David Moyes retains "incredible support" from West Ham board despite sack claim
Defiant David Moyes says he continues to receive “incredible support” from West Ham’s board as he rubbished speculation that defeat to Nottingham Forest could see him sacked.
The Scot is calling on his under-performing charges to move out of the bottom three “as quick as possible” after being outplayed in defeat by Tottenham last weekend. But Moyes is certain that he will be given time to turn things around regardless of Saturday afternoon’s result as he railed against the culture of constantly questioning whether a manager is about to lose their job.
“I actually don't know if it's absolutely correct but that's me getting a bit of an old geezer, saying that, you know what I mean?” he said of reports earlier in the week that he needed to beat Forest to stay in a job.
“I don't think you would like it if I came in here and talked about your work, said ‘by the way, somebody from the Daily Star is taking your job next week’. But managers are asked the question, people write it, people say it.
“The only thing I would say is I have incredible support from the board. I could never have asked for any more from the owners. Anytime it's been even questioned, they've done it. The only difference is sometimes your radios and papers still say it, even though it's been shut off completely by the owner.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush“But great credit to the club. They've been terrific, they really have been.”
Several Premier League managers have repaid their clubs for showing faith this season. Those include Forest’s Steve Cooper, who appeared to be teetering on the brink earlier in the campaign only to sign a new contract and lead the team to 13th in the table.
Moyes welcomes that approach, with Brendan Rodgers also given time to improve Leicester’s fortunes and league-leaders Arsenal sticking with Mikel Arteta when there were doubts last season.
The West Ham boss added: “Unless you wear the shoes, maybe you don't understand how difficult it can be sometimes. People ask, 'Why are you not doing this? Why are you not doing that?'
“But I don't know any manager that is trying to make bad decisions or not pick anyone because they're not the right fit. You make the decisions because you want to win.
“I think it's great there's a few clubs that's starting to say, 'No, it's not a good idea to quickly turn your managers around’. Even Gary O'Neil getting the job at Bournemouth having come in as caretaker.
“It's good to see that's the situation. But I also know we're in a job where you could lose your job if you lose your games. That's the way the game goes.”
FREE £2 shop bet in William Hill shops with Saturday's Daily Mirror, valid on the Manchester United v Newcastle game. Don't miss your chance for a free flutter on the game everyone's talking about with your paper.