So long has it been that there has been an element of direction, ambition and muscle to take the club forward, that to imagine that our club could be set for a new era that we have all craved is one that is not easy to put into words.

I myself have been lucky enough to have a season ticket since I was 8 years old – way back in 1993, when the club was then under the ownership steered by Peter Storrie.

Even back then there was controversy and frustration at the direction the club was heading, the way it was being run and the ambition being shown. That has felt like a constant throughout me and every other West Ham fans life supporting the club we love.

Terrance Brown followed (the less said the better), then we had the first taste of excitement, when Eggert Magnússon stepped in with deep pockets to finally take the club forward and compete with the big boys.

Well, that lasted all but 5 minutes, as in typical West Ham fashion, Eggy was skint after the financial crash of 2007 and West Ham suddenly fell into the hands of Gold & Sullivan.

It has been one mess after the next pretty much for every West Ham fan, with the feeling that our day would never arrive, whilst watching others around us kick on and operate in a manner that we could only dream of.

Now the shadow of Sullivan diminishes and the new chapter of having an operator like Daniel Kretinsky steering the ship takes hold, there is growing sense that West Ham could finally be in the hands of people who not only know what they are doing, but they excel at it.

It is early days yes, but the opening days under our new ownership are a source of serious encouragement.

Lets hope that we are finally on the cusp of a very special time at our club.

The post West Ham optimism is strange, but fans have a right to feel very excited appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Czech billionare and Royal Mail owner has really impressed West Ham fans with his short but snappy quotes snd with some of the information that has come out.

The best one of these being that he says that we don’t have to sell our best players.

All we’ve heard about the transfer window is that we need to raise funds with rumours of us needing to make 150m from player sales all over social media a couple of weeks ago.

However, with Kretinsky coming in this might change, he’s investing his own money into the club to make sure we go straight back up.

He said: “”Our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.”

This is all well and good, but we’ve heard promises that haven’t happened before under Sullivan, Kretinsky has to act.

I’m not expecting us to keep hold of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, I don’t think any West Ham fan is. Not only are they way too good for the Championship, but they don’t have the connection to the club to make them stay like some others.

We are looking at getting around £70m for Fernandes, this would be the biggest Championship sale ever by a country mile. Yes selling him contradicts what Kretisnky is saying, but you have to apply context.

By this, he means we will keep the ones we have a realistic chance of keeping.

For example, if Sullivan was still in charge we would have sold like likes of Jarrod Bowen, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Taty Catellanos, and Tomas Soucek, as well as Fernandes and Summerville.

If Kretinsky can keep those four players in the Championship next season alongside a few more signings, we would have to have a massive disaster to not get promoted back to the Premier League.

The post Can Kretinsky convince Fernandes, Bowen, Summerville to stay at West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

West Ham reportedly need to raise £150m in transfer fees this summer to balance the books. This means we probably won’t be spending anywhere near that on incomings, especially because we’re in the Championship.

At left-back with Diouf expected to leave, Oliver Scarles is guaranteed to stick around, but apart from that, there isn’t really anyone else. Ezra Mayers can play out on the left, but he will be looking for minutes in his natural central defensive position this season.

A more senior player to compete with Scarles for the starting position at left back could be a great idea.

There are a lot of options for that role, some unrealistic ones like Leonardo Spinazzola, Raphael Guerreiro, Aaron Martin and Sead Kolasinac. However, there are also some more likely targets.

One of those would be Matt Targett. The 30-year-old is leaving Newcastle United this summer ater initially joining from Aston Villa five years ago.

He was a very decent servant for the Geordies in the top flight before losing his place in the team to players like England Internationals Lewis Hall, Dan Burn, and Valentino Livramento.

Due to his lack of game time, he joined Middlesbrough on loan last season and he was very solid. He played 46 times scoring 4 times and assisting 4 times as they reached the play-off final.

He isn’t a flashy player, we all know him, he’s very tidy defensively, pretty handy in attack, but most importantly his reliability in both availability and lack of mistakes would be important.

He could be the perfect player to bring in for the left back position alongside Ollie Scarles. It wouldn’t be like starter and back up, they would be competing which is exactly what we need with a busier schedule than we’ve been used to over the last couple of years.

It’s not flashy, but thats not we need at left back, we all think the Championship is an excellent opportunity for Scarles but we can’t rely on just him, he needs someone to push him to improve like everyone does.

Matt Targett could be the experienced head we need to do that.

The post West Ham should sign Matt Targett from Newcastle for free appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Despite the money that Daniel Křetínský is expected to inject into the club this summer, the Irons’ relegation to England’s second tier means they will likely consider the free-agent market for signings this summer.

One potential signing is Dael Fry of Middlesbrough. The 28-year-old’s contract expires this summer, and the Hammers are reportedly one of the teams interested in his signature.

Born in Middlesborough, the English centre-back has played his football in the North East since 2014. But now he could be making the first move of his career at 28.

Fry has made 296 appearances for Boro over the years and is now the captain of Kim Hellberg’s side. But according to Middlesbrough’s retained list statement, a new contract isn’t guaranteed.

At 6ft 4in, Fry is strong in the air, but he is also a good passer of the ball. On a free transfer, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side could do worse than the Englishman, who played in the Championship play-off final last month.

To have a player with so much Championship experience would certainly benefit the Hammers, who will be playing in the second tier for the first time in 14 years.

With Axel Disasi gone and Jean-Clair Todibo highly likely to depart this summer, Nuno will need some defensive reinforcements. Fry could prove a shrewd signing, especially if the reactions of Boro supporters are to be believed.

Amid speculation over Fry’s future, Middlesbrough supporters have expressed disappointment at the club’s inability to tie up a deal for the defender thus far, a testament to his standing and a positive indication of what he could offer the Hammers.

Charlton and Sheffield United have also emerged as potential suitors for the 28-year-old, but West Ham should be seen as a more lucrative destination for Fry should he depart the Riverside Stadium this summer.

The post West Ham Hoping To Seal Deal For Top Championship Defender appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter both had unsuccessful tenures in East London over the last two years, but both will be in charge of national teams at this summer’s tournament.

Lopetegui, who took over from David Moyes in 2024, is the head coach of Qatar, who drew their opening game of the tournament to Switzerland.

The former Spain and Real Madrid boss was relieved of his duties after a mere 22 games as Hammers head coach. The Spaniard’s West Ham side were ill-disciplined and defensively disastrous. He was sacked in January 2025, taking on the Qatar job in May of that year.

Qatar will take on Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina in their remaining group games.

Lopetegui was replaced by Potter, who will lead Sweden into the World Cup. The 51-year-old spent just under nine months at London Stadium and was sacked just five league games into last season after a nightmare start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Last October, he was appointed boss of a struggling Sweden side, who have qualified for the World Cup in a strange way. Despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group, their Nations League performance granted them a play-off spot, which they secured by beating Poland.

The fact that Potter had nothing to do with that Nations League campaign – he arrived afterwards – is even funnier as a West Ham fan.

Over the last few months, I’ve had time to process these unsuccessful managerial spells, and I have come to the following conclusions:

Lopetegui was the wrong man to replace Moyes. His side had potential and you could see that he was trying to instil a style of play in his team. But in practice, it was a downright tragic experience. However, seeing him managing Qatar now, I have no ill feeling towards him. I’m glad that he is no longer our manager, but there is a part of me that has sympathy for the man.

On the other hand, I have severe resentment towards Potter, who I believe was one of the key catalysts for our relegation last season. There were other factors, sure, but the damage Potter did to his West Ham squad was unforgivable.

He released our biggest leaders, he played negative football, and he appeared unable to motivate anyone – players or supporters. He was a plague on the team, and to see him now manage the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres seems a huge injustice.

And when he turned up to training in a novelty cowboy hat the other day, it filled me with rage. West Ham have just been relegated, he was a major part of that, and now he’s strutting around with a big smile on his face as if nothing happened.

I will be keeping a close eye on Sweden this summer. They face the Netherlands in one of their group games. It probably won’t happen, but it would feel so sweet if Crysencio Summerville scored and celebrated as Potter watched on, helpless.

I realise how petty this sounds, but Ireland failed to qualify. I need someone to root for – or against.

The post Disastrous West Ham Managers Take Charge At 2026 World Cup appeared first on The West Ham Way.

It’s likely you don’t – but he may be the most important player of the last ten years as far as West Ham are concerned.

Pictured above is Gedson Fernandes – the name may ring some bells. He is a 27-year-old Portuguese midfielder who plays his football for Spartak Moscow.

However, he was very nearly a West Ham player. In January 2020, aged 21, he came close to signing on loan for the Irons following the recent return of David Moyes.

Fernandes was an exciting young prospect coming through the ranks at Benfica. As the Hammers found themselves in the midst of a relegation scrap, the midfielder was seen as a possible solution to West Ham’s problems.

Ultimately, he didn’t sign, choosing the Irons’ London rivals Spurs instead. There was genuine disappointment among supporters following the move, as Moyes turned to a seemingly less exciting alternative whom no one had heard of.

That alternative was Tomáš Souček.

Fernandes made 14 appearances for Spurs, failing to register a goal or assist. Souček has made 284 appearances for the Irons, becoming one of the most important Hammers of the 21st century.

The ripple effect of the Fernandes move falling through cannot be understated.

Not only did the Irons end up with Souček, but the success of that move created a fruitful Czech relationship for West Ham, opening the door to the arrivals of Vladimír Coufal and eventually Daniel Křetínský.

That second arrival is particularly noteworthy given today’s statement released by Křetínský and Vanessa Gold, daughter of the late former joint chairman David Gold.

In the statement, it was announced that a share purchase transaction has been agreed between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings (part of the broader EP Group).

