Gary Lineker and Stan Collymore disagree on David Moyes sack verdict after West Ham United decision
David Moyes’ position as West Ham United’s manager has been under threat throughout the 2022/23 season.
There have been numerous times throughout the campaign where the Scot has been on the brink of the sack. The 5-1 loss to Newcastle United and the away defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion spring to mind. However, the board have stood by their man through thick and thin.
In some ways, their decision to stand by Moyes has been vindicated. The Hammers are now safe and heading into a European Conference League final. The decision-makers at the London Stadium were even praised by Gary Lineker live on the last Match of the Day of the season.
“I felt Brenden Rodgers had done enough to earn the right to keep Leicester up,” said Lineker (BBC Match of the Day, 29m 14s, 28 May).
“When you look at the teams that did stay up. Bournemouth kept their manager. Nottingham Forest kept their manager. West Ham kept David Moyes and they got rewarded for that.”
It’s clear the former England striker believes the board were right to stick by Moyes. However, not everyone agrees.
Writing in his latest Sunday People column on Sunday 4 June, Stan Collymore has suggested the Hammers should sack Moyes regardless of the Conference League final outcome.
“If West Ham are looking to grow as a club, they should be saying thanks for the memories to David Moyes after the Europa Conference League Final, regardless of the result – and move for a progressive, younger manager,” wrote Collymore (pg 58, 4 June).
It’s clear Collymore feels a change of manager is required to push the Hammers back into the top ten of the Premier League.
It promises to be an intriguing couple of weeks after the final. The Guardian reported on Friday 2 June that the Hammers could dismiss the Scot even if they win on Wednesday evening (7 June).