The surprise contract extension that was announced before Christmas is no longer forthcoming [Daily Mail, 12 February], and Moyes is once again facing calls for his dismissal [talkSPORT, 12 February], but Sutton dismissed the idea as premature.
He asked (7.22pm): “Are we going to be fair?” So let’s take a look at the entire season. Everyone has been raving what a fantastic team Brighton is. Where is West Ham? Ahead of them at the table.
“Newcastle United have impressed many people. West Ham are equal on points. Then you have to look at the big picture.
“You’ve mentioned Manuel Pellegrini. He made an appointment to come in at West Ham and then play a different type of football, fantasy football if you will, and who bailed you out? David Moyes bailed you out.
On paper, it’s difficult to disagree with him, but that is the conundrum that the Irons have with the manager: while things appear to be improving, previous history shows that they might also be far worse.
His achievements, including as the European runs and spurts of exceptional play, such as back-to-back victories over Manchester United and Arsenal at the end of 2023, are impressive.
However, there are frequent occasions when performances are anything but, and it is difficult to dispute that many people are enjoying what West Ham is doing.
The board’s unwillingness to actually make a firm decision certainly feeds the unrest, since they appear to be as unsure.
Moyes was nearly fired last season, only to be retained this season but without an extension to his contract, which expires in the summer, and with Tim Steidten arriving to develop an allegedly strained relationship, it gives the sense of a muddled strategy.
