David Moyes, West Ham and a unique brand of pragmatism
If there’s one thing West Ham fans probably wish more than anything else, it’s that people unconnected with their club would stop telling them to be careful what they wish for. These put-upon C0ckneys have, in recent months, heard why a Moyes in the hand is better than any number of Rúben Amorims, Julen Lopeteguis or turtleneck-wearing young Germans they’ve never heard of in the bush because … well, they should be careful what they wish for. The implication is clear – that having seen their team win Tin Pot and to still be in with a slim chance of qualifying for it again this time – West Ham fans have been spoilt and should be grateful for their lot in life. Never mind that it involves paying through the nose to sit in a soulless athletics stadium, near a soulless shopping mall, watching an often soulless team dotted with some outlandishly talented players surrender 80% of possession to rivals, many of whom are their significant inferiors. Just be careful what you wish for.
Re: Pep Guardiola on players kept in fridges (yesterday’s News, Bits and Bobs, full email edition). I’m sure I’m one of 1,057 readers who would agree with our former prime minister that, at times of stress, the best place to be is in a fridge. Perhaps Pep should try it himself, it might cool him down” – Giordy Salvi (and no others).
It’s great fun to support a Championship team and be able to celebrate a goal, given by a referee. What a shame the top six in the Premier League didn’t get their breakaway. We could have had the remaining 14 with the top 10 from the Championship, on Football League rules” – Steve Roberts.
