According to those who earn big bucks from being right (i.e. the bookies), [Julen Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopetegui-d-day-kretinsky-sullivan-steidten-set-for-friday-decision/) is history. Most have stopped taking bets now. Irrespective of the morality of the betting industry which is for another day – the fact that betting is suspended would appear to confirm what we believe to be the case. Within a few days, [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopetegui-on-the-brink-west-ham-boss-losing-dressing-room-and-fans-patience/) will announce that their head coach has been dismissed.
Stories today confirm that Lopetegui has lost the dressing room after a second player bust – up. As if the results on the pitch weren’t enough to create a crisis. I do feel for the players stuck in the middle of this downward vortex as the endless succession of ‘disappointing performances’ rack up.
However, there is good news. From the front runners, the rumoured to be ‘interested’ and the wildly speculative candidates being thrown into the mix this week, two names are missing. And I’m glad.
Nowhere, in any single report, are West Ham linked with a crackpot return for David Moyes, nor are they now being linked with an appointment for the former England manager Gareth Southgate.
Both would be depressing, dour regressive appointments who would offer scant entertainment value. For a while, Southgate’s name popped up before the last international break but he’s since vanished from the mix. And I’m relieved.
After this emotional assault course for the club, the players, the fans, those of us who write about it – and anyone passionate about their football- the hope is that this would all have been worthwhile and necessary suffering if it brought us a head coach able to inspire, to develop the team, bring forth youth and to offer just a tiny hint of -whisper it quietly – entertainment.
So be relieved, Hammers fans, whilst the shortlisted names might not be your own personal favourite, it looks as though dull dreary depressing defensive Brit coaches are off the agenda. Phew.