LONDON (AP) — David Moyes will leave his role as West Ham manager when his contract expires at the end of the season.
West Ham made the announcement on Monday to end speculation about Moyes' future, with the club having reportedly interviewed other managers already.
The BBC reported on Monday that Julen Lopetegui, the former Spain and Real Madrid coach, has agreed to come in as Moyes' replacement. West Ham said only that the recruitment process for Moyes' successor had begun and the club would be making no further comment.
Moyes is in his second stint at the club after returning in December 2019. In the last 4 1/2 years, he has led the team to the Europa Conference League title last season — its first major trophy since 1980 — and two top-seven finishes in the English Premier League.
“David has been responsible for a period of great progress and success in our history," West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said, "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."
The club said Moyes' departure was by mutual consent and that announcing it before the end of the season gives him the opportunity “to get the send-off he deserves from the West Ham supporters.”
“The club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019,” said Moyes, whose position has come under scrutiny after a recent run of poor results including a 5-0 loss at Chelsea on Sunday.
“When I joined West Ham for a second time, the club was one place above the relegation zone, and it has been a terrific journey to have achieved three consecutive seasons in Europe."
The 61-year-old Moyes previously managed Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland in the Premier League.
Lopetegui's last job was at Wolverhampton in the Premier League. He quit days before the start of this season after less than a year in charge.
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The Associated Press
