After a rare extended quiet period from David Sullivan, his son Jack has filled the void with a recent interview.

The club director defended the departure of David Moyes and the appointment of new manager Julen Lopetegui after the club faced criticism from rival fans. In an interview with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman for ‘The Sports Agents’ radio show, Jack pointed out how respectful he was of the departing Moyes.

“The first thing I would like to say is how thankful I am for him, he was incredible with me, and what an incredible job he did for the four years. When we look at the recent history of West Ham it’s probably the best four years the club has ever had.

“I think the board and the ownership just felt like it was time for a new voice and for him to start a new challenge somewhere else. I have no doubt he’ll go somewhere and do a great job.” David Moyes’ departure left many fans of other clubs confused as from an outsider looking in, sitting in the top half having won a trophy last season, it could appear harsh to let him go.

Chapman asked Jack his expectations for the club in response to this talk. Jack said: “We should be in and around those spaces (European spots) with the wages that we are paying. We all knew what the challenge was (after losing Declan Rice) at the start of (last) year, but (despite a top-half finish) we still felt that it was probably time for a change. And that was from all sides, not just the board. It was a collective decision.” According to a report by Evening Standard.

West Ham had the eigth highest wage bill in the Premier League in 23/24 behind the top six and Aston Villa. With the Hammers sitting just £520,000 below Tottenham Hotspur in seventh. The Hammers hired Julen Lopetegui to take over as the clubs new manager before the end of the season, as reported by ExWHUEmployee, however out of respect for the departing Scotsman, it wasn’t formally announced by the club till a few days after his final game in charge against Manchester City.

The Spaniard’s appointment raised plenty of eyebrows, but technical director Tim Steidten was more than happy with the former Real Madrid and Spain manager’s arrival. Gabby Logan asked Jack if Julen Lopetegui had to get the club into Europe this season.

He replied: “I don’t want to say that because it’s quite difficult. Lots could happen, there could be injuries for large parts of the season for example.” This highlights the club’s new approach after the departure of David Moyes. While the Sullivan’s are still involved it’s clear to see its not just them and them only like it has been previously.

The club has put a lot more trust in Tim Steidten when it comes to both signings and managerial appointments. In Lopetegui’s first couple of weeks on the job the difference has been apparent with the early transfer movement and heavy interest in the Brazillian market.

By Daniel Luker