MOYES: STRIKE WHILE IRONS ARE HOT
DAVID MOYES has told Declan Rice and the rest of his West Ham stars the next step in their development is to be as consistent year in, year out as they were last season.
The Hammers surprised many by finishing sixth and claiming a Europa League spot at the end of a fantastic campaign.
But the trick for Moyes’ boys now is to do it again and prove it was not a one-season wonder.
“Progression is now for that level of consistency to remain,” said Moyes, ahead of today’s trip to
Newcastle. “We took a humongous leap last year with the season we had — probably nobody expected us to be where we are.
“So we have to be careful that expectations are not so great that they are difficult to match.
“But we are positive, we fancy our chances at the moment, we are in a good place.”
Another element of last season that Moyes hopes will continue is goals from Michail Antonio.
He added: “Mick has been great for the team. He leads the line well and helps us in different parts of the game and you can’t forget he isn’t long turned a centre-forward, just over a year-and-a-half ago.
“He has got a few goals in that position and he should get more goals, but Mick’s biggest thing is getting his fitness right when he can play more games.
“His number of games to goals is actually not so bad. It is just keeping him on the pitch.
“But also there is a new Michail Antonio, who is fitter, more professional in his day-to-day work and how he is preparing himself for the games and understanding what he has to do to be in a good condition. So, hopefully, we get the benefit of that and get him playing more games this season.”
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who has joined from Paris SaintGermain on loan, is West Ham’s only signing, but Moyes is on the lookout for more additions.
He said: “I can get players in, but if they are the wrong ones, then that’s not going to make us better.
“I am not going back to the days of getting players in who are only here because it makes the media and supporters feel good.”