Former West Ham boss David Moyes insists they should always be challenging for a top 10 finish.

Moyes was in charge of the Hammers on only a six-month contract from November 2017 after succeeding Slaven Bilic.

He told the Mirror: “West Ham are a club who should be competing, and have the capabilities to do so.

“But last year was the first year I think West Ham have really spent to do so.

“Prior to that, we took over when there was a lot of difficulties and unrest around the group. We calmed it down and more importantly for the group we made sure there were no problems with relegation.

“Our plan was to go in and work with the players we had and get them through the season. We brought in one centre-forward, Jordan Hugill, to cover Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho, who had gone [in the January window].

“We had to find a way of winning quickly and making sure we weren't going to be in difficulty. But also understanding that as well as a short-term picture, you were always hoping there was something long-term as well.

“We really enjoyed our time there and were disappointed when we didn't stay. But that is the owner's choice, he has the ability to do that. There are no hard feelings, we enjoyed it and I enjoyed living in London.

“It shows maybe if there is a short-term fix, I can do it, because we knew at West Ham we had to go in and have a quick hit."