David Moyes has showed class since his departure was confirmed but did he aim a subtle dig at David Sullivan and co after his West Ham farewell?
And now, the end is near, and David Moyes has faced his final West Ham curtain.
Hammers majority owner David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten looked to have dodged any barbs from Moyes this week.
Both the club and Moyes had been insisting for the last five months that no decision will be made on his future until the end of the season.
That all changed this week, though, when West Ham officially announced the Scot’s impending departure.
Many may have expected the Scot to hit out at the decision.
Despite results and performances suggesting otherwise for much of 2024 so far, it would have been easy for Moyes to say West Ham were making a mistake or that he feels hard done by.
Especially given the various talks with other managers that have taken place of late.
Sullivan and Steidten have been criticised by some fans, journalists and pundits for the way that has been handled. Although criticism of Steidten is somewhat bizarre given he is simply doing his job.
Moyes shows class after departure confirmation
The way the situation has been dealt with clearly hasn’t gone down well with Moyes.
Because the Scot is the one who decided to ban Steidten from being around the first team.
It’s the worst kept secret in football that Julen Lopetegui will be replacing Moyes at West Ham.
Although the formal announcement is on hold until the end of season out of respect to Moyes.
It would have been very easy for Moyes to be bitter about his Hammers exit.
He has been nothing but a class act this week, though.
First he admitted a parting of the ways is right for all concerned and that he has no ill-feeling towards anyone at West Ham from the board to the terraces.
He was an unlikely ally to fans who keep being told to ‘be careful what you wish for’.
Then he sent a classy message to his successor Lopetegui after saying his goodbyes following the 3-1 win over Luton at the London Stadium.
But it seems he couldn’t resist one little jab at his bosses before he departs.
Moyes aims subtle dig at Sullivan and co after farewell
Moyes aimed a subtle dig at Sullivan and co after his West Ham farewell.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the reporter repeatedly pressed Moyes about his emotions and memories from his time at West Ham.
The Scot seemed reluctant to open up too much or dish out much sentiment.
He had spoke about how far he has brought the club and reserved a few words for the reception from the fans.
Then he made it clear who really mattered most to him during his time at the club – his players.
There was no mention of the board at all. Which is understandable given the situation. But the way he delivered the line about the players at the end of the interview was telling.
‘They’re the ones who really matter’
“It’s a good time for me, it’s been great for me,” Moyes said.
“I’ll leave with only good things to say and think about the football club.
“Yea good feelings, aye, of course. Look there’s very few managers that are that successful that they don’t have bad times and lose some games.
“Sometimes it doesn’t go as well as you would like, very few (mangers don’t go through that). But it’s been good here, it really has been.
“A big thank you to all the players who have worked under me because they’re the ones who really matter.”