13 months ago, West Ham United were having the night of their lives. And amongst a sea of claret-and-blue jubilation, there was David Moyes, doing a jig with a smile as broad as the river Thames on his face.
Amid a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, Hammers fans may have felt like those down the road at Arsenal did when it became painfully apparent that Arsene Wenger was no longer the same tactical force of old. Both respectful and mindful of the joy David Moyes brought to West Ham – from relegation candidates to European regulars to Conference League champions – but also feeling that a fresh start and a new face is required.
There’s certainly no shortage of candidates should David Sullivan opt to move on from the increasingly under-pressure Scot, Ruben Amorim apologising to Sporting Lisbon after flying in for talks with the London Stadium outfit last week and seemingly removing his hat from the ring.
HITC have been informed that Sullivan was impressed by former Wolves, Spain, Porto and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui after entering discussions. They also admire Marco Silva of Fulham and Gary O’Neil of Wolves, while the representatives of Lille coach Paulo Fonseca admitted that he too has admirers at West Ham.
But what about Will Still? The Hammers-supporting tactician who took Ligue 1 by storm, and who’s imminent departure from Stade de Reims was confirmed on Thursday?
West Ham supporter Will Still set to leave Reims
“Stade de Reims would like to thank Will and (his brother) Nicolas Still for their investment and all these beautiful emotions experienced together,” reads a statement posted on the club’s official website by president Jean-Pierre Caillot.
“We are proud to have been able to contribute to the emergence of a coach who knew how to impose his convictions and his playing identity.”
Still, three decades Moyes’ junior at the age of just 31, would be a risk, obviously, for a club of West Ham’s ambitions. But Amorim is in his 30s too. The successes of Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta, Julian Nagelsmann and co in recent time is proof that you don’t need years of experience to succeed immediately at the top level, either.
The former Preston North End youth coach took Reims on a staggering 19-game unbeaten league run last term, including a pair of draws with PSG, and it’s testament to his brilliance that they have comfortably stayed clear of the relegation zone this term despite losing their 21-goal top scorer Folarin Balogun in the summer.
Sunderland also like the ‘incredible’ tactician
Still, in an interview with talkSPORT in 2023, was reluctant to give too much away out of respect for Moyes. But, when pressed on the prospect of taking over his beloved West Ham, a Belgian born to English parents admitted that he would ‘have a think about it’.
With his departure from Reims not confirmed, and with Moyes likely to head for the exit himself, the time to make a decision may soon be arriving.
“He has certainly done very well,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who also began coaching in his 30s, said of Still a few months back. It is very difficult to do at that age.
“I’m not sure on Will’s background and how he’s built his career to this point but very impressive to be managing at his age.
“The success he’s had has been incredible.”
HITC understands that Sunderland, who looked heavily at Still after sacking Tony Mowbray, remain very much in the race for his signature.