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David Moyes calls for unity after West Ham fans target board and Andy Carroll for criticism

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David Moyes has called on the West Ham fans to unite behind the club after they spent the majority of the defeat at Watford taking on those in the boardroom.

Ten minutes before Moyes’ first game in charge, which saw Watford capitalise on a listless show from the east Londoners, there were calls from the away end to "sack the board".

The chants continued, and only got worse throughout the game and at half-time a banner branding David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady as "lying, thieving, cheats" was unfurled.

“Look, I don’t know their history and all their reasons for it,” Moyes said in response. “I am really thankful, I thought they were supportive of me and I’m thankful for that.

“But I have to say also that we need them now. We need a united club. I know that’s hard to say and you have grievances, those supporters will know much better than I do about history [with the owners] or the past or what they think.

“I said to the players at the end, I said ‘It’s tough to play when the crowd’s like that,’ but the small things, a goal, can make a big difference and I can understand the supporters feelings because I didn’t think they played well enough, at times in the second half later on especially.”

While Moyes took no abuse, the next in line alongside the board was striker Andy Carroll.

Speaking after the defeat to Liverpool, Carroll called on fans to stay behind them until the end after thousands left early, But after a poor display from striker, fans turned their anger towards the critic.

Moyes admitted he was surprised at their backlash, but knows he must work to mend the relationship with supporters.

He added: “I didn’t know there was any heat [between Carroll and the fans] before, I didn’t so I would say that. And I was surprised because Andy’s done everything in training, tried to be correct in everything he’s done.

“I felt from the off there was nearly a case of every time Andy Carroll goes for a challenge now the opposition crowd are going to make it really difficult and effect the referee.

“It needs to be more, we need to try and find a way of making sure we get that [the relationship with the fans] together. The club needs to be together.

“As I said, I’m probably the wrong man to ask that question at the moment, I can only try and get wins which will make the supporters feel better about the players and the team.”