Richard Keys has gone for West Ham's technical director Tim Steidten - labelling him a "sneaky weasel" after the imminent departure of David Moyes was confirmed.
The Scot will leave the Hammers for a second time when the current season ends. Moyes' contract was coming to an end this summer and a mutual parting of ways was always expected, with the club confirming it on Monday as they put the finishing touches to a deal for Julen Lopetegui.
The ex-Real Madrid, Sevilla and Wolves boss is due to be named as the new West Ham manager imminently. Steidten is understood to have drove the search for a new manager, despite Moyes winning the Europa Conference League less than a year ago, and looks to have got his man.
The London club were ambitious as they drew up a shortlist, having talks with Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim before pursuing Lopetegui. Keys though believes the Spaniard will jump at the first good offer he receives as he labelled the West Ham hierarchy "classless".
He said on social media: "You wouldn’t want Tim Steidten with you in the trenches. Sneaky weasel. I’ve worked with one like him. Nor Lopetegui. He’ll be off as soon as he gets a better offer. And unopposed West Ham’s management win Classless Act of the season again. It’s a shame because it’s a great club."
Jesse Marsch inspired to battle on at Leeds by United States President's speechSteidten, who started his role last summer, has endured a tense relationship with Moyes. The German's arrival as the London Stadium also resulted in Moyes having less influence over transfers, reports the Guardian.
Following Sunday's 5-0 hammering at Chelsea the technical director was told to remain away from the first team. His access to the first-team dressing room and the training ground was restricted. Moyes, not the board, is understood to have been the instigator of such a move.
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When the Scot's departure was announced he said: “I would like to thank all the players for their support, and all the success they have achieved, over the last four and a half years. I have really enjoyed working with everyone at West Ham, and I would like to thank the Board for giving me the opportunity to manage this great Club.
“I wish my eventual successor, the Directors, the players, the staff, the fans, and everybody at West Ham, all the very best for the future.”
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