This means that, with a 43% stake, Křetínský will become the majority shareholder in the club, definitively bringing David Sullivan’s reign of terror to a close.

Even without Křetínský, Sullivan probably would’ve stepped down. But to have someone who has been a major shareholder since 2021 take over as the main man should help the Irons – if anything, it could help persuade Souček to stay.

Despite the recent relegation, this is a surprisingly exciting time for West Ham – and it’s crazy to think that it all started with the Irons typically missing out on a top midfield target.

The post The Most Important Player To Never Play For West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Spaniard, who played 150 games for the Irons between 2013 and 2019, recently hung up his boots at the age of 39.

Adrián was a memorable figure between the sticks in East London. An integral part of the West Ham team in the final couple of years at Upton Park, the shot-stopper rarely had a dull moment in goal – for better or for worse.

Despite a couple of calamities, the Seville native was a solid goalkeeper who had some memorable moments; none more iconic than scoring the winning penalty in an FA Cup shootout against Everton.

Despite declining a new contract in 2019, West Ham still holds a place in Adrián’s heart, as was proven by a recent video he posted on social media.

In the short video, the goalkeeper thanks West Ham for bringing him to the Premier League. He reflects on the highlights of his time as a Hammer, including scoring a superb solo goal in Mark Noble’s testimonial.

He also thanks Hammers fans for welcoming him to London, the city where his children were born.

The 39-year-old reflected on West Ham’s recent relegation to the Championship, recognising the difficulty of the current situation while maintaining confidence that the Irons will bounce back next season.

Despite how the club has been run over the years, there are still many players who look back fondly on their time in claret and blue.

Adrián is the latest to acknowledge it, and he did so with the utmost respect for the Hammers.

Happy retirement, Adrián!

The post Former West Ham Goalkeeper Thanks Club In Heartfelt Social Media Post appeared first on The West Ham Way.

After 16 years of utter mismanagement, lack of care, love or desire from a deeply unpopular board – it finally feels that West Ham are set for an era of the complete opposite.

Daniel Kretinsky has been waiting in the shadows patiently for years, knowing that Sullivan & Brady were doomed and it was just a matter of time before it all fell apart.

Well that time has now very much arrived, as the Czech billionaire gets set to acquire 52% of the club, as talks over buying out the Gold family shares near conclusion.

The move would effectively commence a hostile takeover of the club, from the grasp of David Sullivan, who last week resigned from his Chairman and board position, following harrowing revelations about his conduct.

Once Kretinsky has control, he is then expected to invest millions into the club, which not only will set the club up ahead of a very busy summer, but also dilute the remaining shares of Sullivan.

It could well be the case that once Sullivan opts to or is forced to sell his stake, the hundreds of millions he once envisioned, will likely be in the tens at most.

A somewhat fitting end to a man loathed in east London, as fans look forward to a new era and one that has the backing of a very serious player in the game.

The post Kretinsky finally set to deliver ambition West Ham have been craving appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Dublin-born, England youth International who is also eligible to play for Latvia and Turkey is avaliable for free after leaving Sunderland this summer.

He failed to cement his place in the Premier League for the Black Cats last season, however, he has hailed as one of, if not the best left-back in the Championship in 22/25.

The Tottenham Hotspur academy product would be an excellent option to bring in for the season as we look to get back into the Premier League, however, I’m unsure whether or not I’d want to give him the three or four year contract he’d probably demand.

He’s an attacking full-back which is what we need, we’re going to have to dominate the ball in this league so creativity from everywhere is key.

He can carry the ball, something Diouf really didn’t offer us last season, he doesn’t have the crossing ability of Diouf, but having someone with decent technique on the ball will improve the flow of the team in possession.

Not only that, Cirkin can be decisive in the final third of the pitch with overlapping runs, he’s also got a great strike on him.

His stamina and atleticism is also key to his style of play, he can dominate the left flank both defensively and offensively, he’s also a good 1v1 and back post defender.

This is a no-brainer really if we can get him on a year or two contract, evwn if we don’t, I’m sure we could get a decent bit of money from another Championship if we go up. He’s still very young at 24, Premier League proven, a free transfer, and can officially join as soon as July 1st.

West Ham would be silly not to offer Dennis Cirkin a contract at London Stadium.

The post Why West Ham Should Sign Exit-Bound Sunderland Full Back appeared first on The West Ham Way.

That is the word on the street anyway and its hard not to see why.

Having worked alongside Sullivan for many many years, it seems almost impossible that Brady was unaware of the claims against the former West Ham chairman. And the fact she decided to resign ahead of the stories coming out, it really does paint a very questionable picture for the Baroness.

Brady, like Sullivan, is majorly unpopular in east London, with many not accepting that she is able to walk away from the storm surrounding her former boss. And its now expected she will have questions to answer.

Speaking on the situation, The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker doesn’t believe she knew nothing and feels it is right she is dragged back into this situation. Hopefully once Sullivan sells up!

“When you look at how closely they have worked together over so many years, it’s hard to believe she knows absolutely nothing about anything untoward from David Sullivan,” said Walker. “I think she needs to seriously questioned about this.”

The post Brady should be dragged back in to answer serious questions appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Football fans already understand small margins. A late app install or slow browser reload can turn a sharp read into a missed price.

The First Match Will Move Fast

Opening games often carry strange energy. The host feels the noise. The opponent tries to survive the first wave. Referees manage emotion, midfielders avoid early mistakes, and the first 20 minutes can distort betting markets before the match settles into its real shape.

For bettors, those opening live lines may be fragile. If Mexico starts aggressively, corner markets and next-goal odds can shorten quickly. If South Africa absorbs pressure and breaks into space, draw and double-chance markets can swing in the other direction. The match will not wait for slow navigation.

Tactical Signals Worth Tracking

The best live football bettors watch details that casual viewers miss. They do not only ask who looks better. They ask where the pressure comes from, which side is overloaded, whether the defensive line is stepping up, and how quickly the underdog escapes after regaining possession.

Useful signals include:

• Full-back positioning during settled possession.
• Second-ball wins after long clearances.
• Early foul patterns around midfield.
• Whether the No. 6 receives under pressure.
• Corner volume before the first goal.
• Press resistance from the weaker side.
• Substitutions before minute 65.

These details affect live totals, handicap movement, card markets, and next-goal pricing. The tactical read matters. So does speed.

Why Mobile Access Changes Live Betting

In modern football wagering, a minor lag during an intense match can cost the right betting line. A bettor who reads a tactical shift correctly still needs the bet slip to load, price, and confirm without delay. That is why MelBet GuideBook is useful before matchday: it explains app access, installation steps, device setup, login flow, and common technical issues in one verified place.

The app does not replace judgment. It supports it. A user still needs to understand odds movement, bankroll control, and the difference between value and a chase bet. What the app can do is reduce the technical friction between decision and execution, especially during tournament weeks when live markets move every few seconds.

MelBet APK and the Secure App Package

Football bettors should treat installation files with the same caution they apply to suspicious team-news accounts. A fake APK can create more damage than a bad pick because it touches the device, login flow, and account data. GuideBook reduces that risk by giving users the official route for app setup, APK guidance, mirror access, bonus instructions, and wagering requirement explanations before the tournament schedule becomes heavy.

The broader lesson is simple: prepare before the rush. Check GuideBook, test the login, review the bet slip, and learn where live stats sit inside the interface. Entering GUIDE777 near the MelBet app download (Farsi: دانلود برنامه مل بت با لینک مستقیم) setup gives users a cleaner start before peak match traffic. Then match reading, not panic, decides when a price is worth taking.

A West Ham Lens on Tournament Betting

A West Ham supporter understands tournament football better than many casual neutrals. The club’s recent European and Premier League years have made fans fluent in set pieces, transition attacks, pressure spells, and the emotional cost of defending deep for long stretches. That kind of football education translates well to World Cup betting.

When a team sits compact, the market may overreact to possession. When a side wins repeated corners, pressure becomes measurable before a goal arrives. When a striker stops pressing, the tactical picture changes before the commentator says it. Football betting rewards that kind of attention.

Pre-Match Markets vs Live Markets

Pre-match betting is calmer. Live betting is more revealing. The strongest plan uses both: research before kickoff, confirmation during the match.

A Matchday Checklist Before June 11

A cleaner football betting setup should be done before tournament emotion takes over. The list is short but serious.

1. Install the verified app route.
2. Confirm login and account status.
3. Enter GUIDE777 during the correct registration stage.
4. Review bonus rules before placing a qualifying bet.
5. Test a small bet slip before tournament traffic peaks.
6. Save official guide access on mobile.
7. Build match notes before kickoff.
8. Set stake limits for live markets.

The post World Cup 2026 Betting: Tactical Reads, Live Odds and Mobile Access appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Reporting the latest on The West Ham Way Patreon, Ex has advised the current state of play surrounding our defensive recruitment, whilst also adding the situation regarding certain players futures.

“One thing for certain is that free transfers will be brought in to improve the squad with a number of players set to depart,” stated our insider.

“One position we need to strengthen in, and always seems to be the case, is centre back. Disasi’s loan has expired. Todibo looks set to have played his last game for the club. There is a lot of interest in Mavropanos, and whilst the club wants to keep him, his future seems unclear; will he be able to turn down any advances? Finally, that leaves Kilman, who Nuno didn’t trust last season. Maybe he will tide him a chance, but there have been rumours of him being loaned out.

“We have some good academy players in Casey, Mayers, and Golambeckis who could be used as well, but it is felt the latter especially will also go out on loan.

“So it makes sense to sign at least one centre back on a free. There are a few that tick the box and I know are on the radar.

“The first is Adam Webster. He was at Brighton. He is 31, so not too old, and stands at 6’3. He has a lot of experience having played for the likes of Portsmouth, Ipswich, Bristol City, and Brighton in the Championship (as well as the Premier League). His role, however, has diminished recently at Brighton, and he didn’t play a single game for the club last year. He does have leadership qualities, and we certainly looked at signing him under Potter.

