Why West ham chief could quit amid behind-scenes friction

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Frank McAvennie believes West Ham technical director Tim Steidten will be tempted by a move to Liverpool following some behind-scenes friction with David Moyes.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported on Wednesday (31 January) that Steidten is a candidate to become Liverpool’s next sporting director after the announcement that fellow countryman Jorg Schmadtke will leave his post at Anfield after the transfer window closes.

In an update shared by the Daily Mail‘s online edition [31 January], it is claimed via sources close to the club that Steidten is not entirely happy at London Stadium and could be tempted by a move elsewhere.

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano in his his Daily Briefing column on Thursday [1 February] believes Steidten would be an “excellent option” for Liverpool in their search for a new sporting director.

“Nothing is happening this week apart from Michael Edwards being approached last weekend. I’m aware, however, of links with Tim Steidten and in my opinion, he would be an excellent option.

“He did an incredible job at Bayer Leverkusen and he’s also now doing great at West Ham; but let’s see, it’s still early stages in Liverpool’s search.”

Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Listen, there’s been rumours of discontent and friction between him and Moyes in the past and if David is staying then, I can’t see why he won’t be tempted by Liverpool.

“I mean, I’d give him a lift up there myself if it was possible because you don’t want that commotion behind the scenes at the club, you don’t want any inharmony especially when the club is trying to progress.

“You need harmony and trust at the top of a football club or else, everything crumbles and you need the director of football to be onside, look at the disarray Celtic have been in previously and you don’t want that at West Ham.

“You don’t have to like each other but you gotta have respect in the way you do business behind the scenes, you know recruiting players and ensuring they are right for the club.

“If the respect ain’t there then it only harms the club in the long run. And if Liverpool come calling, you don’t say no.”

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