I had hoped that by January 2025, fortune would have stopped hiding and a period of steady improvement would have materialised. But I suspect Julen Lopetegui won’t be given that long.
The general consensus is clearly for us to find a replacement as soon as possible, and I doubt a West Ham win over lowly Everton will change many minds.
It’s a shame that it has come to this, but the threadbare squad and tactical naivety left by the previous manager have led to this painful team overhaul. This has resulted in an influx of new Hammers players—which, at the time, most pundits and fans called a successful transfer window.
However, you don’t bring in that many players and a new coach and expect instant success. Takeoff! COYI!
Some of us suspected there would be teething troubles, that we’d need a lengthy period for this “new team” to settle, gel, and respond to a head coach with fresh ideas. Many didn’t foresee that (after enduring the frustrations with the last manager), so the resulting disappointment has hurt, frustrated, and angered fans all the more.
Names are already being floated around, from Graham Potter to Edin Terzic and even outrageous rumours like Jose Mourinho! Whoever replaces Lopetegui at West Ham—if it comes to that—will have an almighty (and privileged) job ahead. Chief among their tasks will be sorting out our sluggish midfield, as that’s where the real problem lies. If you abdicate control in the middle of the park, you’re asking for trouble, regardless of the opposition. And yes, a decent, young striker would be a welcome addition.
We have “wunderkind” Luis Guilherme, who has been variously described as a right-winger, attacking midfielder, and frontman, depending on the source. However, it seems the current coach doesn’t see him as quite ready—perhaps the future coach will.
The coming days or perhaps weeks (because Mr. Sullivan seems to have a frustrating habit of holding out for “the best deal”) will decide the fate of our coach and the future of our club.
Exciting times! It’s never a dull moment at West Ham—unless you count Moyesball in the mix. Despite all the upheaval and changes, both past and future, I remain optimistic for our beloved Hammers. For those of us with a bit more history, these shenanigans are nothing new. This is The West Ham Way.
Be good, be positive… I’m off to blow some bubbles.
Guest post by David Pope
