9 months ago
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EXCLUSIVE
Rio Ferdinand has told West Ham fans that the club may not be better off should they sack manager David Moyes.
Moyes has faced calls to be dismissed by some supporters after a string of poor results, with his side without a win in seven, including their latest 6-0 thrashing at home to Arsenal.
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Hammers fans have voiced concerns over the team’s style of play, with many frustrated by the manner of defeat this season rather than the scorelines themselves.
And the Irons’ faithful may get their wish, with owner David Sullivan said to be reconsidering his previous offer of a new contract for the Scot, having become aware of increased negativity among supporters.
Manchester United legend Ferdinand, who graduated from West Ham’s renowned academy, admitted that playing an attractive brand of football is an important part of the east Londoners’ philosophy.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Ferdinand remarked: “When I grew up there it was all about playing football, third man runs, passing, having a picture in your head before you receive it.
“There were certain things that were ingrained in you.”
He went on to explain that he understood sections of the club’s fan-base being unhappy with Moyes’ playing style if they felt it does not fit with the culture at West Ham.
The former England international said: “If the manager, David Moyes, doesn’t play the brand of football that West Ham are used to seeing over the years then, yeah, that is something to be talked about.”
Despite this, he urged fans to remember their current boss’ achievements during his five-year tenure at West Ham, his second spell in east London.
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The 60-year-old led them to Europa Conference League glory last campaign, as well as recording sixth and seventh place finishes along the way, and registering a record points tally in the Premier League.
Ferdinand reasoned: “He’s brought a European trophy to the table. How many managers over the last 30/40 years have brought a trophy like that to the table?
“But they’ve all played a brand of football that maybe West Ham fans like to see.”
He then issued a warning to supporters who favour a more expressive form of football over a win-at-all-costs mentality: “You have to ask yourself a question: Do you want to win?
"Or do you want to play a particular brand of football that you’re used to seeing? But there’s a lot of tears that go with that.”
