STOKE TARGET MOYES

Ex-Hammers boss wanted to replace axed Lambo

STOKE are set to offer David Moyes an instant return to management.

The 55-year-old, who left West Ham this week, is top of the club’s shopping list following the departure of Paul Lambert yesterday.

But the ambitious Championship club may struggle to convince Moyes to take a step down.

The former Manchester United and Everton boss still sees his future in the top flight and might be prepared to wait.

Sam Allardyce, sacked by Everton this week, is another strong contender but he also could be reluctant to drop into the Championship.

Lambert, in charge for only four months, left the club after a meeting with board members.

It was described as being by mutual consent but the Scot had said he wanted to stay on even after relegation had been confirmed.

He was appointed in January following the sacking of Mark Hughes, who had been in charge for almost five years.

Lambert had 15 games to turn things around but won only two games.

Stoke have now decided they want someone else in charge for what will be a massive rebuild.

Moyes fits the bill and has suddenly become available after leaving West Ham this week.

Hectic

Stoke considered Moyes when they axed Hughes but at the time he was only two months into his shortterm deal at West Ham.

Potters owner Peter Coates is an admirer of the job the Scot did at Everton. He left West Ham after failing to win over fans, despite steering the club clear of relegation.

Stoke’s owners want to move quickly and get their man installed to oversee what promises to be a hectic summer with a fragmented squad.

Lambert cracked down on several disciplinary issues, with Saido Berahino, Jese Rodriguez and Ibrahim Afellay all excluded from his firstteam squad.

The club also look likely to lose most of their star players.

England keeper Jack Butland and Welsh international midfielder Joe Allen look certain to leave, along with Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri.