SPORTS AGENDA: David Moyes could move upstairs when his contract expires and has enough suitors… while Steven Gerrard calls up an old friend and Burnley abandons plans to improve the atmosphere

David Moyes may already be spoiled for choice when his West Ham contract expires at the end of the season.

After a turbulent summer, the Scot’s future at the club was in doubt, despite leading the Hammers to success in the Europa Conference League.

Issues over signings and management were resolved to the extent that Moyes remained in post, but sources have revealed that a deal to expand his existing role is unlikely.

Instead, West Ham executives are considering offering the 60-year-old the opportunity to move upstairs. However, it is quite possible that they will face competition.

It is understood that UEFA are keen to make use of Moyes’ experience and may be able to offer him some form of technical position aimed at capitalizing on his 25 years in the dugout.

Gerrard calls in the cavalry

Steven Gerrard has enlisted the help of a well-known face. The Liverpool legend has turned to former Rangers sporting director Mark Allen as he attempts to improve the academy at Al Ettifaq, the club he manages in Saudi Arabia.

Allen worked closely with Gerrard at Ibrox and had a long spell at Manchester City, where he spent eight years as academy director. He has been appointed director of football development at Al Ettifaq.

Last year, Allen left Swansea City after just eight months in the role of sporting director in his native Wales.

The sound of no beat

Burnley have withdrawn their plans to bring in an official drummer following a backlash from supporters.

The club caused outrage when they advertised the position in a bid to improve the atmosphere at Turf Moor. Instead, they are introducing safe standing areas and a relaxation on flags and banners ‘where necessary’.

Officials from the Lancashire team, who on Saturday became the first team in Premier League history to lose their first six home games, had questioned fans about how to increase noise levels.

You might imagine that the obvious answer was given more than once.

Hat fit for Cantlay

Remember hat gate? At the end of September, a report surfaced during the Ryder Cup that American Patrick Cantlay refused to wear a cap in protest against players who were not paid for their problems.

The news spread quickly around the Marco Simone course, where the Californian was mercilessly mocked by hat-wielding Europa fans before a famous flashpoint on the 18th green between Rory McIlroy and Cantlay’s cap-twirling caddy.

Cantlay then claimed he didn’t wear a cap because it simply didn’t fit, which raised eyebrows.

Agenda was recently informed that both sides attended hat-fitting sessions ahead of the tournament, no complaints were made and no adjustments are planned for future competitions.

FIFA is cracking down on agents

Good news for FIFA in their ongoing battle with agents over new, controversial licensing rules. Tough new laws – including a cap on commissions – were approved by the European Commission ahead of a key hearing at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The EU’s executive has also spoken in favor of a ban on agents representing all parties to transfer deals, the new agent exam and stricter guidelines on who can make payments.

Some agents claim the rules, which would undoubtedly hit earning potential, are unfair and breach EU competition law.

Australians on their way to Asia Cup

Australia, where FIFA flagrantly laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, sensibly decided last week not to formalize a rival bid.

Football Australia CEO James Johnson told Agenda he only likes to “bet on certain things”, an understated comment that spoke volumes about the size of the opposition.

In December, Johnson will be in Saudi Arabia when the Asian Football Federation meets in Riyadh to discuss who should host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.

Australia is now considered the heavy favorite to win the title of the oldest international women’s football competition, potentially crowning a decade of major tournaments Down Under, as the country is also one of the leading contenders to host the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in 2029 to organize.

New Inside The Games owners are on strike

The news that British specialist Olympic news publication Inside The Games has changed hands could prove to be a mixed blessing for the International Olympic Committee.

On the one hand, they will be happy to see the back of former owner Duncan Mackay, who was a constant critic of IOC president Thomas Bach. On the other hand, however, they may be seriously concerned about the persistent rumors that the new Hungarian owners have strong links with unsavory Russian characters in the shadow of the Olympic movement.

Meanwhile, all British journalists at the publication were immediately fired by the new owners.

Horsham sold short

Despite their side being held at home by non-League opposition, League One Barnsley supporters may have allowed themselves a wry smile on Friday evening.

What looked like a money-spinning, dream FA Cup draw for Horsham, their seventh-tier opponents, quickly turned sour thanks to South Yorkshire Police, who successfully requested that the meeting with Oakwell be brought forward from Saturday.

That meant those hoping to complete the 450-mile round trip from Sussex had to book time off work, pick up children from school or sit out a historic event. It prompted a letter of complaint to the FA and SYP from the local MP, outraged both groups of fans and may have had an impact on Horsham’s coffers, with a crowd of 4,463 in attendance.

However, a dramatic 3-3 draw means a lucrative repeat at Horsham on November 14.

City at work

One Manchester City fan had more reasons to be grateful than most during Saturday’s 6-1 defeat of Bournemouth.

The disabled supporter had a problem with one of the wheels of his wheelchair. A city steward came to his aid and quickly called the club’s maintenance team.

Moments later, they were on site armed with a toolbox to make the necessary repairs. The incident happened halfway through the first half and ultimately ended with a wheel falling off. The supporter then thanked those who helped them, along with fellow fans who raised the alarm.