Recent developments at West Ham United have left fans feeling a mix of emotions. They are on the verge of losing their best player and captain Declan Rice to Arsenal. While this is undoubtedly a blow there is some good news on the horizon. With Rice’s potential departure, West Ham can finally focus on their own summer transfer business.
However, questions arise about who will be in charge of spending the funds and how David Moyes will adapt to the presence of a new technical director.
Previously, if West Ham did not have a technical director like Tim Steidten joining the club, the responsibility of spending the money would likely fall to David Moyes and his assistant, Rob Newman. However, with the arrival of Steidten, the hope is that he will take the reins and oversee player recruitment. This assumes that club chairman David Sullivan should grant Steidten complete control over the budget, and that Moyes will be content with someone else making transfer decisions.
There is little evidence to suggest that David Moyes is comfortable with a technical director coming in and taking charge of player recruitment. Moyes is a lot more orthodox like Arsene Wenger, and Arsene during his time at Arsenal and beyond has been much vocal about having full authorities on transfer rather than shared authorities with a TD coming in. Moyes, similarly, has expressed his reluctance to have others interfere in this aspect of the game.
Many former coaches have also hinted at clashes between their ideas and Moyes’ old-school philosophy. It is difficult to believe that Moyes, who struggled to adapt to different coaching approaches, would readily accept someone new overseeing player transfers.
The concern among West Ham fans stems from the fear that Moyes may not be willing to work harmoniously with the new technical director. It is unlikely that the list of players Steidten presents to Moyes will align perfectly with the manager’s preferences. Previous signings, such as Alex Kral and Nikola Vlasic, seemed more like Sullivan’s choices rather than Moyes’ preferred players – but the funds have been thrown around right-left-and-centre for a while now – it’s time to own up to it and make certain this 100 million West Ham are getting for Declan are used smartly. Although that being said, the lack of harmony in the past raises doubts about whether Moyes will fully embrace Steidten’s recommendations.
The arrival of Steidten as a technical director suggests a long-term vision for West Ham. However, with Moyes’ contract set to expire in a year, questions arise about the future responsibility of Steidten and his role in player recruitment. The club seems to have a short-term mindset when it comes to the manager, making it uncertain how Steidten’s position will evolve in the long run.
Now let’s get into Tim Steidten…
According to a club insider, future incoming transfers at West Ham will be by mutual agreement, with Tim Steidten, David Moyes, Mark Noble and David Sullivan all having some input pic.twitter.com/3uYreLeGSk
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) July 3, 2023
If you are a West Ham fan, the appointment of Tim Steidten is definitely thrilling. If he’s given control and sufficient funds to work with, and if he can replicate his success at Leverkusen, then it seems almost certain that West Ham will be successful. Now those expectations may sound a bit high, but it’s hard not to get excited considering his impressive track record.
His choice of West Ham as his preferred destination instils a sense of assurance that specific assurances have been extended to him. Furthermore, what could have been the motivating factor behind his decision to become a TD at West Ham? He possesses a robust reputation and was presented with alternative opportunities, including those from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Spurs. Although West Ham does club possesses a substantial fan base and enjoys a considerable following, these factors in isolation would not have sufficed to captivate his interest. It is likely that he may have obtained assurances from David Sullivan, potentially Rob Newman, with regards to the extent of authority he will possess at West Ham. Based on those conversations, he would have decided that West Ham United is the right place for him to continue his footballing journey.
Steidten’s career has experienced a rapid ascent, however, it is important to acknowledge the possibility of a swift decline should he encounter a subpar summer transfer window during his tenure at West Ham. His present standing and trustworthiness would rapidly erode, and in the event of his departure from West Ham, he may encounter difficulties in obtaining employment at a prestigious clubs. It is probable that he would need to rejoin the Bundesliga, the league in which his reputation was initially established. Nevertheless, it is my contention that Steidten has thoroughly conducted his research and analysis to ascertain that his decision to join West Ham is well-founded. It is conceivable that he obtained assurances from David Sullivan regarding the extent of resources and transfer budget at his disposal.
The potential acquisition of £100 million resulting from the sale of Declan Rice, undoubtedly holds considerable allure for the one serving as the technical director, particularly in the context of the summer transfer window. Given the significant financial resources at his disposal, he is able to assertively support his own endeavours and pursue high-caliber players.
This represents a shift in West Ham’s operational approach, suggesting a commitment to long-term decision-making, a rarity within the club. In the past, these responsibilities were assumed by either David Moyes or David Sullivan. However, under Steidten’s leadership, we can anticipate a distinct methodology.
Anticipating the summer, in the event of favourable circumstances, it is expected that Moyes’ contractual agreement will reach its termination, thereby affording West Ham the opportunity to contemplate the prospect of procuring a fresh managerial candidate. Nevertheless, under the guidance of Steidten in overseeing the recruitment process, a sense of optimism regarding the club’s trajectory begins to emerge.
In relation to the summer transfer window, there harbour some concerns regarding the individual or entity that will assume the responsibility of allocating the funds. Nevertheless, I find solace in contemplating the acquisitions made during Steidten’s tenure at Leverkusen. Irrespective of whether he conducted the scouting process personally or not, it is inconsequential. The attainment of success can be attributed to a collaborative endeavour and effective leadership when the players endorsed by Steidten have achieved positive outcomes.
It is plausible that players such as Sami Grey and Patrick Schick would have exhibited commendable performances under the tutelage of Moyes. The observed achievements of these acquisitions instill optimism in me, as they suggest that Steidten’s approach to recruitment will be congruent with Moyes’ preferred tactical approach.
One additional element that elicits enthusiasm is the prospect of Mark Noble acquiring knowledge from Steidten’s methodologies. Upon Noble’s appointment as sporting director in January, apprehensions arose regarding his suitability for the position. Nevertheless, the arrival of Steidten presents Noble with the prospect of assimilating Steidten’s expertise and ultimately assuming his role as successor. This measure would facilitate a seamless transition upon Steidten’s eventual departure. The implementation of a succession plan is of utmost importance in order to ensure the continuity and stability of the club, while also mitigating any potential disruptions.
In conclusion, I hold a highly positive outlook regarding Steidten’s selection as the newly appointed technical director for West Ham.
The club’s positive trajectory is indicated by Steidten’s past performance, the commitments made to him, and the prospective financial allocation for player transfers. Naturally, there exist inherent risks in the convergence of Steidten’s approach with Moyes’ methodologies; however, in the event that all variables align harmoniously, the potential ramifications for the club could be substantial.
The summer transfer window presents both challenges and opportunities for West Ham United. With the imminent departure of Declan Rice, the club can finally focus on their own transfer business.
However, uncertainties remain regarding who will control the spending and how David Moyes will adapt to the presence of a technical director. A compromise between Moyes and Steidten may offer a path forward. The future role of Steidten at West Ham will be crucial in shaping the club’s long-term vision and success.
