Back to the future with David Moyes

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. As predicted it's David Moyes. Firstly, let's be clear, the main problem is not the managers but owners who make populist (and sometimes unpopulist) decisions and have no long term strategy for West Ham. They veer from ultra-pragmatists such as Allardyce to managers who don't believe in defence like Pellegrini. The owners react to situations rather than pre-empt them. Sullivan, Gold and Brady also wildly over-promised on how good the London Stadium would be.

As for Moyes, I would have much preferred Eddie Howe as the manager to build a side, though it must be remembered that we are deep in the mire and are never going to attract an A-list gaffer like Ancelotti or Pochettino. 

Personally, I thought Moyes did reasonably well in his last spell at the club. He saved the club from relegation and more importantly instilled some discipline and work ethic into the players. He certainly made a difference to Arnautovic's game. One advantage is that he will already know half of the West Ham squad.

Yes, Moyes was defensive, but arguably had little choice with a side leaking so many goals. Playing five at the back again might free up Fredericks and Cresswell or Masuaku as wing backs and get some more crosses in to Haller. He'll also surely realise that you can't play Lanzini, Anderson and Fornals in the same side. You would also hope that Moyes and Pearce (if he comes too) give Haller some Arnautovic-style tough love and tell him to put himself about a bit. 

If Moyes is still the same manager who had Everton in the top eight every season we might show some signs of progress over his 18-month contract. Though if he is, as some maintain, an outdated dinosaur who failed at Man United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland then it might prove terminally unwise to have returned to our ex.

There is a lot of noise on social media, but knowing football fans, there would have been outrage whoever West Ham appointed. Let's remember we all welcomed Pellegrini when he arrived and that didn't work out too well. 

Short term, Moyes has to up the work rate of the squad, which is too talented to be in its current position. West Ham fans will forgive most things if they see the players trying on the pitch and a few tackles flying in. He then has to play the transfer window effectively and get some pace and midfield strength in the side. The return of Moyes is either brave or stupid, depending on your viewpoint, but if it doesn't work out then we will be playing in the Championshiop next season.