Scottish coach David Moyes has rejoined West Ham United as manager on an 18-month deal after leaving the London club about two years ago.
Moyes returns to the Hammers after the club refused to give him the permanent role in favour of Manuel Pellegrini, who was sacked on Saturday following defeat at home to Leicester. The former Man United boss had kept West Ham in the Premier League on a short-term deal, having taken over a side in the relegation zone during the 2017-18 season under Slaven Bilic.
The 57-year-old has been out of work since, but the club moved quickly to bring him back and rescue the club after doing the same thing 18-months ago. He will take charge of his first game back at the club on New Year’s Day at home to Bournemouth. West Ham are currently one point above the relegation zone following a run of nine defeats in 12 matches.
Speaking to the club website after his reappointment, Moyes said: “It’s fabulous to be back. It feels great to be home. I’ve missed being here because I really enjoyed it.
“I enjoyed being around the stadium and I loved being in this part of the world and I missed the club, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m feeling very proud that I’m back here at West Ham. But I think more importantly I’ll be looking to see what I can do and what I can make improvements to, how we can get some wins with the players and how we can get some quick wins on the field as well.
“I do believe that the squad of players I’ve got here is a better squad of players than when I took over before, so I am looking forward to working with them.
“I think there’s got to be a short-term goal for us just now to get the wins to get us away from the wrong end of the league and what we’re going to do over the next six months, then what we’re going to do over the next period as well. The start is really focusing on the immediate games.”
Also speaking about Moyes’ reappointment, joint-Chairman of the club David Sullivan said: “David proved in his short time with the club that he was capable of getting results and we believe that he will start moving the Club in the right direction once again.
“We are delighted to welcome David back – he knows the club well and he built strong relationships during that time which will be crucial for the work that needs to be done going forward.”