“Ben Wilmot was on the radar too. His club, Stoke, have just triggered an automatic extension to his contract for a year. So he wouldn’t be a free transfer now but could be someone that is at an affordable fee should we move. Again, he has the height and the Championship experience that could be very beneficial.

“A quite ambitious choice, but one who would have the potential to be a long-term success at the club even if he got promoted is Danilho Doekhi, formerly of Union Berlin in Germany. The Dutch centre back is a free agent and has had a number of clubs show interest, including Premier League side Leeds and other European teams.

“He is 27 and, again, a commanding size, which Nuno prefers at 6’3. Whether he would be prepared to come to the Championship remains to be seen, but a decent wage offer with a non-promotion clause could perhaps persuade him.

“The top target and most realistic appears to be Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry. I believe that conversations have already happened between the club and his agent, and that this deal could be advancing. His club are desperately trying to get him to commit to a new deal with them, but we hope to offer him an alternative.

“The player was born in Middlesbrough and has been at the club his whole life, aside from a brief loan spell at Rotherham. He stands at 6’4 and is in his peak years at 28. He is a former England Under-21 international, and the club hope to continue discussions with him this week! We will keep you updated on this.

“Interestingly, it has just been announced by our rivals, Spurs, that Yves Bissouma has been released in the recent hours. Although he is 29, soon to be 30, he could offer us a great addition to our midfield. We have been interested in the player for a number of windows anyway, and his availability now could also prompt a move.

“Bissouma is a defensive midfielder with a lot of experience in England, having played for Spurs and Brighton before that. We will keep you updated on this move too.”

The post “Advancing” | ExWHUEmployee | West Ham transfer update appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Sullivan media storm is now very much up and running, with a growing sense that the surface has only been scratched, with more questions being raised over who knew what and when.

It was revealed yesterday that the Football Association and West Ham had overseen an investigation into Sullivan, which saw the shareholder banned from accessing the clubs Women’s team and also our Academy.

The shocking revelation is now likely to see a wider investigation, with the club no doubt desperate to get Sullivan away from the club, with it hoped that it will see a sale of his full 38.8% share of the club and cut all ties.

West Ham have a major to-do list this summer, with Daniel Kretinsky set to take control of the club, appoint a new Director of Football, various other senior roles and that is before a huge summer overhaul of senior players.

The post FA investigation forcing Sullivan to sell up & leave West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who reported the figure on Monday night. Fernandes has been the subject of widespread transfer speculation and looks destined to leave the Irons this summer following relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old has a catalogue of potential suitors, with clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan among those interested in the midfielder.

Even Real Madrid have expressed interest in the West Ham No. 18, with returning boss José Mourinho reportedly an admirer of the young midfielder. The pair also share the same agent, Jorge Mendes.

Fernandes is valued at £85 million by the Irons, a fee which has ruffled the feathers of a few fans online. In particular, Manchester United fans seem baffled by the figure and appear confident that their club will be able to do a deal with the Irons closer to £55–60 million.

Given the sell-on clause in Fernandes’ contract, such a deal would be highly unlikely. Additionally, the sheer number of clubs interested in the Portuguese international means that the Irons could have themselves a bidding war for the former Southampton man’s signature.

Fernandes is an outstanding young midfielder who has the potential to go right to the very top. He is West Ham’s most valuable asset – why wouldn’t they want to hold out for big money? After all, then- recently relegated Southampton charged the Irons over £40 million for his services in 2025. Since then, Fernandes has made his international debut and been nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.

There’s a real ignorance among fans of elite clubs online when it comes to situations like this. Recently, I saw a tweet from a fan of a “Big Six” club who argued that fees of £80–100 million should get you a “world-class” midfielder, like Vitinha or João Neves, not “Adam Wharton or Elliott Anderson”.

But why? At 22, FA Cup and UEFA Conference League winner Wharton is one of the league’s most promising players; Anderson, 23, will likely start for England at the World Cup this year. Vitinha is one of the game’s top midfielders, but he was struggling to get into Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolves side in his early twenties.

The case with Fernandes is not much different – West Ham have a very talented young midfielder that they will only let go for the right money. The list of clubs that admire Fernandes should be an indication of his quality. If Manchester United or any other club care not to pay up, that’s fine – someone else will.

The post West Ham Are Right To Demand £85 Million For Young Star appeared first on The West Ham Way.

For West Ham United, the journey from the old Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium has been a rollercoaster, but the last few seasons have truly cemented their status as consistent continental contenders. It isn’t just about heart and “The West Ham Way” anymore; it is about a sophisticated tactical evolution that has allowed them to rub shoulders with the traditional heavyweights.

As we look at the closing stages of the season, understanding how the Hammers set up is vital for anyone trying to get a handle on their likely results. Whether they are grinding out a result against a title contender or taking the game to a mid-table rival, the tactical nuances under the hood tell the real story.

Formation Deep-Dive: Assessing the Recent Tactical Evolution

In recent months, we have seen a significant shift in how the squad is organised. Gone are the days of a rigid, defensive-first block that relied solely on long balls. The current setup often oscillates between a fluid 4-2-3-1 and a more resilient 4-3-3, depending on the opposition.

The recruitment of technical midfielders has allowed the team to dominate the central areas more effectively. When you look at the squad depth, it is clear the bench is no longer just there to make up the numbers. Having players who can come on and change the tempo of a game is a luxury West Ham didn’t always have. The “double pivot” in midfield acts as the heartbeat of the team, providing a screen for the back four while also acting as the springboard for transitions.

I’ve noticed that the full-backs are playing a much more adventurous role these days. They aren’t just defenders; they are auxiliary wingers. This creates a bit of a dilemma for opponents. If they track the overlapping runs, they leave space in the middle. If they stay narrow, the Hammers exploit the flanks. This tactical flexibility is a major reason why they’ve remained in the hunt for a European spot. You can see more about the club’s recent history and league positions on Wikipedia.

The Bowen Blueprint: Statistical Analysis of Jarrod’s Movement

You cannot talk about West Ham’s attacking threat without putting Jarrod Bowen front and centre. He has become the definitive modern forward, someone who works just as hard off the ball as he does on it. His movement is a nightmare for defenders because he doesn’t just stick to the touchline.

Bowen’s “inside forward” role means he is constantly looking to exploit the gap between the opposition’s left-back and left-sided centre-half. Statistically, his goal-scoring contributions often come from these diagonal runs into the box. He isn’t just waiting for a cross; he is anticipating the second ball or the cut-back.

When you are looking at the market for an anytime scorer, Bowen is usually the first name that comes to mind. His consistency is remarkable. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, which isn’t luck, it is a result of hours on the training pitch. For those keeping an eye on the latest prices, checking out the football section at Bally Bet provides a clear picture of how the market values his influence on the scoreboard. His ability to turn a half-chance into a goal makes him a perennial favourite in these types of forecasts.

The Claret and Blue Underdog Guide: Value Against the Big Six

There is a long-standing tradition of West Ham being “the massive” club that loves to ruin a giant’s day. It is an underdog mentality that is woven into the fabric of the club. When facing top-six opposition, the tactical approach usually shifts towards a more compact, counter-attacking style.

In these matches, the value often lies in the team’s resilience. They don’t mind having 30% possession if it means they can catch a high-pressing team on the break. I find that the market sometimes underestimates how well-drilled this defensive unit can be. People see a game against Manchester City or Arsenal and assume it will be a walkover, but the tactical discipline shown by the Hammers often keeps things much tighter than the odds suggest.

This is where it pays to be a bit more analytical. Using a platform like Bally Bet allows you to verify if your tactical optimism matches the current market valuations. If you believe the Hammers can frustrate a top-tier side, the handicap markets or “double chance” options often look much more appealing than a straight result. It is all about finding those moments where the public perception of an underdog doesn’t quite align with the tactical reality on the pitch.

Tactical Shifts and Total Goals: The Over/Under Influence

One of the most interesting aspects of the current season has been the fluctuation in “Total Goals” markets during West Ham fixtures. This is directly tied to the defensive structure. When the team employs a low block, the “Under 2.5 goals” market often sees a lot of action. However, when they transition into their more expansive European-push mode, games can become quite high-scoring affairs.

The influence of the holding midfielder is crucial here. If they are instructed to sit deep and protect the centre-halves, the game becomes a stalemate. If they are given license to push forward, the game stretches, leading to more chances at both ends. I’ve seen many games where a single tactical tweak at half-time completely changed the trajectory of the total goals.

Looking at Premier League stats, you can see how the defensive record improves when certain personnel are on the pitch. For instance, the presence of a dominant, ball-winning midfielder often leads to fewer goals conceded, making the “Under” markets a sensible area to focus on. Conversely, if the Hammers are chasing a game to stay in the European hunt, they often throw caution to the wind, which is a signal for the “Over” markets.

Market Forecasts: Tactical Insights and Odds

As we reach the business end of the season, every tactical decision made by the manager has a direct impact on the market. Injuries to key players in the “spine” of the team (the goalkeeper, one centre-half, and the holding midfielder) can cause significant shifts in the odds.

When forecasting an upcoming match, I always look at the tactical matchup first. Does the opponent struggle against pace on the wings? If so, West Ham’s wide players become the primary focus. Does the opponent play a high line? That is a green light for Bowen to exploit the space behind.

Cross-referencing these tactical insights with the current odds is the best way to stay informed. It isn’t just about who you think will win, it is about why you think the game will unfold in a certain way. By understanding the formation, the player movements, and the defensive setup, you can make much more educated assessments of the market.

