Everton have just given David Moyes something he long wanted but West Ham chief David Sullivan will know it didn’t end well the last time.
The Toffees’ decision to grant David Moyes his wish will raise eyebrows in east London because it was one of two key reasons his time with the Hammers came to an end.
It is now 17 months since Moyes left West Ham and nine since he returned to football with Everton.
Yet the Scot remains a major topic of discussion among Hammers fans.
West Ham’s regression started under Moyes as they won just five games during his final six months.
But many feel he would have had the club back competing for Europe had he been in charge of the £155m spend which followed his departure.
Everton boss Moyes still a big talking point at West Ham
Moyes has been proving his qualities once again back at Everton, who are a club on the up with their brand new stadium and ambitious owners in the Friedkin Group.
Meanwhile, the Hammers are on their third manager since Moyes left with hopes that Nuno Espirito Santo can turn a sinking ship around.
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Former assistant Kevin Nolan says West Ham fell off a cliff the moment players got wind Moyes would not be signing a new deal in January of last year.
At the time the Scot continued to insist publicly talks would continue over a new contract but privately West Ham chief David Sullivan had withdrawn his contract.
David Moyes and Tim Steidten during their time together at West Ham
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Everton fans are grateful that happened, with Moyes getting the Toffees by the scruff of the neck and improving them across the board during his time in charge so far.
By contrast, West Ham are genuine relegation candidates having won just six of their last 27 matches.
The moment everything changed for Moyes at the Hammers should now be of interest to the Toffees.
Because Everton have granted Moyes a wish that proved the beginning of the end for his time at West Ham.
After a 2-0 win at Arsenal on December 28th 2023, West Ham were flying high in the top six, just one win off the Champions League spots.
It was then that a contract offer was made to Moyes for another three years in east London.
Everton grant Moyes wish that proved the beginning of the end for his time at West Ham
But the Scot had two major issues with the terms of the deal.
His contract at the time meant Moyes had the power of veto on all transfers, something he insisted on when returning to the club in 2020.
That had caused issues between the Scot and then technical director Tim Steidten, who had several clashes with Moyes over targets and transfers.
One of the terms of Moyes’ new contract was that he had to cede ultimate control of recruitment to Steidten.
With hindsight Moyes was right to be concerned given how poorly Steidten spent £155m after his departure.
David Moyes celebrates by kissing the Europa Conference League trophy after West Ham beat Fiorentina 2-1 in 2023
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Moyes had continued to insist his new West Ham contract had to be right for him and – crucially – his family.
“There’s a contract there for me and I’m the one deciding I want to wait until the end of the season,” Moyes said back in February last year.
“I want to make sure it’s right for the club, for me, for my family. I’ve spoken to the board, I get on very well with them, but we will sort it out and I’m happy to wait.”
Being right for his family was the other key sticking point in Moyes refusing to sign the original deal offered by Sullivan before it was withdrawn.
Many incorrectly believe it related to the fact Moyes was living away from his wife for most of the week in London.
But he was actually referring to the removal of his son David junior from West Ham’s scouting setup which was the other big deal-breaker.
Toffees give Moyes his Hammers deal breaker
Moyes’ son had been working in the recruitment and scouting setup along with the likes of Rob Newman, watching players for his dad and helping identify signings.
Removing him and losing his final say on transfers was the end for Moyes at West Ham and Sullivan refused to budge, putting Steidten in full control – with disastrous consequences.
Now Everton are set to do what Sullivan would not and have David Moyes junior in the scouting setup.
Scottish journalist Alan Nixon has revealed Moyes is bringing his son into Everton’s scouting team.
Nixon says David junior has not worked since being let go by West Ham and notes that he has previously spent time as an agent.
Reporting on his Patreon, Nixon reveals Moyes junior will be allocated a part of Europe to scour for talent as the Merseysiders look to find signings abroad.
It is reported Moyes is very happy about the appointment.
A penny for Sullivan’s thoughts as it is clear handing Steidten full control and dismissing Moyes’ son was the wrong way to go.