Hammers boss David Moyes is angry with the Premier League for hampering West Ham United’s transfer plans again.
It’s fair to say West Ham manager David Moyes has not been the most complimentary when it comes to his opinions on the Premier League in recent seasons.
The Scot is not shy in voicing is views, particularly around VAR, officials and his big bug bear – fixture scheduling.
Only Manchester City and Liverpool have played more matches than West Ham in the last three years.
But the Hammers often draw the short straw when it comes to fixture planning – particularly around their European matches.
Liverpool FC v West Ham United – Premier League
Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images
In fact it’s been so nonsensical that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp even felt compelled to speak out on West Ham and Moyes’ behalf.
Last month the German ripped into the Premier League over West Ham’s fixture schedule.
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“I saw that West Ham play the 12.30 tomorrow. You have to ask the question: is that right? You’re playing a competition where each team should get the same treatment. People think it’s all right to put West Ham in that game and criticise David Moyes in the week when he makes changes [against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup]. What was his alternative? We have to make changes otherwise you cannot get through this.
“We play at 5.30pm tomorrow – that means the boys sleep longer. West Ham get up at 7.30 and at 9 they throw in the noodles! How is that fair? Why can’t they look at that, whoever is doing it? For once, put your [club] shirt away and just think about general football problems. Somebody has to change. They say: ‘Well yes but you signed the [broadcasting] contract.’ It has nothing to do with that.”
Jurgen Klopp on West Ham fixture scheduling as per The Guardian
In the Premier League’s infinite wisdom they scheduled West Ham’s match at Luton for the evening of transfer deadline day. It was the first time a Premier League fixture had been played on a summer transfer deadline day.
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Photo by ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images
That had obvious implications for Moyes who cannot be in two places at once. Indeed some of his own players could have been the subject of late bids. The Scot was not happy about it and aired his greivances at the time.
Well they’ve only gone and done it for a second time.
And Moyes is angry with the Premier League for hampering his West Ham transfer plans again.
West Ham entertain Bournemouth at home on Thursday, February 1 – the same night the winter window slams shut.
That is far from ideal according the Hammers boss, speaking in his pre-Sheffield United press conference.
“It’s a wee bit away, I thought you’d ask me that question in two weeks time possibly,” Moyes said.
“If you ask me now, then I’d say it’s probably not ideal.
West Ham United v Bristol City – Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by West Ham United FC/West Ham United FC
“But in other ways, you could well say you should have your business done if you’re going to do business, rather than wait until the last day.
“So much is made of the last day of the transfer windows, whenever they’re open, that it makes it very difficult when you’ve got a game arranged on that day.”
This time around West Ham and their opponents aren’t alone, though.
Because Man United and Wolves play on the same evening.
It’s all well and good saying West Ham will just have to get their business done before deadline day.
But that’s not how it works in the real world as many opportunities may not present themselves until that day or evening.
It seems extremely unfair. Especially on the Hammers two deadline days in a row.
