Frank McAvennie admits he is puzzled by how long it has taken West Ham to provide clarity on David Moyes’ future at the London Stadium, which could have an impact on the players.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported in his Daily Briefing on Sunday (4 February) that he had been told there would be moves in the next few weeks to sort out the final details to keep the Hammers boss at the London Stadium.
He said talks between the two sides were “progressing well” as the Irons were “happy” with the job the Scot had done at the club.
However, reliable Hammers journalists Claret & Hugh shared fans were beginning to question the board after club sources said they would take their time over Moyes’ new contract.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: ‘At the moment, what the West Ham Zone has been told is: ‘If the contract is ready, why hasn’t it been signed yet? That’s what the fans will now be asking.
“I don’t understand that. If you want him to sign it, then do it already because there is a lot of work to be done to progress the club and that cannot happen if the future of the manager is not sorted.
“It could affect the players if they are not careful. I don’t know what the situation is, maybe there is still a possibility that Moyes wants to move or he is holding back to see how this season goes.
“Be careful what you wish for West Ham.
“I think I should get a contract, but I will keep saying it and Moyes probably already knows my view that he needs to play better football. Get those fans who are insecure about you on your side.
“Get the defence sorted out, but before that happens there needs to be clarity about Moyes’ future because uncertainty doesn’t help and could undo all the work that has been done already this season.”
“I don’t understand why it’s taking so long because the club is always so quick to confirm such news.”
Clarity is desperately needed at the London Stadium:
Moyes insisted after the transfer window closed on 1 February that they would return to contract negotiations, with those talks already “well advanced” [The Standard, 2 February].
This was followed by Sean Whetstone’s news that Moyes would “100%” sign a new contract and stay beyond the end of this season. But McAvennie is right, why is this taking so long?
And the uncertainty could affect not only results on the pitch but also their plans on transfer deadline day.
The Hammers were in desperate need of reinforcements after the late departures of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, but why they failed to seal any leaves so many questions and one of them could revolve around Moyes’ immediate future.
Even despite finishing a high seventh in the league, where they were overtaken by Manchester United after their win, West Ham fans remain unhappy with the style of play under Moyes and recent performances against the Red Devils and Bournemouth confirm those complaints.
Of course, fans have to be careful what they wish for, but their doubts are justified. What is needed above all, however, is clarity, because the club cannot plan for another busy summer if Moyes’ future continues to unravel.