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25 Jul 2026 13:28:05
James Tavernier, a free agent, 34 years old, has been mentioned. I suppose what you could say is he’s experienced. Could he be a squad player for this season just to help get us up? What’s your thoughts on this?
0
25 Jul 2026 15:34:06
He's ok, takes a decent free kick as well, but I thought he was going to the US?
At the moment, we have Kwp and AWB in rb spot, so unless one of those goes, I guess we don't need him (in all likelihood, AWB will go though).
I would hope we are going to go for a bit younger players now, a sort of new direction. We have enough experience already in the squad.
0
25 Jul 2026 16:07:52
Posted yesterday, more likely he will go to MLS, as they will offer a longer contract, but, then again, he would be useful.
24 Jul 2026 10:09:00
I have to ask, in case it’s only me - but I haven’t been this excited for an upcoming season in years. Is that the case for others?
The Championship is a gruelling league, by February, March time, it is really brutal.
I personally don’t care whether it’s Lincoln City or Manchester City, I would be there regardless. I think only the armchairs care on that front.
The Championship has plenty to offer. No VAR (which cost us last year), proper fans - no one supports some of the teams in that division for glory, more accessible away games, I certainly intend to hit most in not all the London and just outside London away games.
Someone posted about true fans getting behind the team - I agree. What else are you going to do? Like I said I don’t care who turns up on the Saturday, it’s who I go with, the pre match ritual, the banter, the football is almost a secondary. Get behind the team, I am absolutely buzzing for this year.
3
24 Jul 2026 11:22:13
Irongeez, I feel the same. Being one of the favourites for the title means we should be winning more games than losing, and that's all a supporter wants to see: their team win, it doesn't matter who they're playing.
0
24 Jul 2026 13:11:02
I have to say I am, and I was unsure if I would renew. But, once the writing seemed like it was on the wall for Sullivan, I decided to do so, although I probably still would have renewed. I won't be going to all the home games. I will probably give the midweek games a miss, but people around me can take my seat.
You are spot on regarding VAR, but I hope we get straight back up.
I'm nowhere near as hard-core as many fans, but if you go to every single game or never go at all, your opinion as a West Ham fan is equally valid.
2
24 Jul 2026 14:27:54
I live in Cheshire, so unfortunately can't afford the season ticket and everything that goes with it, trains etc., but I'm hoping to go to some away games. Stoke is just down the road, and I'm hoping to get my season ticket in a couple of years if I can take early retirement.
Always try and take a positive slant on things, it's supposed to be fun after all, and much easier on your mental health. 😁
2
24 Jul 2026 17:25:12
Good on you, Dabber, but that is gonna be a difficult trip, as it can take hours to get in from Essex by car or train, let alone from Cheshire. What about trying to get tickets to some of the away games up in your manor? I'm always in admiration of our away supporters.
You can always hear them loud and clear, no matter what the stadium.
0
24 Jul 2026 18:34:40
Yeah, I'm totally in agreement. I too was unsure about renewing, but still made the decision to do so. Then the news of Sullivan, the troll, dropped, and I was all in. Being from North Yorkshire, getting to every game with my shift pattern is impossible, but I will 100% be going to as many as I can.
Only had the pleasure of watching West Ham away at Boro and Leeds coz they're 35 and 55 miles from me, but I am defo gonna try n get some away games in this time round, work permitting. ⚒️⚒️⚒️
23 Jul 2026 20:09:26
I get a bit fed up being linked with average players in the Scottish league, get players that know the Championship and we should walk this league. If we don’t get promoted with the money we’ve got behind us is like Arsenal getting relegated.
23 Jul 2026 11:22:34
There has been a surge of fans telling the club to get on with recruitment pronto. Yes, it'd be great to see fresh faces, but the fact that the recruitment team are working to get things right and not rushing into Sullivan style stabs in the dark, is encouraging.
Let Nils and Nuno do it their way.
1
23 Jul 2026 12:12:23
We have never rushed anything, never given players a proper pre season to integrate into the team, don't make me laugh about people taking thier time; it's been the same since Sullivan has been here.
