West Ham taking a step back in appointing Moyes

West Ham manager David Moyes
West Ham manager David Moyes. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.

The 55-year-old’s first game in charge will be against Bournemouth on New Years Day. The appointment has been met with a mixed reaction by both fans and media.

A second opportunity for Moyes

Moyes previously managed the Hammers from November 2017 until the summer of 2018. In truth, Moyes did a solid job after replacing Slaven Bilic in the Irons dugout in his first spell at the east London club. He helped the Hammers to avoid the drop, picking up nine victories and ten draws from his 30 league games in charge.

However, the Scot only had a short-term contract and the Irons decided to not to renew his contract in favour of appointing Pellegrini. The snub must have felt like a kick in the teeth for the former Everton boss.

Recent record is not that inspiring

Moyes prove to be a very solid head coach during 11 years at Everton. However, his career since seems to have been one bad move after another.

His time at Manchester United was nothing short of disastrous, while his time in Spain with Real Sociedad did not end well either. Then in season 2016/17, the Scot suffered relegation from the Premier League with Sunderland.

His recent managerial record is not exactly inspiring. The fact that his best spell as a boss came in his first spell with West Ham may offer fans some comfort at least.

Seems like an appointment with no imagination

The appointment of Moyes is an appointment of little imagination and excitement. The Hammers have hired the Scot because they believe he is a safe pair of hands. However, that’s what Sunderland believed too.

West Ham have a better team than Sunderland did under Moyes, though. Therefore, they should survive the drop under the former United boss. The question is, what happens if they do avoid the drop?

What are the expectations at West Ham?