West Ham Till I Die
Comments
The GoatyGav Column

The Influence Of Legacy - You'll Reap What You Sow

Arsenal should, very carefully, appoint the right manager to continue, as well as enhance, Arsene Wenger’s legacy.

There are a whole raft of kids coming through the ranks at Arsenal. Over the period of his tenure Monsieur Wenger has nurtured and brought through youth prospects successfully. Their academy has produced some of the best talent in the country with technical proficiency. The players that have come through the yout system there can’t speak of him too highly – often crediting him with the great start that he gave them in the game. To a surprising extent in fact. The recent interview with Theo Walcott was a prime example of the esteem that players hold Arsene in.

Embed from Getty Images

Will West Ham take such care in to consideration when appointing the next gaffer? Ok – we’re a completely different club with a manager who certainly doesn’t hold the same sway over the running of the club as Arsene did but should that detract from the concept of having the right balance between player recruitment and youth development? Not for me it doesn’t. And that’s one aspect of David Moyes’ MO that I do like. If he’s given the job then we’re likely to see more of our young prospects given a chance in the team.

Since his arrival Declan Rice has been a regular starting berth, albeit by getting his chance through injuries to central defenders, and has visibly grown. One of the highlights of the season was Declan’s MOTM performance for Ireland and West Ham a few weeks back. So pleased for the lad who I hope stays on to become a club legend for us in years to come.

Embed from Getty Images

Declan is not the only one. Josh Cullen has made 5 appearances for the first team this season and has done a decent job when given his chance. Other who’ve progressed this term have been Quina, with 4 outings, Burke with 3, Martinez played 3 and Oxford and Holland on 1 (would probably have been more if not for injury). Not all of these were played by David Moyes however there’s more than just a hint that players will be given a fair crack at the whip rather than played for 90 minutes then consigned back to the development squad, or loan, after a single mistake or poor game.

Embed from Getty Images

I hear a great deal of ‘he’s not the manager to take us to the next level’ but he is a manager to build youthful teams who develop together and play fast paced, incisive football. At both Preston and Everton Moyes seemed to have a talent for taking players with good potential and integrating them in to a system where everyone knew their job and what was expected whilst getting the best out of them. It was a completely different story at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland where the task was more immediate and, sadly for David Moyes, too short lived for him to make a significant impact. Since joining West Ham he’s certainly improved the performances of Mark Noble and others – most notably Marko Arnoutovic who’s looking a shoe in for HOTY after picking up the Player’s Player of the Year award last night (as I write). Perhaps it’s time to invest in the future rather than looking no further than the end of our noses.

Embed from Getty Images

In summary I wouldn’t be too upset if David Moyes is given the job next season. I’m not suggesting that I’m 100% in favour of a contract for the Scot but I’m certainly not completely against the idea of him getting the gig. Given time I do believe that he’ll give us a team to be proud of once more filled with talented, young professionals, some of whom will be home grown, playing to a reconginsable system and identity.

Lastly a big congrats to the winners at the awards. Well deserved to all. Pedro definitely deserved the goal of the season, Arnie for both of his awards, glad Declan got the recognition for the young player, Conor Coventry’s Dylan Tombides award and Ellie Zoepfl for the inaugural ‘Ladies Players Player’. The ladies have gone on an incredible winning run, chalking up an amazing 32(thirty two) goals scored and only 2 conceded in the last 6 games incorporating two cup final wins :O! Brilliant stuff.

Embed from Getty Images

I was particularly pleased to see Ken Brown given the lifetime achievement award. A solid centre back and popular member of that great team of the late ‘50’s and ‘60’s I’m so pleased to see him recognised with the great honour.

Embed from Getty Images

COYI!

About us

West Ham Till I Die is a website and blog designed for supporters of West Ham United to discuss the club, its fortunes and prospects. It is operated and hosted by West Ham season ticket holder, LBC radio presenter and political commentator Iain Dale.

More info

Follow us

Contact us

Iain Dale, WHTID, PO Box 663, Tunbridge Wells, TN9 9RZ

Visit iaindale.com, Iain Dale’s personal website & blog.

Get in touch

Copyright © 2024 Iain Dale Limited.