And, thanks, but I don't trust Nuno. He's a completely boring manager who bottled it last year, as we saw last year, whose marquee signing was a mate's son who can't play football (I wonder how much he got out of that deal?).
Koppen I don't know much about, but he hasn't pulled up trees anywhere really. Plus, if they don't know what we need by now, we are in big trouble.
0
23 Jul 2026 14:17:52
If you're unhappy about the coach and uncertain about the new recruitment apparatus, I'm not sure where to go from there.
Irrespective of our views, there will be some new faces in the squad and we need to be right behind them from the off.
0
23 Jul 2026 16:37:51
Robbo's views are being shared across quite a few sites.
I think the concern is twofold.
First, the fact we've sold key players, and no ready replacement is already lined up, just lots of considering, interested in etc.
And secondly, no pre season with future teammates, when we should be using this time to bed new players in.
It took an age to get Koppen in, and it seems that all our business is done very slowly.
1
23 Jul 2026 18:00:25
Yeah, no more excuses now Summerville is done.
It's been suggested that we are looking at players that are being linked with prem moves, hoping that if no one comes in for them, we can come in.
We need to strike a balance. We can't wait too long, and we don't want to lower our targets too quickly.
I'm hoping we will see some movement soon. I think, or at least I'm hoping things will be kept quiet and deals done quickly. Very different to what we are used to, where targets were leaked and deals were haggled to bits.
1
23 Jul 2026 19:19:28
Last season I flip flopped between wanting him to stay and thinking he should go. At the end of the season, I came down on the side of people saying he should have gone, because ultimately there were too many surrenderings of leads due to his tactics. The club has gone through major changes since, and the chairman has decided to stick with the manager, and there is not a lot we can do about it, so I will get behind him and the team. We have seen that Sullivan has virtually no say in any of the daily business of the club, contrary to what some websites are pumping out. You can see that in the price we got from the sales of 2 players who were almost certainly gonna go even if we weren't relegated. I am an optimist, and I do think we will get promotion, whereas others are saying not at all, yet those same people have been saying for the last 5-10 years that we will be relegated.
Well, eventually it came true, but they were wrong more than they were right. I get why people are frustrated, but I think since DK has taken the reins the club has been far more professional and far better run, so I will keep my faith in him turning things around even if it is slower than many hope.
I find the hysteria from some amazing, as has been said by others, it is a long season, and if we get players in later in the window, a slow start isn't gonna mean we won't get promoted. Look at Ipswich last season: poor first dozen games, and then their class shone through, and they got over the line.
1
23 Jul 2026 20:22:18
Respect what you are saying re Ipswich, Hammer D, but I think our situation is a bit different. Ipswich have only relatively recently been in League One, so expectations are a bit different. Our stadium could become very toxic very quickly if we don't start well, which will make it difficult for everyone, so I think it's important to start well.
0
23 Jul 2026 21:41:00
Interesting range of thoughts. Keeping Bowen and Taty will make a huge difference. I'm less worried about us scoring than how well we can keep clean sheets.
The first Championship games are getting closer and I have to say that I'm also optimistic.
1
23 Jul 2026 21:46:18
It'll be all the more difficult if those who spend their days complaining on every possible outlet, site, or channel are the only voices in the room.
I have no doubt that we've turned a corner in terms of professionalism, and that we have the core building blocks to be successful this season. There's a bit still to do, but, considering the mess that Bs created, there is now a lot to be optimistic about.
The right players will slot in seamlessly. Taking time to find them should not be rushed just because we now have a few quid in the bank. There's so much negativity from some quarters, you'd wonder whether they are true fans.
2
24 Jul 2026 08:32:27
I totally agree with everything you say, Any Old Irish (apart from the true fans bit). Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but I just think it's far too soon to be so negative, and there are so many reasons to be positive, no more BS, Bowen staying, money in the bank, potential Stavely investing......
Supporting West Ham has always been a roller coaster, enjoy the ride!
1
24 Jul 2026 08:57:56
There is far more reason to be optimistic than otherwise.
1
24 Jul 2026 09:37:50
Well said, Mark.