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The push for Europe is a marathon, not a sprint. For West Ham, it is a test of their tactical maturity and their ability to adapt to different challenges. By keeping a close eye on the shifts in formation and the specific roles of key players like Jarrod Bowen, you get a much clearer picture of what to expect on match day. The London Stadium will surely be rocking as the season reaches its climax, and the tactical battle on the pitch will be just as intense as the race for those coveted European spots.

Whether they find themselves as the favourites or the gritty underdogs, the Hammers have proven they have the tactical edge to compete at the highest level. It is a fascinating time to be a follower of the Claret and Blue, as they look to write another successful chapter in their storied history. Watching how these strategies play out in real-time is what makes the Premier League the most watched league in the world, and West Ham are right in the thick of the drama.

The post The Tactical Edge: Decoding West Ham’s Strategy and Market Forecasts for the European Push appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Argentine international, who joined the club in January to provide firepower in our failed relegation battle attempt, has proven to be popular amongst Hammers fans.

His work rate and clear eye for goal makes him a player that could prove vital as we look to get out of the Championship at the first attempt.

Although some may see it as an ambitious move, it must be remembered that Taty was playing in the MLS only 3 seasons ago – so a season in the Championship may not be something out of the realms for the player.

Giving his thoughts on the idea of Taty remaining, The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker expressed his desire to see Taty remain, believing he’ll be a huge player for the club in the 2nd tier.

“It would be incredible if we kept Taty next season, I think he would smash the championship,” said Walker. “His attitude, work rate and physicality is just what we need and he would score goals without a doubt.”

The post “Incredible” | Taty stay a must for Hammers this summer appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Sullivan, who resigned from his position and as a board member at the weekend, is now at the centre of a media storm following a BBC Panorama documentary and subsequent articles surrounding his behaviour.

It is believed there is more to follow and since last nights documentary aired, its been reported that the Independent Football Regulator, is investigating as to whether Sullivan is deemed unfit to be in his position as a shareholder at West Ham, with a real chance he’ll be forced to sell.

Regardless of their findings, West Ham will undoubtedly be looking to force Sullivan to sell and out of the club for good, with it widely anticipated that more accusations will come to light, as the club looks to move forward and draw a line under the Sullivan era.

Without doubt, Sullivan’s time at West Ham is up and he needs to go. There is no place for him even as a shareholder.

It is now widely expected that a real push from the likes of Daniel Kretinsky and board members to force the former Chairman to sell up soon. Lets all hope this is the case.

The post David Sullivan’s time is up at West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

That is the view of The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker, who was speaking after the news came out from ExWHUEmployee last night that both had decided not to follow their father David Sullivan in wanting to be on the board at the club.

Sullivan resigned as Chairman on Saturday and also stepped down from his board positions at the club, which had prompted speculation that his sons would take on more prominent roles.

Following the dismissal of that rumour by Ex, Walker gave his view on the situation and like many, feels it is the right move from them both, as they look to move onto interests away from West Ham.

“The boys are intelligent with a lot of potential and will be successful in their own right but not at West Ham,” said the Podcast host.

“This job needs experience and more importantly a fresh approach. I’m pleased that they see it the same way.”

The post Sullivan boys right to want out of West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

It is widely expected there is to be a significant level of turnover in regards to players following our relegation and Ex has advised on the latest surrounding domestic midfield and forward options at this stage.

“In previous updates we have already mentioned Jordan James, the Welsh international who was at Leicester last season but is contracted to Ligue 1 club Rennes,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon. “He is said to be available for transfer for an affordable fee.

“Celtic’s Arne Engels is also firmly on the radar. The Belgium international caught the eye during their successful Championship winning team.

“We also know that Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough was a top target but Everton and Nottingham Forest are said to be interested in the player making his chances of coming to the club less likely.

“We mentioned an interest in a couple of Cardiff defenders well whilst tracking them we have also developed interest in Rubin Colwill who is another Welsh international.

“We have already confirmed interest in Sydie Peck of Sheffield United for is only 21. He started his career at Arsenal and is a current England under 21s international.

“An interesting option who also had a loan spell and has return to his parent club now is Bobby Clark who was at loan at Derby County last year. He is 21 home grown but currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg. He is the son of former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder Lee Clark. He is also at a reasonable price.

“We could also look to exploit the loan market and take some players from domestic clubs. Someone we have Ben continuously linked with is Joe Willock of Newcastle although he says he wishes to remain in the North East so the chances of signing him are slight.

“More realistic domestic loan options could be either Dario Essugo from Chelsea or Norwegian Sverre Halseth Nypan.

“West Brom’s Isaac Price is another who has generated a lot of interest in him although his side struggled in the Championship last season. West Ham have strong links with Northern Irish players and Price is another that fits a bill.

“There are other targets on the list but we will explore those at another point including a number of foreign based signings.”

The post “Realistic” | ExWHUEmployee | West Ham transfer update appeared first on The West Ham Way.

There has been mounting speculation and concern that both Jack and Dave Junior would be in line to take on more hands on roles at the club, however this has been dismissed by our club insider.

“Following the resignation of majority shareholder David Sullivan yesterday there has been a lot of speculation as to what will happen with the running of the club,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“There had been strong rumours that his sons Dave and Jack would take over the responsibility for the foreseeable future. We can confirm that this is not the plan going forward.

“Both Dave and Jack have their own businesses which they wish to focus their time on and will not be following in their father’s footsteps.”

It’s now suggested that Daniel Kretinsky could be set to increase his stake at the club.

“The club intend to announce soon what the direction of the club will be with rumours that Daniel Kretzinsky could be looking to increase his ownership share,” added Ex.

The post “Won’t be following” | ExWHUEmployee | David Sullivan’s sons won’t replace him appeared first on The West Ham Way.

And while it will be a shame to see the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville, and Taty Castellanos leave the club, the situation opens the door for academy stars to really make their mark on the first team.

The Hammers have some very talented young stars who have broken into the first-team setup over the last few months. Freddie Potts was a regular in midfield for a period of last season and is expected to make more significant contributions in the second tier.

Mohamadou Kante also racked up minutes towards the end of last season and could be a vital player for Nuno Espírito Santo in 2026/27.

However, despite this, many young Hammers are still reportedly being lined up for loan moves this summer. Players like Lewis Orford, Kaelan Casey, and Airidas Golambeckis are expected to be offered to clubs on loan. But one other academy star is expected to remain: Ezra Mayers.

Mayers, 19, made his senior debut in the Irons’ controversial 1–1 draw away at Brighton last December. He made 10 appearances last season, including four in the FA Cup. The young defender impressed during his 398 minutes of senior football, putting in especially solid displays against Burton Albion and as a substitute away at Manchester City.

In fact, Mayers was even awarded the coveted Young Hammer of the Year award for 2025/26 for his contributions to both the youth and senior sides. He is a promising player who shows great composure for a teenage defender.

Additionally, his ability to play both at left-back and centre-back will be useful to Nuno, especially as Axel Disasi has departed and El Hadji Malick Diouf also looks set to leave.

Although it would be expected that the Irons search for a new left-back in the summer, Mayers would provide great competition for fellow academy graduate Ollie Scarles, who is expected to remain in East London.

Of course, there are other players expected to return from loan spells, such as George Earthy and Callum Marshall. These players have impressed before and could play a part in a Championship campaign.

But Mayers has already shown that he can hang with the senior team, and increased minutes in the Championship would provide a great challenge for the young man. Hopefully, he will definitively make his mark on Nuno’s side next season.

The post Promising Young Defender Expected To Remain At West Ham This Season appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Following the exit of Karren Brady earlier this year, it has been strongly suggested that Sullivan would follow, however the news still came as a big shock to most, as we now begin to look forward to a new chapter for our club.

What that looks like is still unclear at this stage, however both Dave & Ex has expressed their delight in the news and hope that brighter days are now very much ahead for our football club.

“I was elated when I heard the news, it really feels like we have taken one big step towards getting our club back,” stated Walker.

“That said, was does “stepping down” actually mean? Whilst he still owns his shares, could he still be controlling things from a distance?

“The true celebrations will be when all ties are cut with him, but for now I will enjoy the hope that this news has given me.”

Ex too was delighted with the news and pointed towards the decline we have experienced under Sullivan’s leadership, which fans have been craving would come to an end.

Ex now hopes that this will be the beginning of us getting our football club come back.

“I have felt and said on the podcast for a long time now that the club needs a complete reset, since the conference win,” said our insider.

“Rather than this achievement elevating us to levels we were promised when we moved to the London Stadium, we have ultimately been relegated straight back to where we were when the board first took over.

“The main difference though is that we have lost our home and our identity. We are now at a crucial stage of rebuilding and one that we must get right.

“A new badge, better stadium experience, less corporate focus, trying to get back some of the old school supporters who felt disassociated with the club that we love would be great steps.

“I would also like to see football people making football decisions for the club so a revamp in that way too could be small steps to getting us on the right path.

“On a personal level this also gives me a chance to disspell a few stupid rumours that I got all my news from Sullivan and somehow I was controlled and paid by him, almost as ridiculous as that wall being erected between the away fans and home fans in the corner, another thing I would try to remove asap.

“This is certainly going to be an interesting time for the club in the coming months as we seek clarity as to what the new boardroom looks like but perhaps it’s the start of a new more bright dawn.

“We can hope now to get our West Ham United back.”

The post “Our West Ham back” | Dave & Ex on David Sullivan resignation appeared first on The West Ham Way.

It’s widely expected that various players will depart east London, with the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville seen as players who can raise significant and much needed funds into the club.

Reporting on The West Ham Way Patreon, our club insider ExWHUEmployee has provided an update on the state of play as the window fast approaches.

“Player sales will shape this window and rightly so Fernandes is the player with the most interest,” stated Ex.

