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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Barry Glendenning

David Moyes, West Ham and a unique brand of pragmatism

Have a little guess as to whether this was taken before or after West Ham’s match at Crystal Palace.
Have a guess as to whether this was taken before or after West Ham’s match at Palace. Photograph: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock

JUST A NAUGHTY BOY?

If there’s one thing West Ham fans probably wish more than anything else, it’s that people unconnected with their club would stop telling them to be careful what they wish for. These put-upon C0ckneys have, in recent months, heard why a Moyes in the hand is better than any number of Rúben Amorims, Julen Lopeteguis or turtleneck-wearing young Germans they’ve never heard of in the bush because … well, they should be careful what they wish for. The implication is clear – that having seen their team win Tin Pot and to still be in with a slim chance of qualifying for it again this time – West Ham fans have been spoilt and should be grateful for their lot in life. Never mind that it involves paying through the nose to sit in a soulless athletics stadium, near a soulless shopping mall, watching an often soulless team dotted with some outlandishly talented players surrender 80% of possession to rivals, many of whom are their significant inferiors. Just be careful what you wish for.

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