Even David Moyes has spoken out to defend West Ham fans against the ever growing legion of ‘careful what you wish for’ merchants.
For West Ham fans hearing the words ‘careful what you wish for’ is like nails on a chalkboard.
There are so many pundits and journalists lazily trotting out the tired, reductive line that it’s easier to make a list of those who haven’t uttered those immortal words West Ham’s way of late.
From Alan Shearer to Richard Keys, Stuart Pearce to Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce – membership of the ‘be careful what you wish for’ has been growing apace.
Well now the Hammers have confirmed David Moyes is on his way after four-and-a-half years in east London.
Fans love Moyes and appreciate everything he has done for their club. Make no mistake about that, they’re not stupid.
West Ham fans find an unlikely ally
But supporters have grown fed up with the low-block, low possession style of football and approach of a manager who is very much old school in a world full of Pep Guardiola disciples.
Four wins in 23 games since the turn of the year and last season’s Premier League struggles suggests West Ham are something of a busted flush under Moyes and his tactics.
He’s not the dinosaur some paint him out to be.
But when Spurs, Villa, Brighton and even Bournemouth and Palace are playing an exciting brand of football, West Ham supporters are perfectly entitled to expect better and more.
What they probably didn’t expect is that Moyes would be the one defending them.
Because even Moyes has defended West Ham fans against ‘careful what you wish for’ merchants.
Moyes defends fans against ‘careful what you wish for’ merchants
“I think there’s moments where I’ve felt maybe there’s more expected,” Moyes told the press, as reported by The Evening Standard.
“I get it. You always want more as a football supporter, I get that. I have no problems with that at all.
“I’ve loved the company I’ve been in, the people I’ve had to deal with. I’ve got no bad feeling to the club, no bad feeling to the supporters, no bad feeling towards any players, nothing at all.”
This feels like a parting gift from Moyes to the fans.
It would have been so easy for the Scot to start bemoaning unrealistic expectations of West Ham’s fans.
Moyes’ parting gift
The likes of Harry Redknapp, Sam Allardyce and others have stuck the boot in after they left in the past.
Yes West Ham fans demand a lot. But what they want isn’t actually asking the Earth.
Supporters don’t expect to compete for silverware or qualify for the Champions League.
They want a team that is brave, plays attacking football, takes the game to the opposition no matter who they are and at least competes for the European places.
With Julen Lopetegui replacing Moyes, all eyes will be on whether West Ham get what they want.
The Spaniard will have to play a more progressive, front-footed style while improving results.
Or the ‘careful what you wish for’ merchants will be changing their line to ‘we told you so’.
