At times during this season, it has seemed like a prolonged farewell for West Ham manager David Moyes. His contract is expiring this summer, and the decision has been made that he will depart the club at the end of the season. Julen Lopetegui, the former Spain, Real Madrid, and Wolves boss, is poised to take over.
On Saturday, the 61-year-old Scottish manager will have the opportunity to show appreciation to the fans who have supported him throughout an incredible journey at West Ham. This journey saw them rise from the relegation zone during the Covid-enforced break to achieving glory and silverware on a memorable night in Prague.
For many impartial observers, the decision seems severe. Despite a poor run of form post-Christmas, including heavy losses to Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea, which contributed to a joint-record high number of goals conceded (70) in a Premier League season for the Hammers, they are still on course to secure a top-10 finish.
This would mark Moyes’ third top-10 finish in four and a half seasons, a feat not accomplished by any West Ham manager since Harry Redknapp over two decades ago. However, the world of modern football can be unforgiving.
Moyes will oversee his penultimate game of his second stint at the London Stadium against Luton on Saturday. His final challenge will be to devise a strategy to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, a win that could potentially secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title for the Cityzens on the final day of the season.
Following that, the ex-manager of Manchester United, Everton, Sunderland, Preston, and Real Sociedad will determine whether to recommence his managerial profession in a different location or accept the opportunity to work with Uefa concerning the technical facets of the game.
Numerous individuals will examine the standings, consider West Ham’s previous and current state, take into account the departure of Declan Rice for £105m the previous summer, and conclude that no manager could have accomplished any additional tasks.