Moyes facing a huge test in bid to see new deal over line

Fans divided over manager’s future, so an upturn in form is needed and quickly

IT WAS little more than 10 days ago that David Moyes suggested the closure of the January transfer window would soon bring clarity over his West Ham future, but already that appears wishful thinking.

On the back of being hit for six at home by Arsenal on Sunday, and now into the final five months of his Hammers contract, it has all gone quiet on that front, a wretched run of form since the turn of the year seemingly giving the club's board pause for thought as far as an expected two-and-a-half year extension is concerned.

Since Moyes was backed to stay after delivering the club's first trophy in 43 years last summer, consensus over his fate beyond the end of this season has swung wildly: from acceptance in the early part of the campaign that he was unlikely to be offered another deal, to virtual confirmation that a renewal would be in the offing after a superb run heading into Christmas.