1
24 Jul 2026 10:09:02
I don't want to go over the top, because it could turn out that many of the people who have a more negative view are right to think the way they do, and we end up in the brown stuff. But I get the feeling that the players feel a lot more positive about the club and its potential; that would definitely not have been the case if David Sullivan and Karen Brady were still in situ.
When Bowen signed his updated deal, he had a lot of good things to say. And there is nothing worse than working for a boss who is an embarrassment, or who just sucks the life out of everything; it is demoralising. I hope it may be reflected in more exuberance on the pitch.
23 Jul 2026 09:21:39
Just watch the highlights of last night's win against Stevenage and I have to say there were some great goals and particularly pleasing build-up play.
O:2 regulars 1st half
0:3 youth 2nd half
Looks a promising base to build from.
1
23 Jul 2026 11:09:53
I've been following the U21s pretty closely for a while.
Orford is class.
1
23 Jul 2026 11:23:43
Agree. Our first-half senior players looked sharp, and the performances of the second-half youth were highly encouraging.
22 Jul 2026 17:15:22
Currently and excluding JWP, Todibo, Fulkrug and Cornet this is what we have in every position:
Hermandsen/Areola
AWB/KWP. Mav/Kilman. Diouf/Scarles
Potts/Souchek/Magassa/Kante/
Bowen. Lamadrid
Taty/Pablo
Assuming now nobody else needs to be sold I think we need 2xCB, I x creative midfielder, 2 wingers and another forward. The young youth keeper can be the 3rd keeper and 3 promotions from the youth.
The other 3 for a squad of 26. On this basis I make a number of observations:
1) The above named players are more than good enough to succeed in the Championship
2) None of them now need to be sold
3) I’m sure the 6 needed have already been identified and being worked on
4) There is absolutely no need to panic!
Imo we will be promoted! COYI.
2
22 Jul 2026 18:49:48.
Soucek may be six weeks away. Nuno has no trust in Kilman, and will only play him if there's nobody else, which is the current situation.
That leaves your squad at 14 players, hmmm. Many needed, I would say... Further to that, whilst no one else needs to leave, they may wish to leave up to September; that's a long time.
Over the last few seasons, promoted teams have averaged about 75 goals.
Who is going to score that many goals?
We certainly need creativity in mdf, maybe two attacking midfielders.
Definite Cb pairing, needed, tbh. I'm not sure about earthy Fearon, Myers, etc. Hope I'm wrong, we shall see.
For sure we need players in, we will have the money one way or another.
If WH don't get players in, we are not getting out of this division.
0
22 Jul 2026 19:11:59
Keep an eye on Golambeckis. Very highly rated young CB.
0
22 Jul 2026 20:53:24
No, Joyful, that leaves my squad at 16, as Kilman is unlikely to leave and therefore will still be part of the squad, and Soucek is out for 6 weeks, not the season. The point I'm trying to make is players will be bought, and with Sullivan and co gone, I'm more confident than ever they will be the right players.
There will be youth players in the squad to fill the gaps, as there were last season, no doubt about it. Whether they are capable is another matter. There is one way to find out.
0
22 Jul 2026 21:12:14
That's the worrying point!
0
22 Jul 2026 22:04:40
I just watched the game against Stevenage this evening. The first half featured a lot of the 1st team, who played okay. We were 2.0 up. After the break, all were replaced mainly by the youth team, with Kolembekis playing a lot of the game until he was taken off injured. He had a good game. The youth team were excellent, their ability to keep the ball and not needlessly give it away stood out. Some really good performances, namely Orford, Fearon, Ajala Bucart (can't remember the name properly).
I know it was pre-season and lower-league opposition, but Stevenage are not far off the Championship. So, I feel a lot of people's dismissive attitude towards the youth players is misplaced. Lots of people slagged off Kante last term when he first got a chance, and they were way off, as he looks a class player and played in the first half.
2
22 Jul 2026 22:32:28
I'm a bit caught between here, Hammer. I 100% want to see the youth given opportunities, but I think it needs to be very controlled, ie bringing them on with 15 mins left when we are 2-0 up. I don't think we should be over relying on them for sure, we need a squad capable of promotion, and blood the youth where we can.
