Would it be completely pointless for West Ham United to sack David Moyes regardless of boredom factor?
That’s the question I find myself asking as speculation reignites over David Moyes’ future at West Ham following three defeats in a week.
As reported after the Everton defeat on Sunday night, a West Ham board confidant claims Moyes could be sacked if he loses the next three games.
The general consensus among a large section of West Ham fans seems to be that they are bored of Moyes’ style and approach.
Those in that particular camp point to results against Brighton, Chelsea and Lincoln as being very fortuitous.
Had they gone differently, as they threatened to, West Ham’s start to the season could have a different complexion.
The Hammers won those games, though, so it is a moot point. And Moyes led the club to a first major trophy for 43 years less than five months ago.
The Scot and Tim Steidten were being widely praised for the signings made in the summer not so long ago too. Jarrod Bowen recently signed a bumper new seven-year deal. Things looked very rosy in the West Ham garden just 10 days ago.
Even Moyes will be surprised by the speed at which unrest has bubbled to the surface in the last week.
There is no doubt, with the players at Moyes’ disposal, West Ham should be playing more exciting, attractive football.
It has long been felt by many West Ham fans that a more modern, progressive manager is needed to take the club on.
But would it be completely pointless for West Ham to sack Moyes regardless of boredom factor?
Change for change’s sake? What would it really achieve?
There are several factors to consider here.
Into the last year of his deal, Moyes – on current form and with Steidten now very much in charge of recruitment – looks unlikely to have his contract renewed.
As predicted by Hammers News in the summer, this season looks set to be a new record low points total required to avoid relegation with as little as 25-28 the projected figure.
So West Ham will be in absolutely no danger of relegation this season.
Of course the club should be aiming much higher than that with eyes on the European spots. But would a midtable finish really be that much of a disaster all things considered?
Sacking Moyes would lead to massive upheaval of staff and after all he has achieved, is that really the way the situation should be handled?
Surely better to take a calculated, methodical approach led by Steidten than whip up a circus and get a reputation as a crisis club?
Another factor to consider is perhaps the most important. Who is out there right now that would A) be a progressive appointment and step up from Moyes and B) be willing to take the job mid-season.
Graham Potter is the only name springing to mind, but word is he is on a promise for the Napoli job.
Moyes doesn’t just need results – he needs performances. He needs to recapture the imagination of the West Ham fans.
When West Ham fans don’t feel there is something to hope for then they can get very restless, very quickly.
They say if you stand still in football you quickly get left behind. So if the club was to sack Moyes then they would have to show some real ambition by paying to poach a manager from another club.
Would you be confident that would be the case? Exactly.
So you have to wonder – as mumdane as it may sound – whether it makes more sense to see where the season takes us and wave goodbye to Moyes next summer in a calculated, methodical manner with time to plan, bring the right man in and allow him to work with Steidten to make signings.