David Moyes has been spotted for the first time after clearing out his office at West Ham ahead of the appointment of Julen Lopetegui.
David Moyes has now officially left West Ham and the club will tomorrow formally unveil Julen Lopetegui as his replacement.
Moyes saved West Ham from relegation twice over two spells before securing three top nine finishes and a first trophy in 43 years.
The Scot did a tremendous job in east London.
But now Lopetegui is coming in to see if he can succeed where Moyes failed – by combining substance with style.
First the Spaniard faces a mammoth task to rebuild the threadbare squad Moyes has left behind.
He will arrive with his own staff after clearing the decks at West Ham, with eight departures confirmed on Wednesday.
Moyes spotted for first time after clearing out his office
Moyes said his goodbyes to West Ham’s players and staff after the 3-1 defeat at Man City on Sunday.
Since then he has been back to the club’s Rush Green training ground to say his farewells there.
Now Moyes has been spotted for the first time after clearing out his office at West Ham.
West Ham fans have been chastised by the media for calling for a change of manager.
They have been warned ad nauseum to ‘be careful what you wish for’ and that they will regret Moyes leaving.
The response of some of those Hammers fans has been to ask: ‘If Moyes is so highly-regarded and coveted, what clubs would be queueing up to take him when he leaves?’
Last night Chelsea announced that Mauricio Pochettino has left the club.
And you’ll never guess who was spotted at Chelsea the day before? Moyes.
Moyes seen at Chelsea… kind of
Well, kind of.
Because the now former West Ham boss has been seen in public for the first time since his Hammers departure as he attended The Chelsea Flower Show.
Moyes was spotted enjoying the sun at the event on Monday in pictures that have emerged today, as you can see above.
West Ham board insider Sean Whetstone said it was Moyes’ first public appearance since clearing out his office and locker at Rush Green.
“Former West Ham manager David Moyes enjoying himself in the sun at the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday after being released all duties from his Hammers contract which expires at the end of June,” Whetstone said.
“Moyes has already cleared out his office and lockers at Rush Green to make way for Julen Lopetegui and his team.”
Moyes’ only realistic top flight return
A host of West Ham players have paid tribute to Moyes since his departure.
Jarrod Bowen was one of them, saying: “Thank you for everything boss,” Bowen said.
“Thank you for bringing me in to to be part of this special club and all the memories we shared
together.
“A great manager but an even better person.”
Moyes will now work as a pundit for talkSPORT at Euro 2024.
His close friend Mark Lawrenson has touted the Scot for the Ireland job.
Moyes himself has claimed he has already turned down some job offers.
Realistically his first opportunity to return to Premier League management won’t arrive until struggling clubs look for a manager to save them from relegation in the winter.
That in itself, West Ham fans would say, proves their point.