“In fact it is thought he has interest from a whole host of top European teams. Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all clubs that are credited with having interest.

“This puts West Ham in a good position. Whilst it is a huge disappointment to obviously lose a player of this quality it is inevitable following our disastrous season. What works well for us is the sheer number of clubs that are interested. This can be used to create a bidding war.

“West Ham insist they do not want to sell the player but I don’t think they will have much choice, as the player will wish to join one of these clubs rather than play in the Championship and, as said, money is needed.

“The club hope with this many clubs interested the could command a fee of around £80m. No club has officially made an offer yet but the club are braced for these to come in. The market is usually slower when a World Cup is on.

“We also will be looking to move on other players. Have we have already reported. There is interest in Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Everton are one club thought to be keen but Sunderland, Newcastle, Fulham and Turkish side Fenerbahce are also said to be monitoring the situation.

“Everton seem the most advance out of those clubs. Interestingly though if Fenerbahce interest amounts to anything, he could replace Nelson Semedo at right back.

“Semedo played for Wolves under Nuno and in fact scored in Nuno’s last game as their manager. He also is from the same agency as Nuno and his trusted agent Jorge Mendes. Whilst the Portuguese fullback is 32 now he could offer a good solution to AWB’s departure and be used within the deal.

“Without players included the club will be looking for between £15-£20m for the full back and he will also be going to the World Cup where he can further showcase his ability.

“It is thought that Crysencio Summerville will also depart the club. He will also be going to the World Cup with The Netherlands now and this could put him in the shop window.

“It is thought that Italian giants AC Milan are in the race for his signature and Spurs and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation.

“French pair Jean-Clair Todibo and Alphonse Areola are also expected to depart following disagreements and frustrations with their playing time towards the end of the season.

“Todibo refused to be part of the final game of the season following his early substitution at Newcastle and there have been other incidents during his time at the club.

“Areola’s wife took to social media to vent her anger at her husband’s treatment too. A couple of French and Italian teams are said to be looking at the pair.

“Veteran forwards Niclas Fulkrug and Callum Wilson are also currently scheduled to leave. Milan did not activate their option to keep Fulkrug following his loan spell.

“A number of alternative Italian teams including Venezia and Cremonese and German clubs like Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen. Wages with him are likely to be an issue with him and he still have two years remaining in his West Ham contract, so even if we give him away we may have to subelement some of his contract.

“The club have said they would like to keep Callum Wilson but his relationship with Nuno and the fact he wishes to remain in the Premier League to get to the 100 goals club are big stumbling blocks.

“Coventry where he started his career and fellow promoted team Hull City are said to be considering moves. Should no one actually make a move he could return to West Ham as a provisional offer has been made but at the moment it doesn’t look like being accepted.

“This then takes us onto Diouf. There has been some interest shown in him too. It is thought that Everton again, Manchester United again and possibly Porto are all looking at the left back with other Premier league clubs expected to follow up with interest.“

Max Kilman is also likely to depart, however at this stage it’s more likely to be a loan move.

The club are hoping to retain both Dinos Mavropanos and Tomas Soucek, but at this stage it’s unclear whether that will be achievable.

The post “Shape window” | ExWHUEmployee | West Ham player exits update appeared first on The West Ham Way.

It has also been confirmed that the 77-year-old has resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club.

It is a monumental moment for West Ham. After 16 years, Sullivan has finally stepped down and the GSB regime is well and truly over. The sun came out, the birds started chirping, and children lined the streets of East London, holding hands and singing in chorus.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch. But after such a torrid last two years as West Ham fans, this is an incredibly positive revelation.

As harrowing as last season was, at the back of my mind, I always had this belief: if we got relegated, Sullivan was more likely to go than ever. Alas, relegation came, but it turns out there was a silver lining after all.

The departure of Karren Brady in April already felt like a huge accomplishment on the fans’ part, but Sullivan resigning really could inspire genuine change at the club. There are rumours that Daniel Křetínský, a major shareholder in the club, could eventually buy out Sullivan’s shares and even buy the London Stadium for the club in September.

That would be a huge move, but it’s all just speculation right now. Despite the joy I’m feeling about this whole situation, I’m also not exactly sure where it leaves us. While Sullivan still has shares in the club, he’ll still be associated with it, as will his family.

I also don’t want to get ahead of myself. Changes in ownership can be great. Look at Newcastle since late 2021: even in their worst season, they were playing Champions League football. But it can all go wrong too. One only has to look at the disastrous situation at Spurs to believe that the problems run deeper than Daniel Levy.

But there is something really refreshing about a GSB-less West Ham. Not to say that whoever takes over will be perfect, but it should be a nice change from an administration that was built on lies, media manipulation, and largely dreadful transfer business.

As always, there are rumours of large-scale foreign investment from places like Saudi Arabia. At a time when fans are clamouring for the club to restore its identity, I don’t know if this is the deal they’d actually end up liking.

It remains to be seen what happens, but for now, let’s just enjoy this moment. The narrative is that Sullivan has stepped down due to “the impending publication of serious historic allegations”, but we know we’ve played our part.

COME ON YOU IRONS!

The post David Sullivan Resigns – What Now? appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Despite being relegated from the Premier League, West Ham still have a Premier League-level squad; there’s no way most of these players should have been relegated.

But the reality is they were, and we’re in the Championship next season, and a lot of players are going to leave for the Premier League and clubs around Europe, which means we need to bring players in.

Of all the players likely to stay, only Mads Hermansen, Jarrod Bowen, and Kyle Walker-Peters have a history of playing in the Championship. So, bringing some Championship-proven players into the squad would be a good idea.

We need a mix of general quality, youthful energy, and Championship experience this summer, and Sydie Peck brings all of those.

At just 21 years old, Peck has two seasons of Championship football under his belt, during which he has shown his quality for Sheffield United despite the Blades failing to gain promotion in either season. He has even captained the team on a couple of occasions under Chris Wilder.

Peck is a player that can do pretty much anything in midfield; he isn’t on the level of Mateus Fernandes, not even close, but in terms of attributes he’s pretty comparable.

He can play either as an 8, or as more of a number 6 in a double pivot alongside someone. He’s got bags of energy, is aggressive in the tackle, and is pretty handy with his passing and creativity.

Stamina and fearlessness are associated with the midfielder, something we so desperately lacked around the team last season. He could be an excellent partner for Soucek next season.

With no Premier League parachute payments coming in for the first time since 2018/19, Sheffield United will be forced into selling Peck this summer; however, there is said to be a lot of interest.

Peck is from London; he used to be in the Arsenal academy, so a move back to the capital would make sense. However, Blades fans think he’s good enough for the step-up to the Premier League. Brentford and Nottingham Forest also hold an interest in the youngster, which could make a deal difficult.

Peck would be the perfect signing for West Ham this summer; however, if he does opt for a move to the top flight and Sheffield United still need to sell, maybe a move for his midfield partner Gustavo Hamer.

The post The perfect midfield signing for now Championship West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Hammers captain is understandably a player with much speculation surrounding his future, with clubs circulating.

However, despite his undeniable talent and being a Premier League quality player, there is somewhat hope he can be convinced to stay in east London and help fire the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

“The club are desperate to hold onto Jarrod Bowen and have already called meetings with him to tell him that they would like him to remain,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“The England international is at crossroads in his career because he does love West Ham and want to stay however he just missed out on the World Cup squad and at 29 years of age, he has limited time to win that place back especially as a Championship player.

“It is thought that West Ham are prepared to honour his Premier League wage in the Championship. Most players have a clause that reduces it by 50 percent if is understood the club will justify keeping his the same as he is the club captain and one of the longest serving players.

“You also have to have 8 homegrown players in a Championship match squad of which Bowen would be one. It is unsure on whether he will remain but the club are quite hopeful.”

The post “Called meetings’ | ExWHUEmployee | West Ham hope to keep Bowen appeared first on The West Ham Way.

When West Ham were relegated a few weeks ago, fans immediately started thinking: who in our current squad would be good in the Championship?

The first names in most people’s heads would have been the academy players who have played in the PL but didn’t exactly shine: Oliver Scarles, Freddie Potts, and Ezra Mayers.

Another player who looked promising in the Premier League last season was Mo Kante; he didn’t play much, but when he did, he looked bright on a lot of occasions. We are all excited to see how he performs in the Championship.

However, according to The Athletic, we might not get to see the former Paris FC midfielder in the Championship next season.

“West Ham are bracing themselves for offers from Ligue 1 sides for midfielder Mohamadou Kanté.

The club values the 20-year-old in the region of £15-20m. However, Nuno has been impressed with what he’s seen of Kanté since his appointment.”

I like the club’s stance here; we obviously want to keep him, and he could be a huge asset to us in the Championship. His power, physicality, and speed give him a lot of qualities to succeed in the second tier.

The keyword in that sentence is ‘could.’ If we could sell him for that price, we could replace him with a proven quality Championship midfielder.

However, the likelihood of getting that fee for the 20-year-old is low, so it’s likely he stays, which could be beneficial to both him and the club.

The post West Ham could lose potential Championship star to Ligue 1 appeared first on The West Ham Way.

With a lot of incomings and outgoings expected this summer, West Ham fans would have been expecting the Venezuelan to leave the club. 

However, despite only making a single appearance for the first team, Ex has revealed he will now be joining on a permanent basis. 

“West Ham have activated Keiber Lamadrid’s £1m purchase fee following his loan and his transfer has now been made permanent.

The player will continue to be involved with the academy squad but feature more and more with the first team. Nuno is said to be willing to use him in preseason to build up his experience in advance of the season where he is expected to feature more.”

The post “Permanent” | ExWHUEmployee | Keiber Lamadrid signs for West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

That is the view of The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker, who cannot stand the idea of the Hammers captain making the switch across London to Chelsea.

