Hammers out to move on from Moyes
West Ham are back on the hunt for a “high-calibre” manager after opting not to extend the contract of David Moyes.
Former Sunderland boss Moyes lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone after replacing Slaven Bilic on a shortterm contract in November.
But an eventual 13th-placed finish, thanks to seven points from their final three matches, was apparently not enough to earn the 55-year-old Scot a new deal.
In announcing the departure of Moyes, jointchairman David Sullivan said: “We are already taking steps to identify and recruit the manager we believe can take West Ham United forward in line with our ambitions.
“We aim to appoint a highcalibre figure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next 10 days.”
It is a familiar refrain. Rafa Benitez topped Sullivan’s wanted list before Bilic got the job.
West Ham were reportedly turned down by Carlo Ancelotti, Ronald Koeman, Sean Dyche and Paulo Sousa before turning to Moyes.
Sullivan has reportedly already held talks with Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca. Yet reports emanating from his homeland in Portugal claim he has instead opted to stay put with the Ukrainian side and sign a new contract.
Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, currently with Hebei China Fortune, outgoing Paris St-Germain coach Unai Emery, and Newcastle’s Benitez – again – have also been linked with the role.
Assistant coaches Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay have also left their roles with the Hammers.
Ex-West Ham striker Tony Cottee said: “The guy was brought in to do a job in difficult circumstances.
“He’s got the results, so surely he deserved a chance to take the club forward? I’m disappointed, but not surprised.”