It’s all change at West Ham United following the exit of David Moyes.
Not many are surprised that the Scotsman has left because you felt this was on the cards even after their Europa Conference League triumph last season.
West Ham United ended the season pretty poorly and failed to secure Europe, after doing so three years on the bounce under their now-departed manager.
When the news about Moyes’ departure was announced, all eyes were on the powers that be at the London Stadium and who they would bring in.
After leaving Wolves days before the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, ex-Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has been given the keys to the building.
But with the arrival of the Spanish coach, it means there has to be a clearout on the other end, even if they have done a good job.
During Moyes’ tenure, he worked alongside a number of people on the training pitch, but there was one constant.
Kevin Nolan, who has been a number one before in the lower leagues with Notts County, has been beside him all the time.
The former Hammer explained that when Lopetegui came in, he was hoping he was going to stay, but it was a ‘bitter blow’ when the Englishman was told that he was no longer needed, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
Kevin Nolan leaves West Ham United
“To get ourselves into Europe and to just continue to build on that, then you get into Europe and to have three seasons in it,” said Nolan.
“I think we were the only team with Man City and Liverpool to play 60+ games for them three seasons. The toll it had on us. The work and what it had to do. I thought it was unbelievable. It was a great experience for me to be in the semi-final of the Europa League, then go to the final of the Conference and win, then get to the quarter-final and get knocked out by a Leverkusen side who have gone on a great journey in what they have done this season under Xabi Alonso. It was fantastic to be back at West Ham, it meant an awful lot to me. It’s about nine years I spent in a playing and coaching capacity.
“For me, receiving the news on Monday was a bitter blow. Disappointing, on my behalf because I wanted to stay. As well, I know, it’s football. That’s it. That’s done. We look forward and start thinking about the future.”
Huge pressure on Julen Lopetegui
Not only will Lopetegui be tasked to deliver wins and a return to Europe. But he has to do it by playing pretty football.
That was the one big concern with Moyes. He had an abundance of attacking and flair players at his disposal, but many felt they were playing with handcuffs on.
READ MORE: Tottenham and West Ham risk missing out on 28-goal striker as interested club push for £15m deal
So, what West Ham United do next season, is going to be one of the more interesting stories in the Premier League.
The manner in which Moyes departed divided opinion. On one hand, certain fans wanted him gone and felt a change was needed.
But the media were always critical and the typical ‘be careful what you wish for’ was thrown at them.
All will be revealed next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