Bowen, who despite a poor season for his standards, still produced very impressive numbers in terms of goal contrivbutions, in spite of our drop from the top flight.

Understanably, the forward is being linked with an exit, although it is hoped that his love for the club will sway him to stay for at least one more season as we look to fight for promotion back to the Premier League.

Walker wants to see the club pull out all the stops to keep Bowen, even if it means keeping his wage as it was.

“I would be gutted if he goes to Chelsea,” said the Podcast host. “We have to do absolutely everything to keep him, even if that means ripping up any wage reduction in his contract.

“We cannot let him go if there’s even an ounce of him that wants to stay.”

The post West Ham must pay to keep Bowen appeared first on The West Ham Way.

With the club now set for a new chapter as we commence our season in the Championship after 14 years in the top flight, coupled with a financial crisis, its inevitable that the Portuguese international will exit east London.

Losing Fernandes is sad reflection of where the club is at present, with no hope whatsoever in retaining a player of such talent and value – however, with Manchester United looking set to pounce, West Ham need to take full advantage.

With the club having paid in the region of £40m for the playmaker only a year ago from Southampton, there is a real chance the club can make a hefty profit, which would certainly help as we look to rebuild the club & squad this summer.

Speaking of the impending exit, The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker has said as much as he would be desperate to keep him, he knows that its a sale the club simply have to make happen.

“I would be desperate to keep him if he wants to be kept,” stated Walker.

“However, realistically Man Utd would be hard for him to turn down so if he wants to go, taking a fee of £70 – £80m would be a huge profit and a significant reduction in the debt we have to clear.

“So I think I would reluctantly, let him go.”

The post Fernandes West Ham exit now inevitable with Man Utd set appeared first on The West Ham Way.

It’s not clear what Hahn’s official job title was at West Ham, he joined the club with Tim Steidten in 2024 as Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis.

However, when Steidten left, Hahn stayed and took on a more important role on the club’s recruitment side.

He didn’t really have an official title after that, but he was the most advanced member of the recruitment team, so he has adopted the ‘head of recruitment’ title for many.

However, seemingly after hearing the club is looking to hire a head of recruitment and Nuno signing his own players in January, Hahn decided to resign from his job in East London, and I can’t blame him.

Dylan Curnell, a boyhood West Ham fan who has worked his way up through the academy analysis team, will take on the role vacated by Hahn.

However, with the reported imminent arrival of a director of football, I can’t imagine Curnell’s role will be anywhere near as involved as Hahn’s was last summer.

Hahn was reportedly instrumental in the deal to bring Mateus Fernandes to the club; he reportedly suggested the club sign him in the summer of 2024, but Lopetegui refused.

He was also said to be crucial in the signings of Diouf, Disasi, Magassa, and Summerville. He also wanted to bring Charlie Cresswell and Tyler Morton to the club this summer, two moves that could have been excellent.

The Hammers wanted Hahn to stay, but his decision was already made up. Losing Hahn when we need to be making moves in the transfer window as soon as possible could be difficult to recover from.

The post West Ham ‘head of recruitment’ leaves, what does this mean? appeared first on The West Ham Way.

After a few days of debate, the West Ham board decided to keep Nuno Espirito Santo as manager of the team. The Portuguese manager will be hoping to get the Hammers promoted as he did with Wolves in 2018.

The 52-year-old will also be ‘helped’ out by the club with the hiring of a new Director of Football. The club will reportedly let Nuno pick who he wants for the role.

Many fans would see this as exciting, bringing someone in to almost run the transfers. However, it just doesn’t work like that at West Ham United.

There have been some huge failures in similar roles at the club in previous years, starting with Tony Henry, to Mario Husillos, to Tim Steidten, to Kyle Macaulay. The director of football or head of recruitment roles end in disaster.

This isn’t the only reason I think it’s a bad decision. The fact the club is letting Nuno pick the person to take up this role is crazy. A director of football is supposed to direct the football on the footballing club on and off the pitch.

Meaning he is supposed to choose the direction of the club – picking the style of play he thinks is best for the squad, picking players to sign, and most importantly, choosing the manager.

The DOF is supposed to be in charge of the manager, almost; if Nuno picks the person, that isn’t going to be the case; Nuno will be in charge of him, and as we saw with Husillos and Pellegrini, that doesn’t work.

I mean, it’s better than what we did with Tim Steidten. We brought the German in under David Moyes when he had no interest in working with him. They ended up clashing; we let go of Moyes, kept Steidten, and then Steidten ended up being sacked after bringing in Lopetegui and a lot of poor players.

I believe the appointment of Nuno was the right decision, but to let him choose a director of football is a silly decision; even if it’s just a ‘head of recruitment’, it just doesn’t make sense. We know how Nuno works; he’s going to favour his agent Jorge Mendes’ clients when he can, like we did with Pablo, and a DOF isn’t going to change that.

Nuno’s hire is likely either going to be a complete yes man, or if he ends up trying to question Nuno on players to sign, Nuno will kick off, as he has at every club. It’s just a recipe for disaster. Nottingham Forest hiring Edu as head of football was the beginning of the end for Nuno at the Forest Ground.

A similar situation could easily arise at the London Stadium, and we might be forced into sacking Nuno just like Forest were, and it will take millions we don’t have to sack him when we could have released him for free this summer.

The lack of planning for this season when we knew the possibility of relegation was high is embarrassing from the club. We should have kept Nuno and kept it as that, or we should have sacked Nuno, hired a director of football and trusted them to move the club forward, hire a manager, and bring in players that can help us get back to the Premier League.

But as usual, the board have managed to complicate things. This really needs to work out for Sullivan and Kretinsky and co, or this club could be in real trouble on and off the pitch.

The post Hiring a Director of Football is a huge mistake for West Ham United appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The 27-year-old was part of the Arsenal side that lost the UEFA Champions League Final to PSG on Saturday. Following the game, which the Gunners lost on penalties, a shot of Rice on the pitch caught the eye of fans, especially neutrals.

During the Parisian celebrations after the shoot-out, Rice was pictured, hands on his knees, defeated. Then, a wry smile spread across his face, one which has since drawn comparisons to the Grinch.

It was a slightly strange moment. Despite the heartbreak Rice and Arsenal had just endured, the former Hammer’s facial expression appeared unbothered, even somewhat vengeful – it was certainly a far cry from the tears he shed following disappointment in the European Championship Final in 2021.

That smiling shot of him went viral on social media, where neutral fans ridiculed the recent Premier League champion.

Over the course of this season, particularly over the last couple of months, Rice has been criticised for being too “performative”: a footballer who plays up to the cameras – and this is just the latest instance of such a phenomenon.

The UEFA Conference League winner was also criticised by some fans following West Ham’s recent relegation to the Championship. When the former Irons skipper heard of the Hammers’ relegation on the final day of the season, he appeared genuinely upset, storming off before he would eventually lift the league title minutes later.

Of course, many fans didn’t believe his reaction was genuine and felt that, once again, he was playing up to the cameras. Additionally, his “It’s not done” comment to his Arsenal teammates following their defeat to title rivals Manchester City earlier this year was widely broadcast on Sky Sports’ social channels.

Personally, I think this criticism is slightly excessive. Sure, Rice is very comfortable in front of the camera, and I remember from his West Ham days that he would fix his hair before doing basically anything on a football pitch. But I believe that most of these recent reactions are genuine.

The truth is, Rice has been recognised as one of the top midfielders in world football for a while now, and with great recognition comes great scrutiny. If he’s not a “sideways-pass addict”, he’s a “set-piece merchant” or an overly “performative” individual.

Ultimately, this is a fascinating look into the difference between being a West Ham player and a “Big Six” player. There are football fans out there who really don’t rate Rice, but since he moved to Arsenal, criticism of him has become increasingly unrelated to his performances on the pitch, which have remained stellar.

Instead, critics have focused on his personality, his girlfriend, or other admittedly trivial matters. During his time at West Ham, opposition fans never mentioned these things.

He has raised his profile since his big move three years ago; he has won the Premier League; and he will likely win more trophies. But the focus is no longer purely on his footballing ability and performances. That’s what happens when you join a big club – and if Jarrod Bowen follows suit and joins a big side this summer, you had better believe that his relationship with Dani Dyer will be discussed much more prominently.

The post Is Former West Ham Captain Rice Really “Too Performative”? appeared first on The West Ham Way.

One thing that can both help and harm this over the summer transfer window is the presence of sell-on clauses.

West Ham need to make a lot of money this summer; players like Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all likely to leave.

Fernandes is the player we simply have to sell; with a reported £80m asking price, he could make up half of the money we have to raise in this transfer window.

However, one downside of selling Fernandes is his reported sell-on clause. As part of the £42m total fee to bring him to East London from Southampton, he reportedly has a 15% sell-on clause.

So, if we sell him for the £80m asking price, we would have to pay £12m of it to Southampton. A huge chunk of money when we are in the financial difficulties we’re in.

If true, this may mean we might be forced into selling an extra player. Maybe if we didn’t have this sell-on, we could afford to keep a Mavropanos, Soucek, or a Castellanos.

However, on the other hand, the sell-on clause could also benefit the Hammers. When we sold Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta, we reportedly included a 10% clause. This means if his reported €30m move to Roma happens, we could be in line for a €3m payment.

The post How sell on clauses could affect West Ham this summer appeared first on The West Ham Way.

When West Ham were relegated, one of the first thoughts in the fans’ minds would have been: who will stay, who will go? Well, most people would have thought Bowen was going to leave, but also had it in the back of their minds: is there a chance he stays?

From all the rumours so far, it seems like Bowen’s preference is to stay in the Premier League. However, if the Hammers weren’t to accept an offer for him, he will stay, and he would be happy to.

According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Chelsea are weighing up a move for Jarrod Bowen as they look to add more proven Premier League quality to their attack.

