David Moyes named new West Ham manager
West Ham United have announced David Moyes as their new head coach for the second time following the sacking of Manuel Pellegrini.
Former Manchester City boss Pelligrini was sacked on Dec. 28 after falling to a 2-1 Premier League loss against a heavily rotated Leicester City side. The defeat left West Ham fourth from bottom, just one point above the relegation places, after a dreadful run of form that has included just two wins since September.
“It’s fabulous to be back,” Moyes said in a club statement. “It feels great to be home. I’ve missed being here… I enjoyed being around the stadium and I loved being in this part of the world and I missed the club, so I can’t wait to get started.”
“I think there’s got to be a short-term goal for us just now to get the wins to get us away from the wrong end of the league and what we’re going to do over the next six months.”
Moyes, who has been out of work since leaving West Ham in 2018, has taken over for his second spell in charge of the club. The Scot’s first stint at the London Stadium began in similar circumstances, taking over from Slaven Bilic midseason with the side in a relegation battle. He guided the club to safety and departed at the end of the season after six months at the helm.
Moyes previously spent 11 years in charge of Everton, in which he managed to lead the club to the Champions League (albeit losing in the qualifying playoffs) and Europa League, while also reaching an FA Cup final.
West Ham’s joint-chairman David Sullivan said in the club statement: “David proved in his short time with the club that he was capable of getting results and we believe that he will start moving the club in the right direction once again.”
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson then hand-picked Moyes to be his successor at Old Trafford following 27 years in charge, but Moyes lasted just eight months.
The 56-year-old has also had spells at Preston, Real Sociedad and Sunderland.
Moyes’ return to West Ham will begin with a home clash against fellow strugglers Bournemouth in the Premier League on Wednesday.
