Reports overnight claim David Sullivan and Tim Steidten have found a new West Ham boss they both agree on and it’s great news.
West Ham’s search for a new manager – or at least a “potential” replacement for David Moyes – has been wide-ranging to say the least.
The Hammers have cast the net far and wide as they look likely to part company with the Scot next month.
After four-and-a-half years of stability – and with a big rebuild needed this summer – it is vital co-owner David Sullivan and Tim Steidten get it right.
The Hammers have been linked with no less than 14 different managers since the hiding at Crystal Palace.
Hammers News spoke to journalist Graeme Bailey about the situation yesterday.
West Ham cast the net far and wide for new boss
He confirmed that there are indeed at least a dozen names on Sullivan and Steidten’s “shortlist”.
Bailey also revealed two agents are putting massive pressure on the majority owner to appoint Julen Lopetegui. But, crucially, Sullivan is standing firm and won’t be rushed.
We also reported yesterday on a big claim from reporter Ben Jacobs about Paulo Fonseca making it onto that list.
That came as a relief to West Ham fans who have been far from impressed by reports claiming Sullivan wants to appoint Lopetegui.
There have been concerns this week as it emerged that Sullivan allegedly wants Lopetegui while Steidten wants Amorim or Fonseca.
A positive development has arrived from France overnight, though.
Because Sullivan and Steidten have found a new West Ham boss they both agree on and it’s great news.
Sullivan and Steidten find manager they both agree on
Foot Mercato claim the Hammers duo both agree on Fonseca, who is about to lead Lille into the Champions League.
And they are now seriously considering appointing the Portuguese boss, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
“West Ham United are seriously considering replacing David Moyes at the end of the season and David Sullivan and Tim Steidten are strong admirers of Fonseca,” the report states.
“Whilst the former AS Roma coach remains fully focused on securing Lille’s place in next season’s Champions League, there is a good chance he will leave at the end of the current campaign.”
Hiring Fonseca would be a much more palatable appointment among supporters than Lopetegui.
Fonseca much more in tune with what fans want
Fonseca is a more attack-minded coach, something West Ham fans are craving.
He has also made it clear, with both his words and actions, that he very much likes to give youth a chance.
Hammers fans feel Moyes has merely paid lip service to bringing through young academy stars during his tenure.
And the club currently has a very exciting crop of talent emerging which needs to be utilised.
Seven of Fonseca’s most-used players in Ligue 1 this season are under 25. And he plays them in key positions, with 22-year-old academy graduate Lucas Chevalier in goal; 18-year-old Leny Yoro at centre-back; and 23-year-old Angel Gomes in central midfield.
Fonseca was named in a feature by The Athletic on Football’s best up-and-coming managers last month.
What he had to say about his philosophy will further impress West Ham fans after this news from France overnight.
“For me, it’s never just about the result. It’s about the process,” Fonseca said earlier this year.
“I want to create something that allows you to enjoy the game. And to do that, you need to have an attacking way of playing. You have to try to dominate and create more chances than the opposition.”