West Ham reportedly value the England international at around £50M, although sources believe a deal could be struck for closer to £40M because of their relegation to the Championship.

Also, from some less reliable sources, Everton have been linked with a £30m move for the wideman, with David Moyes keen on reuniting with his former star.

Selfishly, us Hammers fans don’t want Bowen to go; we’ve all got our eyes set on at least him and Soucek staying. However, depending on finances and other sales, we simply might have to sell him if there is interest.

However, seeing him at Chelsea would be very difficult, and to be honest I’m not sure he’d want to risk his great relationship and legendary status with West Ham by joining our London rivals.

However, seeing him play for another Premier League team under Moyes might be even harder.

I can still see Newcastle making a move for him, which would be easier to take for us Hammers. Anthony Gordon has left, which means Anthony Elanga can move to his preferred left side, which means a potential opening up on the right side of the attack.

Hopefully we can keep hold of him; however, I’m not sure a financially struggling club can reject 40m for a player who is potentially past his best, even though we will likely get £60m+ for Fernandes also.

If he were to leave, I’d like him to go to a Newcastle or a Aston Villa. Chelsea and Everton would be too hard to take, but I guess he will go to the highest bidder.

The post Chelsea, Everton, Newcastle? Jarrod Bowen exit rumours heat up, appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The Hammer of the Year for 2024/25 is expected to leave the club following our relegation to the Championship and a disappointing campaign from the player himself.

Ex, who was reporting on The West Ham Way Patreon, has advised that Wan-Bissaka is appearing to be a target for former boss David Moyes, with the Toffees in the market for a new right-back.

“A number of clubs are looking at Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a potential right back option,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“David Moyes have been playing centre back Jake O’Brien at right back this season and seasoned pro Seamus Coleman has also left the club. Moyes has always been a fan of the right back and is thought to see him as the perfect solution to his right-back problems.

“Everton have been linked with a number of our players because of the obvious links with the former manager. He has obviously worked with some and maintained good relationships with the board at West Ham too which is thought to make negotiations easier.

“There is also a link with Everton’s CEO Angus Kinnear who worked at West Ham for four years previously too so there is expected to be a number of conversations between the two clubs in coming weeks.”

The post “Solution” | ExWHUEmployee | Hammers defender linked with exit appeared first on The West Ham Way.

That is the view of The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker, who like many feel that the former Crystal Palace defender downed tools for much of last season, when the club really needed players of his quality to step up.

West Ham will be playing in the Championship next season, with a serious overhaul of players and staff expected in east London this summer.

It is no secret that the club need to raise funds and Wan-Bissaka is looking almost certain to depart – with Everton understood to be monitoring the situation.

Walker didn’t hold back on his views of Wan-Bissaka, who he says he is happy to see the back of.

“I’ve been a big fan of AWB, but last season he let himself down not only with his performances but his attitude,” said the Podcast host.

“When the chips were down, he gave up. I don’t want players like that at West Ham so I’m happy to see him go.”

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Apart from perhaps Stuart Pearce and Alan Irvine in 2020/21, Nuno Espírito Santo’s assistant from last season has arguably been the most impactful Hammers backroom staff member of the last fifteen years.

Recruited in January, Jémez’s arrival coincided with a dramatic upturn in form for the Irons. Though West Ham were ultimately relegated last season, they looked a different side during the second half of the campaign, in no small part due to the Spaniard’s influence.

Jémez won fan support for his no-nonsense approach on the touchline, as well as his tendency to challenge Nuno’s decisions if he felt they were wrong.

This is why it was such a disappointment during the week when he seemingly announced his departure from the club on social media.

Jémez wrote, “It’s been tough, but it’s been worth it”, thanking the club and Nuno before admitting, “From now on, I’m just another Iron.”

The post read as a goodbye from the Spaniard, who looked set to leave despite Nuno confirming that he will stay on as West Ham manager in the Championship next season.

However, in recent days, it appears things could change. When asked about his future recently, Paco admitted that he had received a phone call from Nuno asking him to stay.

“I have my own needs and concerns, but I sense we will keep talking,” the Spaniard also admitted.

Jémez staying on for another season would be a huge boost for the Irons as they embark on their first Championship season in fifteen years.

Whether he stays or departs remains to be seen, but this recent update should provide Hammers fans with hope.

The post Coach Paco Could Stay At West Ham After Recent Update appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Following what was a clear shift in power last week, with Nuno Espirito Santo retained as manager of the club for our return to the Championship after 14 years, which was clearly against the desire of hugely unpopular Chairman David Sullivan.

Fans as a whole in east London have expressed their desire to see Sullivan lose power, which could well take another big step forward in the coming days, with Kretinsky shaping the club in a modern fashion, and in turn moving away from the status quo that most have come to loathe under Sullivan.

A new DOF will kickstart a huge shift off the pitch, with it understood a full revamp of the back room staff to work with Nuno set to follow, which has been further emphasised by the resignation of Max Hahn, who held a senior position in the clubs recruitment team.

This appointment will also be symbolic in who is now running the show, which could also well coincide with Kretinksy increasing his shares and we finally see Sullivan pushed aside.

The post New DOF at West Ham spells end of Sullivan power appeared first on The West Ham Way.

In what is expected to be a significant period of change in east London, on & off the pitch, our club insider has revealed that Hahn is now leaving which has now seen Dylan Curnell promoted to a more influential position.

“West Ham’s Maximilian Hahn has resigned from his position as head coach, deciding he will be leaving the club,” stated Ex on The West Ham Way Patreon.

“The German is highly rated in his field and is said to have a number of options on the table for him to progress his career. Hahn joined the club in 2024 and stayed through multiple managerial changes due to the good impression that he had made.

“It is expected for now that boyhood West Ham fan, Dylan Curnell, who has worked his way up through the academy analysis team and has been a part of the club for the last seven seasons, will take on more of the role vacated.

“The club are also expected to announce a new technical director to oversee the role in the coming week or so. This falls in with our exclusive article on how there will be a number of backroom changes at the club, as the club attempt to get promoted at the first time of asking this season.”

The post “Resigned” | ExWHUEmployee | West Ham backroom staff changes commence appeared first on The West Ham Way.

The former Arsenal defender last season emerged as one of the most vital players in the squad, having shaken off his unwanted reputation amongst many who was error-prone.

In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that the vast majority of fans would have been happy to see the Greek defender replaced, however he has undoubtedly silenced those critics and is now on the list of players the club are looking to retain this summer, despite relegation.

It is anticipated that clubs will be eyeing the centre back, who’s performances last season saw him rightly handed the Hammer of the Year award.

The West Ham Way Podcast host Dave Walker wants to see Mavro stay in east London, which would no doubt make him one of, or if not the best defender in the Championship.

“After the form he showed in the second half of last season I would love to keep Dinos, he could be a rock for us in the Championship,” stated Walker.

“The trouble it’s winning the Hammer of the Year award is bitter sweet for us, because that also puts him in the shop window.

“Unfortunately, we need money so I’m not sure keeping him is realistic.”

The post West Ham needing to fend off others from Mavropanos appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Recently appearing on the Filthy Fellas podcast, Antonio spoke about his departure from West Ham, his resentment towards Graham Potter, and his new book, Humans Not Robots, which is perhaps more revealing than one might think.

Now, let me preface this by saying the “Filthy Fellas” podcast isn’t exactly the epitome of football analysis. They have had Premier League stars appear on the podcast before, but the vibe is less “students of the game” and more “banter between mates down the pub”.

On the podcast, Antonio was asked about his book, which looks at the highlights and hardships of his career. However, the Irons’ all-time Premier League top goalscorer focused heavily on the struggles he faced, particularly at West Ham.

In a surprising revelation, Antonio publicly called out former Hammers defender James Collins, who he claims thought very little of him – at least when he arrived at the club. He used this claim to promote the book, which features the exchange between the pair, but the whole situation felt bizarre.

Even if what Antonio claimed is true and “Ginge” comes off worse for it, Antonio didn’t do himself any favours either by making that admission. Collins, like Carlton Cole, is one of the most widely respected modern ambassadors of West Ham. Include this exchange in the book, sure, but announcing it on a platform like this comedy football podcast reeked of insecurity and felt very unprofessional.

And this has always been my problem with Antonio, as much as he has given to me as a West Ham fan. It’s always this “me, me, me” mentality. It is, and always has been, about him before the football club that gave him a decade of his career.

Despite being a European cup winner, a regular in the side for ten years, and one of the most beloved players among fans, he always comes across as resentful and ungrateful in the media.

He also spoke about his resentment towards Graham Potter and how he couldn’t get over the fact that the former Brighton and Chelsea boss got rid of all the squad’s leaders – that is a sentiment I share with Antonio. He makes some good points about how destructive Potter was during his cursed tenure.

But then he speaks about his own departure and that chip on his shoulder is back: how he wasn’t given a chance by the club following his car crash in December 2024; how he felt he should’ve been given the opportunity to prove himself upon his return.

He even admitted that he hated the club so much upon his release that he believed the “only way for the club to feel my pain is by the club getting relegated”.

Strong words indeed.

Now, he also admitted that this was directed at the board and not the fans. He recognises the love of the Hammers supporters and even declared that his sons are West Ham fans. He also admitted that, as relegation became more of a possibility last season, his resentment faded and he genuinely wanted to see the club succeed.

Once again, I can understand why Antonio felt this way, but this was not the place or time. Like the Ginge story, this should have just been left to the book, or at the very least to something more highbrow than the “Filthy Fellas” podcast.

In another life, I believe Antonio would’ve been an excellent ambassador for the club. He has the achievements and the charisma, but I don’t think that’s where he sees himself. I think he wants more than that – and I also think he wants vindication.

