‘West Ham deal being terminated comes after fall-out with key man’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Tim Steidten’s fall-out with David Moyes was a “big red flashing danger sign” about his suitability at West Ham.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed it “would have taken a lot for Moyes”, who Wyness worked with closely on Merseyside, to fall out with the sporting director.
As per The Athletic (24 January), West Ham are finalising the terms of Steidten’s exit after making the decision to relieve him of his duties.
The Irons have appointed Kyle Macaulay, the recruitment analyst who has a long-term relationship with new manager Graham Potter.
Steidten arrived at the London Stadium in 2023 and played a key role in deals for the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez.
He was involved in a high-profile fall-out with Moyes last season, with widespread reports suggesting the Scot banned him from entering the first-team dressing room.
Macaulay replacing Steidten is ‘positive step’ for West Ham, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “With West Ham over the last five or six years, there hasn’t been stability.
“We’ve had Moyes go and come back, Lopetegui coming in and out. Then Steidten came in and fell out with Moyes – these are key positions.
“The ownership has been stable, but there hasn’t been that in terms of the manager and sporting director.
“With Steidten falling out with Moyes, and now Potter, it does seem that he was the problem.
“Having worked with Moyes, I know it would have taken a lot for him to fall out with the sporting director.
“When I heard that, it was a big red flashing danger sign.
“Hopefully they can get some stability. Potter has brought Kyle Macauley in, who he’s worked with before.
“Sometimes you want the sporting director to challenge the manager, and sometimes they can work closely together – and I think that’s the most positive way to go.
“West Ham are searching for stability and hopefully Potter can finish on a high this season.”
In other news, West Ham’s plan to sign striker revealed after talks twist.
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