It looks like the beginning of the end for Julen Lopetegui as a top David Sullivan confidant runs a damning West Ham vote.
Julen Lopetegui has been backed by West Ham’s owners in the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Forest.
The fact it’s not the first time they have had to do that speaks volumes about how life has started in east London for the Spaniard.
After the 4-1 defeat to Spurs a couple of weeks ago, the dreaded vote of confidence for Lopetegui was announced via top a West Ham board source.
It came amid links to West Ham’s former assistant coach Edin Terzic.
Somehow the Hammers managed to beat Man United in the next game, easing the pressure.
But Lopetegui, the fans and the owners knew they’d got away with one.
Still, a much-improved second half performance sparked hope the penny had finally dropped for West Ham under their new boss.
Beginning of the end as Sullivan confidant runs West Ham vote
When Saturday came, though, the heat was turned up yet again.
Another dismal display saw West Ham beaten 3-0.
And there was more ill-discipline as Edson Alvarez was needlessly and recklessly sent off before half-time.
That was West Ham’s third sending off of the season and a second for the Mexican, who was seen reacting angrily towards the manager when substituted in the cup game against Bournemouth.
So it has done little to dampen claims from several different journalists that some players are unconvinced by the 57-year-old.
In the wake of the defeat to Forest, a spokesman for the owners told Hammers News: “We are 100 per cent behind the manager but results must improve.”
Since then it’s been claimed two out of work managers have been put on standby to replace Lopetegui.
With a two-week international break looming after the game against Everton, that is now being billed a must-win.
Things are starting to feel a bit ominous for the manager.
Results of Lopetegui poll speak volumes
It looks like the beginning of the end as a David Sullivan confidant runs a West Ham vote and the results are damning.
Lopetegui was appointed as successor to David Moyes when he impressed Sullivan in his interview.
But after the vote of confidence and public backing now comes the fan vote.
Sean Whetstone counts majority owner Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady among his Hammers contacts.
Amid the fallout from the Forest defeat, Whetstone took to social media to run a poll asking supporters a big question about the manager.
“Do you back head coach Julen Lopetegui to turn things around results at West Ham this season?” Whetstone posted to his near 52,000 followers.
Nearly 3,500 votes were cast and the result was emphatic.
Just under 85 per cent of those voting said ‘No’ they do not back Lopetegui to turn things around.
West Ham fans make their feelings clear
Hammers supporters believe the owners often look to gauge fan opinion and feeling with things like this.
That’s not to say Whetstone has been asked to put the poll out there.
But Sullivan and co will undoubtedly be aware of the result.
One thing is for certain, regardless of the situation, results and performances must improve.
The owners have said that themselves.
The problem is it seems very few Hammers fans have any confidence they will.
Not under Lopetegui anyway.
Should Everton beat West Ham at the weekend, they will go above them in the table.
A win would buy Lopetegui time but daunting fixtures away at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal loom after the international break.
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