Journalist hits home in article claiming West Ham are “broken”.

At the minute, supporting West Ham really doesn’t feel the same as it used to. It’s not about results, it’s about everything else.

As a collective, we’ve had enough, and this is finally starting to spill over into the mainstream media.

Jacob Steinberg’s recent article, for example, pulled very few punches in his assessment of the current state of affairs. “Bowen deserves better,” he wrote in relation to the captain’s clash with a fan. “West Ham are broken and there is no easy fix. The rot is deep and relegation is on the cards unless something drastic happens before the transfer window shuts on Monday. Even then, it would be hard to disagree with the view that substantial change will remain elusive until David Sullivan, the club’s most dominant figure over the past 15 years, sells his shares.”

“A big stadium means nothing when the wider infrastructure remains so dysfunctional. West Ham are being left behind by Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton. They look stale and outdated. Their recruitment is chaotic, with too many voices competing for attention. Multiple sources say that certain agents continue to have Sullivan’s ear, trying to influence his judgment on signings and managers.”

While Steinberg does think Potter deserves a fair bit of criticism, he also recognises the issues he faces aren’t exactly new. “In Potter’s defence he inherited a poor squad from Lopetegui, who inherited an ageing squad from David Moyes, who inherited an unbalanced squad from Manuel Pellegrini. Underinvestment is not the issue. West Ham are working with a limited budget this summer but they have spent in recent years. It shows that one of Sullivan’s biggest failings is who he chooses to empower.”

As he points out, this also applies to Steidten and his lack of judgment extends to the agents he chooses to trust for some unknown reason. Until the owners are willing to move into the 21st century by investing in proper facilities, a proper set up, and a manager who’s not been out of work, we will continue to regress.