MOYES IN SLAP RAP
factor to an institution enveloped in gloom? “It’s part of the rebuilding of the club and hopefully we will be in the Premier League to do it,” he said.
“That has to be first priority but if we are not in it, we have to find a way of picking things up.
“We were short of players last summer, again in January, and we will be short again at the end of the season because a lot of them will be out of contract, while others are only on loan here.
“So we will have to work really hard on recruiting and some of that will need finance. Some will be free transfers.”
With top scorer Jermain Defoe set to leave following their almost certain relegation, Moyes admits supporters are craving new heroes and an injection of youth.
“I think we need both but above all I would like players who understand this region,” he said.
“This area is more suited to British-type players if it can be done. I can’t guarantee that but that’s the picture I’m looking at. We’ve had three boys come through this year, including Jordan Pickford.
“There are a couple more on the horizon too. That’s the starting point for this club – to get back to those sort of basic roots.”
Even though he’s looking to the future Moyes isn’t giving up on the present and admits some momentum has to be found between now and the end of the season.
Build
Despite bad results, rotten performances and off-field scandal, the 53-year-old believes that while he’s not flavour of the month with the Mackem fans, a new bond is developing between club and supporter.
“We have worked hard to build a connection with the fans and it’s important we keep that,” he added.
“From day one we have been honest so while the fans do not like the results and the way it’s gone, at least we are talking straight to them.”