David Moyes is reportedly unhappy with Tim Steidten for beginning the search for West Ham’s next manager while he is still in the role, according to numerous reports.
The current manager has expressed dissatisfaction, finding it disrespectful that Steidten, the director of football, is scouting for his successor while he is still employed. Stories have surfaced in West Ham news and gossip columns about Moyes banning Steidten from the first-team dressing room and the training ground, which Moyes more or less confirmed during yesterday’s press conference ahead of the Chelsea vs. West Ham match.
Whilst I understand that Moyes might be upset about leaving a job he enjoys, his perspective on the situation seems somewhat unrealistic. Steidten is simply performing his duties as director of football.
Part of his job description explicitly involves scouting for all football staff, including players, scouts, and coaches. It would be a significant oversight for West Ham not to be interviewing potential candidates in anticipation of Moyes’ departure next month.
It’s unreasonable to expect that the club’s recruitment and human resources teams should wait until an employee has left before starting to look for their replacement. This insistence suggests a disconnect with modern football management practices, highlighting why Moyes’ more traditional methods are completely out of step with modern football.