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The ideal candidate or just the safe option?

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David MoyesRecent reports in The Mirror suggest that West Ham may battle it out with Newcastle to capture David Moyes from Real Sociedad but is it all really worth it?

Moyes has done a relatively adequate job at Sociedad, steering them clear of relegation, an objective the Spanish club highlighted as the absolute bare minimum for Moyes to achieve this season. Although a return to the Premier League is certainly on the cards, can he guarantee to take West Ham to the so called ‘next level’?

Sam Allardyce has received a lot of criticism in recent weeks due to the side’s poor run of results that have led to the hammers slipping further down the table. If a change of manager is to take place at the end of the season, the candidate must have the pedigree to convince West Ham fans that he can take the club further forward.

David Moyes clearly has a proven track record in the Premier League. His reputation was tarnished incredibly by his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford but the work he carried out at Everton was excellent. He managed to produce a side that played direct, attacking football, using the full-backs as width to stretch teams. There is no doubt that Moyes built a team that became quite a formidable force in the Premier League.

The problem is whether he can do the same job with West Ham. The squad at the club is one of the best for a long time and there are a number of talented players that could thrive under Moyes’ guidance. There is also the added bonus of Tony Henry’s current presence at the club. Both Henry and Moyes worked with each other at Everton, completing a number of shrewd signings on a minimum budget.

If Moyes can emulate his managerial success he experienced at Everton with West Ham, it could be a good appointment for the club. However, with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Rafael Benitez rumoured to be eyeing the Premier League, there is always the marquee option that could potentially become available.

The issue is that many fans expect a top name to take over if Allardyce leaves and Moyes doesn’t seem to fit that bill. However, with the potential of Europa League football next season, West Ham must improve the squad and this can only be done by signing better players and encouraging managerial stability. It isn’t silly to think that Moyes would be able to settle at a club like West Ham straight away.

Despite reservations over Moyes, Hammers fans must remember what he did at Goodison Park; he showed that he can develop a club that lacks the budget of the top Premier League sides. Although Moyes may not necessarily get the team playing like Barcelona, they will be efficient and by no means dull to watch.

Whatever happens with the managerial situation, West Ham could do a lot worse than David Moyes. A man who clearly knows the Premier League, he could guide West Ham to a consistent top eight finish every season. If he managed it with Everton, there is no reason as to why he cannot do it with West Ham. The club are looking to get to this ‘next-level’ and consistent top half finishes sounds like a steady yet effective progression that Moyes can bring to the table.

Got a different opinion? Is there another managerial candidate that can do a better job? Post your thoughts below.

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1 comment

  • Legends says:

    Moyes is a step sideways, not forward.
    Would rather keep Big Sam, and that’s saying something. Perhaps a muted-Sam Allardyce so i dont have to listen to his rubbish anymore.
    I hope that the club are thinking about a new filosophy, expansive attacking football, two strikers, ball in the deck etc etc. .. If it was my decision, of course its not, but if it was i’d go with Bilic or Bielsa or someone who brings with him those 4-5 extra technically gifted players to add to some quality players we have already (and im not talking about Nolan.)
    Congratulations to Cresswell btw – fully deserved! Great signing!

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