At the end of the day, he caused that car crash. It wasn’t an injury on the pitch; it was him being reckless. For months, the club paid wages to a player who was no good to them. Coming back from such a horrific injury at 35 years of age, I really cannot see his argument.

The fact is, he was slowing down even before the accident and was not going to magically rejuvenate his Premier League career. He now plays in Qatar, where he is yet to complete ninety minutes or score a goal for Al-Sailiya SC.

As much as he would frustrate me at times, I always had respect for Antonio. One of my most cherished Hammers jerseys is an Antonio home jersey from the first season at the London Stadium. But the way he has spoken about West Ham these last few years has really left a sour taste in my mouth.

Of course, players are “humans not robots”, which most of us often forget. I appreciate that being a footballer can be tremendously difficult mentally. And even if the crash was his fault, I can understand his shock and initial resentment towards the club. That kind of vulnerability makes for interesting, introspective reading.

But the way the man publicly drags West Ham through the mud on podcasts that simply do not warrant it is downright disrespectful, and the longer he continues to do it, the more distance I’ll keep from him.

The post Michail Antonio Calls Out Former West Ham Player And Manager In Revealing Interview appeared first on The West Ham Way.

This came as a surprise to many Dutch and West Ham fans for two reasons: first, because his form tailed off towards the business end of the season, and second, the squad was ‘leaked’ just a few days prior and he wasn’t included.

But to Cry’s relief, he did it; he made his first-ever Netherlands squad, and what a time to do it. He will be playing for Ronald Koeman’s team in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

Is this a good or bad thing for West Ham? Well, we all know he will be leaving this summer, whether or not you think he’s overrated or not consistent enough; what everyone can agree on is that he’s too good for the Championship.

I think if we were to sell him at the moment, we could get £35-40 million for him, and I don’t think that would change if he doesn’t set the world alight this summer. However, if he has a brilliant tournament, his price could maybe go up by £10 million, or who knows, maybe even more.

However, not selling him before the World Cup does come with a financial risk. According to reports, there was a clause included as part of the deal we made with Leeds United to bring him to East London. If he plays a game for the Dutch National team, we have to pay Leeds another £4m.

So, we have two options: we either try to flog him before the World Cup so we can avoid paying that four million, or we take a risk and keep him until the World Cup, pay Leeds their four million, and hope he comes back worth more than the £35-40m we could probably get for him now.

This usually wouldn’t be a big deal for us; what is £4m to a Premier League team? But we’re no longer a Premier League team; we are in debt, and reports are saying we need to raise £150m in player sales this summer; that £4m will count a lot to the club and our summer transfer window.

This summer is huge for us; we need to sell lots of players and bring enough of the right players in to get us back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The post What Summerville’s shock World Cup call-up means for Championship West Ham appeared first on The West Ham Way.

West Ham’s former Premier League rivals look like they’re acting quickly to try to take some of the Hammers’ best players this summer. Last year’s Hammer of the Year is already being linked with a move away.

Wan-Bissaka was excellent for the Hammers in the 24/25 season; he offered so much attacking-wise and defensively all season. However, it all fell apart for him this season; his performances and attitude were really poor, and he often found himself out of the team in favour of Walker-Peters.

Despite a poor season for us which ended in relegation, the Premier League knows the talent AWB has. He is probably the best one-on-one defensive full-back in the League; the way he can tackle is second to none on his day.

One manager that could really get the best out of the Congolese international is David Moyes, which would probably make Everton the perfect move for him. He’s homegrown, which we know Moyes likes to look for in a player; he is Premier League experienced and has some brilliant defensive traits.

I don’t think his lack of attacking output will put Moyes off at all, which might annoy some Everton fans. However, for the price of £10m, I don’t think many of them will have too many complaints.

This could be a transfer that happens early; Wan-Bissaka will be playing for DR Congo in the World Cup in a couple of weeks, and David Moyes will want to wrap this move up before then. This would also be handy for the Hammers, who need to raise money as quickly as possible.

As for the Spurs links, I can’t see it happening. They need improvements at right-back; I’m not sure he is that. Both Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are better than Wan-Bissaka, are younger, and fit De Zerbi’s attacking style of play better.

Everton have been crying out for a right-back for several years now. With Seamus Coleman now retiring and Jake O’Brien struggling out there a lot last season, it’s time for them to sign a right-back, and they could do a lot worse than signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The post Wan-Bissaka could make £10m switch to Everton very soon appeared first on The West Ham Way.

Three years on from that special night in Prague, some of the shine has been taken off West Ham’s Conference League trophy as Crystal Palace lifted it in Leipzig last night.

We West Ham fans will never forget that night in Prague and the celebrations that followed, and we’ve been very reminiscent in the last few weeks because of our relegation, looking back at how good we had it just over 155 weeks ago.

Obviously, Chelsea won it last year, and I was desperate for them not to, just so it would make us look better, but realistically it didn’t change anything; they had already won both the Champions League and Europa League.

But Palace is different; they have done really well over the last year or so, winning both the FA Cup and the Community Shield, the former especially being something we were all jealous of.

And we were; however, we had something over them still: we had won a European Trophy, and they hadn’t. But now that’s all changed. Crystal Palace, if they hadn’t already, now have all the bragging rights over us in terms of recent success.

Maybe they haven’t hit the League heights of a 6th place finish as we did a few years ago under Moyes. Still, they’ve won more than us in the last ten years; they’re in the Premier League, we’re now in the Championship, and that gap is only going to increase because of how well they’re run compared to how poorly we’re run.

West Ham and Palace aren’t really rivals, apart from sharing the same city, but the fact they’re better than us right now says it all about the state of West Ham. However, a clash against their South London rivals Millwall at the Den instead of a trip to Selhurst Park does sound good.

The post Crystal Palace outshine West Ham with Conference League win appeared first on The West Ham Way.

We had it confirmed yesterday that Nuno Espirito Santo will be our manager for our 1st season in the 2nd tier in 14 years – with it reported that there had been positive talks.

Although fans have been told there has been a strong desire shown by Nuno in these talks, fans have yet to hear anything from the boss and the same can be said from any players, who are possibly intending on staying.

It is still early days of course, but fans really do need to start seeing some commitment from those who are staying and ready to be part of the rebuild & fight to return to the top flight.

Although it is a tough time in many respects, it’s also an opportunity. One to rebuild and have those on board who are committed to the cause.

It’s hoped now that Nuno has agreed to stay put in east London, others will follow. With the likes of Bowen, Taty, Hermansen, Mavropanos & Soucek, all regarded as players the club wish to see stay.

Let’s hope soon we’ll get those noises of commitment, to show we are likely to be kicking off the Championship in a strong position.

The post West Ham fans deserve to see real commitment appeared first on The West Ham Way.

We, West Ham fans, were gutted when our relegation was confirmed on Sunday, but for some, there was a shining light: ‘Oh, at least our season tickets will be cheaper?’

That’s where a lot of us thought would be wrong. Last time we went down, the club kept the prices the same and said we were getting four extra games for the money.

Despite being in a financial predicament, the board couldn’t have done that this time; the fans would have kicked off, and there would have been a record low number of season tickets sold at the London Stadium by some distance.

Luckily, they didn’t do that. In a statement released by the board of directors this morning which said that Nuno was set to stay at the club. It also said the club would be discounting next season’s season tickets by ‘up to 30%.’

Obviously, there weren’t many tickets reduced by 30%; the majority of the tickets were reduced between 10-20%, which is still pretty good, more than expected at least.

I think this is good, about as good as we could have expected from David Sullivan in the situation he’s got the club into.

Another thing the club should do to try to appease fans is to throw the cup games into the season ticket package, at least the first rounds we play in both the Carabao and FA Cup.

A small reduction in price and two extra matches on top of the already extra four would be more than enough, but I don’t think the board will do that for the fans.

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After we were relegated on Sunday, the fans immediately assumed Nuno would leave the club, whether that be his decision or the club’s choice.

However, after a couple of days of discussions, the club and Nuno have decided to continue. Reports suggest this was pushed most by the joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky, who is reportedly interested in investing more money into the club.

Keeping Nuno is a huge financial commitment; he’s the highest-paid manager in the club’s history, and was one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League. He will now be by far and away the highest-paid manager in the Championship next season.

Considering the reports that we need to raise £150m in player sales due to club debt, this is a huge decision. However, on the other hand, it’s also making fans think more positively. If Kretinsky is investing more, can we keep some of our best players?

The fanbase has already accepted that Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes will be leaving in the summer, which would be upsetting, but they aren’t going to want to play Championship football.

The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jean-Clair Todibo, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Songoutou Magassa will also likely leave, but I can’t imagine the fans are that bothered.

The players we realistically want to keep are said to be Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Taty Castellanos, and Konstantinos Mavropanos. The first two are most likely to stay; they are club legends, they have released statements addressing next season, and they love the club.

The chances of Taty Castellanos, especially, have increased with the news of Nuno staying. Obviously, Nuno wanted to bring in Taty in January, and he is proven in his system, so would Taty take a year in the Championship in a system we know he works in?

Taty has admitted that he plays club football to earn his place in the Argentina squad. He made his debut for his country when he was at Lazio; however, he wasn’t picked for the World Cup this summer.

He won’t get a call-up in the Championship, even if he has a wonder season; however, he can play the long game. An excellent season in the second tier, along with promotion and leading the Irons’ line in the Premier League again, where he knows he can succeed, could earn him more call-ups for Argentina in the future.

I don’t think there is much chance Mavropanos will stay. I think he will want a move back to Germany with his former club Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund interested. However, with how much he has impressed under Nuno, like Taty, maybe he’ll give us a year in the second tier.

The post Nuno staying at West Ham. Will Soucek, Bowen, and Castellanos follow? appeared first on The West Ham Way.

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