief he was employed to do.

Whether in walked or wasn’t offered the opportunity is neither here nor there now, what is clear is that the search for our next manager is on. David Gold was quoted as saying he liked Moyes and wanting him to stay whilst his partner in crime was interviewing Paulo Fonseca. It’s now come from a source that the club have 20-30 interested managers showing an interest in the role.

Whispers are that Benitez and Pelligrini are also on our wanted list. This smells a bit fishy to me. This has got we’re in the hunt for a £30 mil 20 goal a season forward written all over it. What amazes me is why the club haven’t learnt its lesson and kept it zipped!! Slaven Billic was very much second or third choice when Alladyce left and I’m sure this must have a bearing on the working relationship on both sides.

So who’s the likeliest man for the job? Here’s my shortlist.

Unai Emery the departing PSG manager worked with a squad of international superstars. Possible but could he get the best from our squad with little money and no Premier League experience?

Paulo Fonesca already interviewed and concerns about his English ( source from club ).

Manuel Pelligrini wealth of experience currently managing in Chinese super league and would cost a fortune just to get him at The London Stadium and would want a budget to match.

Rafa Benitez, been there seen it and done it. The one the board have had their eye on for years. Done an amazing job at Newcastle with little cash. Both ourselves and the Geordies’ have the same aspirations with an amazing fan base. This could be a sideways step for Rafa when he’s on the way to making Tyneside rock again.

I reckon they’ll be plenty of talk from within the club and sources will be quoted and social media will be awash with opinion until the manager is announced.

I’d like to think that our manager is on that list but I think the club never fail to surprise us with a curveball. Whoever and whenever it is I can guarantee that they weren’t the first choice and here is the problem.

One thing is certain it won’t be met with a unified show of support. I’ll give it a year.