How manager got his mojo back

WHEN David Moyes arrived at West Ham in November, he went back to the methods he employed when he started out, first at Preston and then in those early years at Everton.

He inherited a team in the relegation zone with the worst physical statistics in the Premier League. They were covering less ground, playing with less intensity.

So Moyes employed the zero tolerance policy that had served him so well in the past.

Marko Arnautovic was told if he didn’t run, he wouldn’t play, and he was not alone in being given a kick up the backside. Now every player at West Ham understands that they buy into the manager’s methods or they are on the sidelines.

Moyes knew he had a point to prove when he succeeded Slaven Bilic. He accepted what, by Premier League standards, was a low basic wage as well as a short-term contract, with the club guaranteeing him a sizeable bonus to keep them in the top flight. He enjoys great support from his assistants — a strong presence in the form of Stuart Pearce and a coach in Billy McKinlay who has a lighter touch when dealing with the players.

In Alan Irvine, Moyes also has someone with superb organisational skills.

And it is working. A fine victory at Huddersfield was secured thanks to a highenergy, high-pressing approach and it leaves West Ham in the safety of mid-table. Moyes, say those closest to him, has his mojo back.

On Saturday, he became the fourth manager to win 200 Premier League games. West Ham might be on to a winner.