0
22 Jul 2026 22:47:58
Evening Robbo, that was my point with the line up of the squad, where we're at now. Some of the youth will be needed due to the amount of games and squad size, but imo probably only about 3 or 4. There is no evidence that we're going to be over reliant on them.
I think the Championship is a much better opportunity to give them a crack than the PL is, so with them and the right (not rushed) purchases, I think we'll be in a good place to push on.
1
23 Jul 2026 06:02:20
Totally agree, Robbo, and in no way am I suggesting wholesale change, but we definitely need to give some of them a chance, because I definitely think there are a few there that can find a pass, like Fearon and Orford. I watched them a few times last season, and they weren't bad, but seemed much better yesterday.
Very well coached, I'd say. The other issue with youth, and in regards to the Championship, is physicality; they need to be able to handle themselves.
0
23 Jul 2026 06:22:21
The other player whose name I couldn't remember was Battrum, he was very good.
0
23 Jul 2026 08:05:44
I think our squad currently lacks pace and creativity.
Awb and Diouf have been linked away, and Mavro hasn't committed yet.
So at cb we will need 2-3, depending on Mav, as well as potentially 2 new full backs.
Golambeckis looks good, so hopefully his injury isn't too bad, but I do think most of the youth will start the squad as 3rd choice.
Orford looks far too good for youth football, but needs to make the step. He can do everything, but does get caught on the ball sometimes when he makes the step up.
He is capable of progressing the ball well, something our midfield currently lacks.
I think we need 2-3 wingers, and ideally 2 creative midfielders, an 8 and a 10.
Youth can take the pressure off a bit, with lots of games to play, but it is risky relying on them.
As for Battrum, when I've seen him play at youth level he's always been playing fb, but actually looked good in midfield last night.
0
23 Jul 2026 08:50:50
Forgot about striker also.
0
23 Jul 2026 11:48:04
I went to the game last night. During the first half, we played well within ourselves. During the second, Stevenage tired massively due to all the ball chasing they did.
Our squad is comfortably good enough to win the championship.
If Nuno can ship Cornet and Fulkrug away, then it'll be a pretty good pre-season.
We can't get rid of everyone, so Kilman and JWP will need to stay. Personally, I think JWP may be a key player this year.
1
23 Jul 2026 15:21:57
Knew you'd be buzzing to see JWP back. He may do a job, but he hasn't suddenly gained pace. If he does play, we need to hope he can actually play the ball forward in the Championship, but I have my doubts.
Have to disagree on our squad being comfortably good enough to win the Championship. It's unbalanced, injuries could exacerbate that more.
This isn't going to be easy.
Some teams will park the bus and fight for everything, some will get after us. We currently don't have the creativity to unlock defences, we also lack pace.
Squad needs a lot of work, we also need players with potential to step up if we do get promoted.
Am I missing something? Our only first choice winger is Bowen? And we are going to have extra games.
0
23 Jul 2026 20:12:58
I believe with the young players beginning to come through we 'should' have enough. Regarding JWP, he looks like a man who's had a good pre-season. Personally, thought he and Bowen were head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch last night. He is paceless, but he's always got goals... something we need.
0
24 Jul 2026 08:37:34
I'm personally not a JWP fan but will be delighted if he ends up having a stellar season! He might just be at the right level in the Championship, who knows. Good for us if it proves to be true.
0
24 Jul 2026 08:56:27
Maybe he found his level against League 1 opposition, but we will have to see how he does. He doesn't give the ball away easily, and he keeps it simple. I'll give him that; it's a shame he rarely passes forward, as that would probably negate the fact players run past him with ease.
Personally, I think Magassa, Potts, and Kante are all ahead of him.
I don't think those players will get bullied in the Championship. Then I'd rather see Orford and Fearon get opportunities instead of JWP.
Bowen's corners have been quality, so we aren't desperate for his set pieces.
The main thing that midfield is missing is creativity and someone to progress the ball.
