Big money flops and other talking points after West Ham appoint David Moyes

Andy Sims 14:47 07/11/2017
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  • David Moyes has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham.

    The 54-year-old Scot replaces Slaven Bilic, who was sacked on Monday with the Hammers languishing in the relegation zone.

    Here, we look at the talking points surrounding his appointment.

    PLENTY TO PROVE

    As impressive as Moyes’ 11-year stint at Everton was – with nine top-eight finishes and having guided the club into the Champions League qualifiers in 2005 – he knows he cannot dine out on that forever.

    Moyes left Sunderland last summer after they finished bottom of the Premier League with 24 points. His previous experiences with Manchester United and Real Sociedad will have also hurt his pride.

    FANS UNDERWHELMED

    While it is not quite stepping into Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes at Old Trafford, Moyes finds himself replacing another popular figure in the shape of Bilic, who the fans never turned on despite their struggles over the last 18 months.

    His appointment has been met with scepticism by some Hammers supporters following his last three failures, while the old ‘style of play’ question which Sam Allardyce constantly faced will rear its head again.

    London Stadium

    CASE FOR DEFENCE

    One big tick for Moyes is his ability to organise a defence, and boy does he have his work cut out with this one.

    The defending for Liverpool’s first goal on Saturday evening – from a West Ham corner – would not have looked out of place down the road on Hackney Marshes.

    Questions have also been raised about Bilic’s training regime and the fitness of the squad. That is not likely to be an issue for long under Moyes.

    Joe Hart

    Joe Hart

    BIG-MONEY FLOPS

    Moyes will also need to get a tune out of big-money signings Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez. Club-record capture Arnautovic, in particular, has been such a disappointment he was booed off during the recent home defeat by Brighton.

    Hernandez has found the net four times but Bilic was unable to consistently play him in his best position. Moyes must pick the Mexican him centrally, and get the ball to him where he is most dangerous.

    Marko Arnautovic

    Marko Arnautovic

    ‘SLAP’ STICK

    Moyes’ reputation was also damaged severely in March when he told BBC Sport reporter Vicki Sparks she “might get a slap even though you’re a woman” after a post-match interview.

    The incident was criticised by none other than West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady in her newspaper column.

    Moyes apologised, later expressing his “deep regret” for the incident, for which he was fined £30,000 by the football Association.

    David Moyes

    David Moyes

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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