LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
In the midst of the club’s hunt for a new manager, West Ham has responded to rumors of a Tim Steidten ban with eight words.
When it comes to West Ham, there is never a dull time, is there?
Over the past ten days, it appears like every cough and spit of the club’s hunt for a possible new manager has been documented in the media and on social media.
West Ham has been walking a tightrope between searching for a possible David Moyes replacement and going all out in the managerial market.
In the past week or so, the Hammers have been connected to no fewer than fourteen managers.
Additionally, it is said that the club has discussions with both Julen Lopetegui and Ruben Amorim.
Given that journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed the club has a dozen people on a shortlist in case Moyes leaves, David Sullivan and Tim Steidten have undoubtedly been active.
That seems more and more likely. Particularly following fresh allegations from The Daily
Steidten is accused of being banned. Letters
Technical director Steidten has allegedly been told he is no longer permitted in the first team dressing room due to the continuous uncertainty around the manager’s future, according to the paper’s correspondent Sami Mokbel.
According to the source, “Mail Sport has learned that Steidten will not enter the senior dressing room at the London Stadium or the club’s Rush Green training ground following internal talks.”
It has been determined that the German administrator shouldn’t be in close proximity to the players and staff given the uncertainty surrounding Moyes’ future, given that his present contract is set to expire at the end of the season and Steidten is actively looking for a replacement for the Scot.
As with anything in modern football, it is difficult to know what to believe.
So, in order to get clarification, we spoke with the club about the issue.
In addition, West Ham has responded in eight words to the assertions that Steidten was almost barred throughout the manager hunt.
West Ham’s eight-word response to Steidten ban claim
“No comment sorry,” a senior West Ham spokesman told Hammers News.
“It is an internal matter.”
Taken in context the situation is not actually that unusual.
It makes sense that Moyes may not want to be in regular dialogue with the man tasked with potentially replacing him.
From Steidten’s point of view that is probably an awkward situation for him as well at the moment.
Especially as the German and Scot used to have regular pre-game chats on the pitch.
From the club’s perspective, having Moyes potentially influencing Steidten’s judgement as he faces a huge decision on the future manager – be that Moyes or someone else – would not be very professional.
Of course many observers – West Ham fans included – will feel the whole thing could and should have been handled a lot better.
Decision must now be brought forward
But had West Ham sat back and waited until the end of the season to start looking at potential candidates, they would have been accused of negligence.
By being proactive – which is a necessity given the major rebuild required on the playing side this summer – and speaking to managers and intermediaries, leaks are inevitable.
West Ham are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
One thing they perhaps do need to reconsider now, though, is the timeframe and timing of their decision on Moyes.
West Ham fans want to know if he is definitely leaving so he can be given a fitting send off next week against Luton.
That would also make Steidten’s job a lot easier as he can focus on a replacement.
If West Ham genuinely haven’t made up their mind on Moyes, that’s fine. But that decision may now have to be brought forward a week or so and be announced to supporters and the manager one way or another before Luton on May 11th.