21 Jul 2026 18:26:52
Maeda gone to Ipswich for £10 m, well within. WH compass, we need strikers creation in midfield centre back pairing. Let’s go.
0
21 Jul 2026 19:10:14
Steal at 10 million, really works hard. Fatawu also going to Ipswich?
We need flair. Summerville was the only flair player in the squad, and he's leaving.
2
21 Jul 2026 21:03:59
I think Meada would’ve done well at West Ham, playing for a team that’s hopefully going to be at the sharp end of the league, whereas Ipswich could be struggling in the prem. £10m is not a lot these days.
2
22 Jul 2026 07:18:53
I genuinely get the feeling Nuno thinks with our youngsters we are already set for next season!
0
22 Jul 2026 09:45:34
They can't be that naive to think losing 3 of our best players from last year will result in instant promotion. We will see signings, Phill; it just depends on the quality of them and the positions.
0
22 Jul 2026 10:39:28
Wish I had your faith, Robbo.
0
22 Jul 2026 11:26:03
Making signings and making the correct ones are 2 different things, Phil. Do I think they will make signings? Yes, do I think they will be the right ones? No idea. Would like to think someone at the club can see what we need, like we can, but that hasn't been the case in the last god knows how many transfer windows, so hopefully this time is different.
0
22 Jul 2026 12:20:03
Will they be the right ones? Good point. WH will have a list of players for each position required, bid, knockback, go to next on list. The club getting in quality in the Championship is difficult, as we are realising.
0
22 Jul 2026 13:01:06
It is also important how they (the new signings) pan out. Like most on here, I remember a few windows that seemed decent and turned out to be crap, and other signings that we all thought were disasters but proved us wrong. Think Disasi and Adama, who weren't anywhere near as bad as many of us thought.
20 Jul 2026 19:18:40
Those of us older people will never forget Keegan and Bremner having a punch up, was it 1974?
Great player, rip Kevin Keegan.
1
20 Jul 2026 21:26:27
I think it was the Charity Shield. I was only a kid, but there was controversy, as they both took their tops off and it was seen as highly offensive. Can get players to keep their shirts on these days.
20 Jul 2026 16:30:12
Facing up to the fact that money isn't the biggest challenge in this window.
It's finding players that Nuno actually wants to come to us, and for the right price before other clubs jump in (let's face it, we never do anything in a hurry).
0
20 Jul 2026 19:21:33
As you know, the problem is players are choosing the Premier teams; if one is in competition, West Ham have left it late, and they may not get the people that are top of their list.
West Ham have a strategy, but the problem is no one seems to know what it is.
0
21 Jul 2026 06:19:55
I don't think the West Ham hierarchy know either. 3 weeks to go till new season kicks off, and still all we hear is "interested in, considering"!!
20 Jul 2026 15:59:38
Sad news that Kevin Keegan has passed away aged 75 after a long battle with cancer. RIP Kevin commiserations to his family and friends and the wider Liverpool supporters including Ed
2
{Ed001's Note - thank you mate, it is gutting. Such a gent.}
3
20 Jul 2026 16:40:00
He really was a terrific player who, despite his small stature, gave defenders nightmares. Growing up, his understanding with Trevor Brookings for England was a real treat. R. I. P. Kevin, and thanks for the memories.
1
20 Jul 2026 16:48:21
Seemed a truly decent guy and a great player. Not afraid of a challenge when he decided to go and play for Hamburg. And, as you say, Bowlyn Boy, great relationship with Brooking. Shame they both weren't fit at the start of the WC in 82, as we may have got through to the semis.
0
20 Jul 2026 17:09:14
RIP great player.
1
20 Jul 2026 17:29:26
KK, Oh what a magnificent man & everything else, personality but foremost as a person, footballer one of the greatest ever to play not only in Britain but the world, he will be tragically missed by all that knew him but firstly his family!
Sincere condolences to his family at this tragic time. 🥲🥲
19 Jul 2026 00:32:20
Any truth in a swap involving Wan Bissaka to Arsenal for Jesus 🤷?
