News

Brendan Rodgers made it very clear he was envious of David Moyes at West Ham when discussing spending power and ambition

Add as preferred source on Google

Brendan Rodgers made it very clear he was envious of David Moyes at West Ham when discussing spending power and ambition earlier this season.

David Moyes finds himself under almost unbearable pressure at West Ham following the abysmal 5-1 home defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League.

While a win was a win – and three points was genuinely all that mattered – the performance against Southampton at the weekend had done little to sway opinion over the Hammers boss as a growing number of supporters call for the Scot’s head.

Imagine then the pressure on Moyes’ shoulders now after the joint biggest home defeat since West Ham’s move to the London Stadium.

Of course as Jamie Redknapp rightly pointed out overnight, that performance and result – or rather lack of both – was on the players not the manager.

West Ham United v Leicester City - Premier League
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Even so rumours are raging over Moyes’ future with the usual claim and counter claim.

Reports suggest defeat at Fulham on Saturday could see the West Ham board finally sack Moyes.

But even if the owners stick with the manager for now West Ham intend to part ways with Moyes ‘regardless’ this summer according to a recent report.

Given that Brendan Rodgers is one of the names to have been linked as a potential replacement for Moyes at West Ham, the development at Leicester was big news for the Hammers on Sunday.

Leicester sacked Rodgers after the Foxes slipped into the relegation zone as a result of West Ham’s win over Southampton.

That sparked fresh speculation he could be the man West Ham turn to in the summer – or perhaps even sooner.

In a statement following his sacking, Rodgers made it crystal clear he intends to get back into management after a short break to assess his options.

So comments from the Northern Irishman about West Ham earlier this season take on new relevance.

Because Rodgers made it very clear he was envious of Moyes at West Ham when discussing spending power and ambition.

The reported West Ham managerial target was working under serious financial constraints at Leicester. And he was also forced to sell a host of his top stars.

Meanwhile West Ham have spent £250m in the last four windows and have kept hold of key man Declan Rice during that time.

Here’s what Rodgers had to say about West Ham earlier this season which suggests the prospect of a decent transfer kitty could lure him to the London Stadium.

Leicester City v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers made it very clear he was envious of David Moyes at West Ham when discussing spending power and ambition

“I think I’m a decent coach, but I’m not a magician,” Rodgers said back in January.

“If you look at our net spend since I’ve been here, it’s about £10m, in three-and-half years.

“Compare that to our competitors, like West Ham, Newcastle and Aston Villa. It’s over £250m (each). It’s a big difference…

“Look at some of the other teams – Aston Villa’s net spend over the last few years, West Ham too. It’s becoming a real challenge.”

Being on the other side of the fence could well prove a tantalising prospect for the out of work former Liverpool and Celtic boss.

Rodgers also seems to have a firm knowledge of the Hammers. Earlier this season he highlighted that West Ham could have a problem integrating so many new players and pointed out that the club had several senior players in decline.

At West Ham Rodgers would get a very decent transfer kitty, which will likely be added to by the impending big money sale of Rice come the summer.

With his attacking football philosophy and eye for a player, that could be a very promising combination indeed for the Hammers.

MORE WEST HAM NEWS

Moyes told a barefaced lie over West Ham team selection before Newcastle.

Cass Pennant column: West Ham’s situation, Moyes, the players and Hammers at the heart of my life story

Sacked Rodgers makes job plans crystal clear after West Ham links amid Moyes doubts.