**David Moyes will return to the London Stadium for the first time since his 2024 departure when West Ham United take on Everton on Saturday.**
The Scot left his role as West Ham boss almost two years ago when his contract expired. The 62-year-old was not offered a renewal at the end of the 2023/24 season, a decision which still divides Hammers fans to this day.
The Irons had an awful end to Moyes’ final season. Despite a respectable ninth-placed finish, West Ham won only four of their 19 games in the second half of the league campaign. This form, along with a period of dire football, made some Hammers fans long for change.
Regardless of whether West Ham were justified in not offering Moyes a contract in 2024, it’s safe to say things have not improved since his departure. After the disastrous tenures of Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, the Hammers find themselves closer to relegation than they have been since their 2012 Championship promotion.
Nuno Espírito Santo has steadied the ship and given the Irons faithful hope, but Saturday’s encounter will be a huge game for both managers.
For Nuno, a win would keep the Hammers at least two points clear of the drop zone with just four games to go. For Moyes and his Everton side, a win would bring them a step closer to European qualification. Additionally, it would be a moral victory for Moyes, proving his West Ham critics wrong with a victory at his old stomping ground.
Since leaving West Ham, Moyes has taken on the Hammers twice as Everton boss. Both games ended in 1-1 draws on Merseyside. Earlier this season, Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Michael Keane‘s opener to earn a point in Nuno’s first game as West Ham manager.
But Saturday will be the first time that Moyes returns to East London since he left. It will be interesting to see what kind of reception the former boss receives before the game. I believe it will be positive, but things could be very different after the final whistle.
Despite the heavy backlash he received in 2024, I believe West Ham is still in Moyes’ heart. After winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, his greatest honour as a manager, it is difficult to think that he would rather see West Ham relegated than Tottenham Hotspur or Nottingham Forest.
However, he is Everton manager now and has a job to do. There’s no doubt that he will take no prisoners against this Hammers side on Saturday. The Toffees sit just three points off Europa League qualification. A win at the London Stadium would propel Moyes’ side up the table, as he vies for yet another season of European football.
Saturday is a huge game for both sides and will undoubtedly be an emotional affair. I hope that Moyes receives a positive ovation from the home support. But I hope even more that West Ham can pick up three points to stay outside the relegation zone.