'It is difficult to see how Moyes can take us even further'

We are without a win in eight games in all competitions. We have scored just two goals from open play in that time, four in total. We have failed to beat relegation-threatened Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. We have been thrashed by Manchester United and Arsenal. We have been knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Championship club Bristol City.

All of that, and we are only six weeks into 2024.

West Ham ended 2023 having lost just twice in 12 games, while victories over Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal sparked discussions about David Moyes being offered a renewed deal. But now, fans are unfurling "Moyes Out" banners and speculation in the press regarding an imminent change in the dugout intensifies by the hour.

With every passing week, every passing defeat, fans are beginning to turn. They are sick of turning up to watch West Ham defend instead of attack, to watch the opposition play with the ball instead of West Ham, to watch a squad clearly devoid of confidence go out there without any real plan or tactical nous. Of course, they are unhappy.

Yes, Moyes' time at West Ham since he returned has been nothing short of outstanding. Back-to-back top-seven finishes, a Europa League semi-final, three consecutive European campaigns for the first time in history and a first trophy since 1980 were only pipe dreams when he took over from Manuel Pellegrini.

But that does not mean he should stay in the job much longer. He has revived a football club and given it a platform, but it is becoming increasingly clear that that is as far as he will be able to take us. It is difficult to see how he can take us even further, especially now he has already lost a large percentage of the fanbase.

The only right thing to do now is to thank him for his unbelievable service and replace him with a manager who has fresh ideas and the ability to build on what Moyes has built.

Leaving the club now will not undo what he has achieved. His legacy will live on. For now. But the longer he stays to oversee the downfall of that legacy, the weaker it will be for years to come.

James Jones can be found at We Are West Ham