David Moyes respects sceptical West Ham fans ahead of the London Stadium send off.
West Ham fans who have long called for David Moyes to be fired have grown tired of hearing the same old advice from those who only casually monitor their club: be careful what you wish for.
However, in Moyes’ penultimate pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, they discovered an unlikely ally in the form of the man himself, who has delivered unprecedented consistency in qualifying for Europe, won the club’s first major trophy in 43 years, but has received no beauty awards for his playing style.
“I think there have been times when I’ve felt like there was more expected,” said Moyes, who was revealed this week to depart the club when his contract expires this summer, virtually sure to be replaced by Julen Lopetegui.
“I understand it. I understand that football fans constantly want more. I have no issues with that.
Moyes maintains he had good relationships throughout his stay
“I’ve like the company and the folks I’ve had to work with. I have no harsh feelings against the club, the supporters, or any of the players.
Saturday’s Premier League game against Luton will be Moyes’ final home game in charge, and he says his next stepwill be to take a break from management after being “pretty beaten up” by West Ham’s tasking domestic and European schedule over the last three seasons, a victim of his own success.
Despite being 61 years old and having played over 1,100 games, the Scot maintains he is far from done.
“Many things excite me about what I could do next,” he explained. “I never imagined I’d manage 1,000 games as a manager; it seemed unlikely, and to be fair, majority of them were in the Premier League.
“I hope I can help somewhere, whether it’s as a manager again or something else. I enjoy football, so while I’m not doing anything, I’ll be watching it somewhere.”
West Ham’s players were on a day off on Monday when Moyes’ departure was announced, and he admitted that he had not been able to warn them in advance.
“I think the players probably understood,” he stated. “They were expecting something like this. “They were probably not surprised.”
While Monday’s announcement came earlier than forecast, Moyes having insisted his future would not be decided until the season was over, it at least means tomorrow’s game with Luton will give fans an opportunity to show their appreciation with clarity that this really is the end of the road.
Moyes, though, has warned those coming to the London Stadium not to expect an emotional send-off, like that which Jurgen Klopp will receive at Anfield a week later.
“It’s not my style, to be honest,” he replied. “I do not mean that in a negative way. I guess I’m very shy behind all of this, and as a result, I’m not into [fist bumps in the air], you know?
“I’m not really that type of manager. Sometimes I wish I were. It could be a little more sexual at times; perhaps I could grow my teeth wider.
“But I like to do my job and obviously I’m thankful for praise and I’m thankful for the support I’ve always had.”
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