Manager David Moyes will leave West Ham at the end of the Premier League season, the club have confirmed.
This announcement follows a report earlier on Monday that Julen Lopetegui, the former Wolves manager, had agreed to a deal to succeed Moyes.
Under increasing scrutiny after a series of disappointing results, including a 5-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday, Moyes, 61, reflected on his time at the club. “I have enjoyed four and a half brilliant years at West Ham, and the club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019,” he stated.
Moyes, during his second stint which began in December 2019, led the Hammers to their first major trophy in 43 years with last season’s Europa Conference League victory.
However, the team’s recent form has been poor, securing only one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions and losing five. Currently ninth in the Premier League, they are likely to miss out on European competition for a fourth consecutive season.
“When I joined West Ham for a second time, the club was one place above the relegation zone, and it has been a terrific journey to have achieved three consecutive seasons in Europe,” Moyes added.
“I would like to thank all the players for their support, and all the success they have achieved, over the last four and a half years.
While nothing has been signed yet, former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui is close to making a return to management with the Hammers, following his departure from Wolves in August last year.
Though West Ham confirmed the search for Moyes’ successor had begun, they said they will not comment until an appointment is made.
The club’s joint chairman David Sullivan said Moyes had been “responsible for a period of great progress and success” in West Ham’s history.
“David has been an absolute professional to work with and he will leave with our greatest respect and good wishes – he deserves to be held in the highest esteem for the service he has given to West Ham United, and we wish him every success in the future,” Sullivan added.
“By making this announcement now, it allows David to get the send-off he deserves from the West Ham supporters and for us all to show our appreciation to him at our final home fixture of the season against Luton Town on Saturday.”