0
19 Jul 2026 10:01:28
I thought Jesus was going to Milan. Can't see any scenario where he comes to the Championship on much lower wages. Stevie sounds like one of those fake ITK Sullivan stories to me, I'm afraid.
0
19 Jul 2026 12:12:01
That's what I thought, Redrobbo2.
1
20 Jul 2026 00:41:08
Surely no more sick notes? Isn't having Fulkrugh bad enough?
18 Jul 2026 15:49:26
Robbo, you seem to agree with me. Not enough punch up front, no creativity, and no Cb pairing
Contrary to others, I do not believe WH will run away with anything. WH are 4/6 to gain promotion, think that’s a bit rich
Our youth will not fill in gaps, maybe here and there, but on the whole, just not good enough, eg Marshall, not up to it
The remnant of WH squad have experience, that will be a factor as the season rolls on
This is a mad league, 12/14 midweek games, no recovery time, virtually no training time
No negativity, just reality.
1
18 Jul 2026 16:51:47
Can't argue with that, Joyful. I'm just calling it how I see it. Football is all about opinions, and it's good to hear everyone's. Sometimes we are wrong, sometimes we are right.
I think that's one of the great things about this site; we can engage in healthy debate without it getting out of hand.
One thing is for sure, we all want the best for our Hammers.
0
18 Jul 2026 17:57:30
Ok, nothing game today, warm up etc etc, but certain things are disturbing. We have let Fatawu slide by, he wanted to come to WH.
Because Bowen is staying. Can Bowen play 50 games? Of course not, might he get injured?
We need a few players in if we are to move on, time is slipping past, kick off in 4 weeks.
I'm completely underwhelmed at present, sorry everyone.
1
18 Jul 2026 17:58:56
Well said, Robbo. Totally agree with that. 👍
0
18 Jul 2026 18:56:13
Yep, well said, Robbo.
0
18 Jul 2026 19:39:20
Totally agree, Robbo. Just check out other sites and a lot, and I mean a lot, if fans are getting very frustrated with how things are going.
We are nowhere near ready for the new season, and to top it all, we have major competitors in the first few games, Wrexham, Burnley derby, and we need players in key positions.
Maybe Nuno has seen something we haven't.
If that's the case, I'm worried for our great club's future.
Has Taty played a pre-season friendly yet? If not, then who are we starting up front with? Is Fulkrug the answer? I hope not.
Lots of questions to be asked, and so far, not many answers, except constant "interest, considering, mulling over", same old, same old.
0
18 Jul 2026 21:18:17
I'm pretty sure Tatty played today.
0
19 Jul 2026 23:10:38
It was a 'nothing' game yesterday. It was just a stretch of the legs. Read nothing into this game. It is what it is, a pre-season friendly.
17 Jul 2026 12:03:04
Lot of fans beginning to get frustrated with the lack of any movement whatsoever.
Before ya know it, new season will kick off and we will still be in same place.
This squad has no pace, energy and it's old.
1
17 Jul 2026 13:19:05
Other than that it's fine !!
0
17 Jul 2026 16:26:39
Lmfao yeah that will do lol. 😆 🤣
0
18 Jul 2026 11:24:47
We've lost 5 1st team squad players from last season, Fernandes, Wilson, Fabianski, Disasi and Traore. Our squad wasn't exactly stacked as it was. Kick-off is in 3 weeks. I keep reading how it's refreshing that we wont sell players cheap.
I'd wager there is little interest in those players, as they simply aren't very good and are on ridiculous contracts in most cases, so hanging on to players we don't want and are useless is actually hampering us now.
0
18 Jul 2026 11:57:29
Robbo there was no chance of Fernandez staying even if we had stayed up. Indont think the players we are trying to keep are JWP, Todibo and Cornet but they are difficult to shift because of Moyes and Steidten and Sullivan getting them in the first place and putting them on ridiculous contracts. Maybe you are referring to Killman another player on a ridiculous contract courtesy of Loppy Steidten and Sully. He should be able to do a job in the championship if absolutely necessary. Hopefully we will get a couple of players in over the next couple of weeks and as I've said before we have numerous members of the youth team to fill the squad. And before anyone shoots me down by saying they are not good enough, people have to remember we are no longer in the prem and many were singing their praises over the last few seasons as they had performed well in generally championship teams.
