West Ham are on the lookout for a new coach after parting ways with David Moyes on Wednesday – could the right man already be in England?
No one can be too surprised that David Moyes and West Ham have parted ways, even if some will disagree with the decision.
Moyes was never really allowed to stamp his mark on the club and it seems as if a combination of factors (ownership issues, fan loyalties, stadium issues and injuries) conspired against him to prevent him taking the job after his short-term contract ended. The writing was always on the wall – despite what many outsiders will see as a job well done. But Moyes certainly won’t be as miffed as Sam Allardyce at Everton, who also lost his job on the same day.
But two things were re-affirmed from the appointment that should help West Ham going forward: safety from relegation and the knowledge that, when the chips are down, they feel secure in the hands of someone with Premier League experience. It could be argued that West Ham probably do need to bring in a more progressive manager, with experience in England’s top division, who can build a good rapport with both the owners and the fans.
And there are managers around on the doorstep (well not too far away) who tick all these boxes – Chris Hughton and Eddie Howe, particularly, with David Wagner also showing he has what it takes at Huddersmith. And then there’s Rafa.
Hughton’s new deal with Brighton will almost certainly rule him out. Quite how easy it will be to nab Howe, however, is unknown. He seems to be very settled at Bournemouth, and might not have the appetite for the drama that has become West Ham.
Wagner, on the other hand, hasn’t ruled out leaving Huddersfield (he might feel that the job there will be even more difficult next season), but he has been linked with a move back to Germany.
Benitez, of course, would be an interesting choice, and he has done great things at Newcastle – despite the challenges. With a hide as thick as a rhino, and beloved by both Liverpool and Newcastle fans, he has been a long-time target for the West Ham ownership. Rafa doesn’t take any prisoners and won’t be put off by what many feel is a rather poisoned position. The BBC’s football gossip column is also reporting that West Ham are likely to be making an approach.
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