By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Manager David Moyes will leave West Ham at the end of the Premier League season, the club have confirmed.
This comes after reports that former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui had agreed a deal to replace Moyes.
In a statement, the club’s joint-chairman David Sullivan said: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, I would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to David for the contribution he has made to the Football Club during his time as manager.
“David has been responsible for a period of great progress and success in our history, and we are extremely grateful for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the role.
“David has been an absolute professional to work with and he will leave with our greatest respect and good wishes – he deserves to be held in the highest esteem for the service he has given to West Ham United, and we wish him every success in the future.
“By making this announcement now, it allows David to get the send-off he deserves from the West Ham supporters and for us all to show our appreciation to him at our final home fixture of the season against Luton Town on Saturday.
Moyes, 61, had come under increasing pressure after a poor run of results, including Sunday’s 5-0 defeat by Chelsea.
“I have enjoyed four and a half brilliant years at West Ham, and the club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019, “Moyes said.
The Scot took over for his second spell at the club in December 2019 and guided the Hammers to Europa Conference League success last season – their first major trophy for 43 years.
But his side have won just one of their past 10 games across all competitions, losing five, and, sitting ninth in the Premier League, are likely to miss out on a fourth successive season in Europe.