So why can't they do it at West Ham in the championship.
The changes we have gone through since seasons end are dramatic and I think for the best. I personally think we will get promoted straight back but I do sometimes suffer from over optimism. Rome wasn't built in a day and the new chairman can't just buy Sullivan out as that C&@t is going to try and get as much Money as he can and will not just sell for a lower price to make everyone happy. Even if it takes us longer than one season to get back to the prem I would say it is worth it to finally be rid of the poisoned dwarf
0
18 Jul 2026 13:13:13
My point, Hammer, is we have a weaker squad than we did last season, when it wasn't exactly great. It's looking more like we are carrying on with the tactic of not buying anyone before we sell, but due to lack of interest we can't sell. Maybe the board, or Koppen, or whoever is responsible for selling, may want to re-evaluate their valuations of players.
The Championship is a tough league, with games coming thick and fast, we have lost 5 first team squad players with no replacements already (Summerville will go also).
The season kicks off in 3 weeks, so even if a miracle happens and we sign 4 players this week, pre-season is very limited, and we are simply repeating mistakes from years gone by again.
On the Sullivan bit, nothing has happened with his shares, and there is no sign of anything happening. He will probably just end up keeping his shares.
0
18 Jul 2026 13:54:23
Christ, Redrobbo, why are you so negative over everything? We've lost 2 players. And Bowens staying. Believe me, Parker and Demba Ba took more replacing than Fernandes, and Summerville will. As things stand, it's still the strongest squad by far in the Championship, and Kretinsky will spend. Don't worry about that.
0
18 Jul 2026 14:19:28
Callum Wilson, Disasi, Adama Traore and Fabianski don't count then?
What makes you think Kretinsky will spend? He hasn't done so far, has he?
Point out things as I see them isn't negative, it's realistic. If you think we have a great squad, well done, that's your opinion.
I have mine and have said on a previous post where I think we are lacking. I'm looking forward to seeing the great defence, creative genius in midfield and fantastic striker you obviously believe we have in the 1st game of the season.
1
18 Jul 2026 14:57:18
Robbo, you're overlooking that it's a vastly weaker league. Burnley got 100 points, yet went down last season on 21. We'll win it. Comfortably mark my words.
0
18 Jul 2026 14:59:27
Fabianski is 41. Traore is done as well. Diassi, I suspect, will return. Wilson is 34. Only Fernandes is a miss.
0
18 Jul 2026 15:21:09
They may be done, but still need replacing. It's 2 games a week most weeks in the Championship, so we do need a fairly decent squad. At the moment, we would be relying solely on Taty and Bowen for goals, and they can't play every week in a physically demanding league, that's without midfield where Fernandes has gone and Soucek is injured long term, and we lack creativity there, that's without anyone else that will leave.
I'm not saying we won't sign anyone, but better to be doing it now rather than leaving it too late, where we end up over paying and papering over cracks as we have done in previous seasons.
1
18 Jul 2026 16:11:14
Sorry, Robbo, you're talking about the Championship as though it is a hot-bed of creative players in every team except for us. There are hardly any creative players in the Premier League, let alone the Championship. Name me a load of creative players in the Championship? I just typed it into Google AI, and it came out with 4 names. 4 teams have a creative player.
You are right, we don't have a good or deep squad, but it's a lot better than many, and if we can keep Bowen, Mav, Disasi, Tatty, KWP, Kante, Magassa and Diouf, that ain't a bad nucleus of a side.
The problem seems to be, you want the world, and you want it now. We've just been relegated. We aren't in a position to be questioning why top players don't want to come to us.
At least now we are not giving players away and are getting proper market value, and we are not having the board leaking fake stories all the time. They seem more professional, which in my eyes is a good thing. I feel things are moving in the right direction, but slower than many of us want. I think they are moving there.
