West Ham: Is there any cause for optimism under Moyes?

Following their return to the top flight in 2012 West Ham United consolidated their place in the Premier League with a series of very creditable mid table finishes.

Manager Sam Allardyce had always divided opinion however so when it was decided by mutual consent that his contract would not be renewed it was generally well received by the fans.

The appointment of former Hammers centre half Slaven Bilic was well received and much optimism surrounded the club; optimism that seemed well founded given their 7th placed finish in the 15/16 season.

Despite the political objections surrounding their deal to occupy the Olympic Stadium, the move was seen as step towards the club reaching the next level and compete for the European places.

The club struggled to adapt to their new home however, not aided by the lose of talisman and former player of the season Dimitri Payet.

Their struggles continued into this season with a number of high profile signings failing to deliver - most notably Marko Arnautovic a £20 million acquisition from Stoke City. Bilic was increasingly under pressure, and unable to motivate his charges.

Towards the end of his reign Bilic was a broken man and seemingly resigned to his fate, so it unsurprising when he finally parted ways with the club.

Perhaps more surprising was his eventual successor David Moyes.

Having suffered a difficult spell since his time at Everton the Scotsman’s stock was at an all time low, and his footballing style at odds with the cherished ‘West Ham way’. The board however had clearly identified Moyes as a man who could get the playing staff organised and motivated, and the early signs are promising.

Following a very narrow defeat to runaway leaders Manchester City Moyes has masterminded a victory over local rivals Chelsea. Surely if such results and performances are to continue then Moyes will be able to win over the West Ham faithful.

With the club slowly getting to grips with the burden of their new home is their cause for optimism for West Ham in the coming seasons..?

 

Written by Will Trattles

Follow Will on Twitter @WillTratts

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