The mainstream media appear to be involved in a campaign against West Ham fans, which has seen many presenters reframe supporters’ concerns about the club’s form over the past 18 months.
In some instances, certain TV and radio celebrity pundits have resorted to lying by indicating that Hammers fans are demanding Champions League football. The diversionary tactic of misrepresenting many Irons supporters’ complaints appears to be a means of avoiding debating many people’s genuine concerns and questions.
Put simply, West Ham have been in relegation form in 2024, winning only three out of 17 games this year. David Moyes‘ side has conceded a record-breaking 70 goals and spent much of last season flirting with relegation. The defence has had over £80 million spent on central defenders alone, yet still fails to stop an avalanche of goals which could reach unprecedented levels by the time Luton and Manchester City have finished with us.
Former coach Mark Warburton departed at the beginning of the season, citing a clash of philosophy between himself and Moyes. The former Rangers coach remarked how he had to leave to preserve his deteriorating friendship with Moyes. At the same time, the club saw set-piece coach Paul Nevin depart, with Moyes deciding against appointing a replacement.
Factor in the manager’s mistrust of half of his squad, and inability to adjust to the new 5 substitutes rule, and a disastrous last throw of the transfer dice with Kalvin Phillips, and it’s fair to say that fans had reasons to be concerned.
Therefore, it’s completely unacceptable to have our worries dismissed by pundits who seemingly know nothing of supporters’ frustrations. The last 24 hours have seen a tsunami of condescending comments from many who should know better as they line up to stick the boot into Hammers fans.
We’ve been labelled as an entitled, unrealistic, and ungrateful fanbase, and told to prune our ambitions whilst the likes of Chris Sutton and Paul Merson patronise us and repackage our concerns to suit their own narrative.
Of course, David Moyes’ dismissal could have been handled better, but to dismiss and ignore the fans’ real arguments while replacing them with invented complaints is bang out of order.