1
18 Jul 2026 19:06:39
I totally understand the frustration around the lack of action, but I think it's important the right players are brought in, and the window doesn't close for 6 weeks. Appreciate the season starts in 4 weeks, but it's 46 games, we don't have to be the complete/finished article in week 1.
As Hammer-D highlighted about Burnley, 100 pts in the Championship and 21 in PL, we got 42 in the PL, and, Fernandes/Summerville aside, we are not likely to be much weaker in terms of squad quality once the inevitable purchases are made.
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19 Jul 2026 23:14:31
Kilman and JWP should be comfortably good enough for the Championship. When both signed, they performed well. 'Maybe' dropping down a league will get their confidence back. Cornet - he's another problem altogether. He is just not good enough or fit enough.
15 Jul 2026 22:04:15
Thomas Tuchal is the international version of Nuno.
2
15 Jul 2026 22:41:52
Put too many defenders on. After scoring, must carry on the same way, not try to defend for half hour. Ridiculous.
1
15 Jul 2026 22:45:32
Agreed, Joyful, hence the comment.
1
15 Jul 2026 23:35:57
I thought exactly the same, Robbo. It was like watching West Ham last season. 🤣
Should have carried on as we were, but threw it away and made Argentina look amazing. Absolute joke.
1
16 Jul 2026 00:04:16
Agreed. England were homeward bound as soon as Tuchel donned his Nuno mask. Mind you, in the second half, Argentina made England look average.
0
16 Jul 2026 12:20:39
Hilarious. The FA have confirmed they are sticking with Tuchel. History repeats itself, and they wonder why England have not won a thing since 1966! The FA is the problem. Not only have they repeatedly hired the wrong man, they've completely ignored the right man on at least two occasions for reasons of public image.
Small wonder, England couldn't win a raffle. The FA is the only footballing authority (apart from Sweden) who actually rewards failure! Not only that, but the UK actually rewards failure with a knighthood! Unbelievable. When Tuchel fails again, he could find himself in line of succession to the throne. 🙄
0
16 Jul 2026 13:00:56
He has to go, on that 25-minute spell in the second half alone. I think, when results are going your way, you can forgive the poor performances, but when it all goes so badly wrong at the most critical moment for 60 years, you then question the other choices. The players left out, and, more importantly, the players taken, were obviously injured or had hardly played any games this season.
Rice, Saka, Stones and James should never have been there, as there were perfectly good alternatives for each of those players.
The FA don't get me started.
1
16 Jul 2026 13:05:39
It's all clear now, Sullivan resigned to take over at the FA, haha.
0
16 Jul 2026 18:34:16
When is the FA going to listen to those that matter? Listening to the players and the fans, it's clear that everyone believes the manager let everyone down. Even Tuchel himself has stated the fault lies with him. Yet the FA has quickly declared 'he's our man' and 'we're sticking with him'.
It's a joke. The FA desperately needs a radical shake up, and Tuchel needs to go. Yes, it was a tactical mistake, but he's paid a fortune and it cost us dearly. Go, and go quickly if you have any honour. I'm not holding my breath.
0
16 Jul 2026 21:19:11
It's like the old Einstein: "Keep doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity." It's obvious England's, or West Ham's for that matter, weakness was defending. So why on earth pick a defensive manager that's going to rely on a below-par defense to get results? Just never learn.
0
17 Jul 2026 18:12:32
Have any of you lads been to FA headquarters? I was shown around there some years back. Obviously I don't know what's gone on there since.
There were large paintings and photographs lining the walls, as you would perhaps expect. The first was Billy Wright and the second Alf Ramsey.
Our younger supporters may not even know who they were?
The place is steeped in history. That's a big part of the problem. Whilst it's nice to see old glories and memories from long ago, it's easy to see the whole movement is out of date. It's time to move forward. The FA are years behind the times.
1
18 Jul 2026 14:01:35
It's laughable seeing people expecting west ham to have a stronger squad than last season. I mean our turnover will be over £100m less thanks to the the useless dwarf. And with PSR and the other one about. There's no way round it. But it is a vastly weaker league which some ain't recognising.
{Ed001's Note - thank you mate, it is gutting. Such a gent.}