Despite on uncertainty and anxiety around West Ham at present, there is also a gust of optimism over what the next chapter in east London could look like.

West Ham and its fans are bruised, exhausted and lacking belief in many parts following what was a disastrous 2024/25 season, which saw much promise diminished fast, with the club still reeling from the dreadful appointment of Julen Lopetegui.

The cheap and bizarre move to hire the former Spain boss backfired on the clubs owners badly, with West Ham failing to turn a corner, whilst in fact showcasing further that its in fact on the decline.

That has sadly been the case since our Europa Conference League success in 2023.

Graham Potter arrived in January, picking up an unbalanced and damaged squad, which undoubtedly needed a lot of work.

Although the results under the former Brighton boss were not as great as expected or hoped for last season, it cannot be denied that the new boss managed to address a clear issue, which was team organisation and conceding goals far too easily.

It now feels West Ham have a chance to turn a page, to draw a line under what has been a difficult period for the club for many reasons – with there now a real sense that this could be an appointment that works out well for all parties.

Potter himself is a man with a reputation to rebuild following his failed stint at Chelsea. West Ham on the other hand are a club desperate to address the slide, and return to one that is competing at the right end of the table and in the European football conversation once again.

It is early days, with plenty still to do. But despite the negative noises from some quarters, there is also a real belief that something exciting is developing in east London. And it could well be, that West Ham are set to surprise a few people this season.