Last season, West Ham were relegated to the second tier of English football, prompting a season of rebuilding in the Championship. The club is looking for a swift return to the Premier League, hoping to avoid being stuck in the second tier for an extended period. After fourteen consecutive years in the top flight, the relegation came as a surprise, with West Ham having become a household name in the Premier League and a regular feature of Premier League betting markets.
The Hammers were relegated after finishing 18th, with their fate decided right down to the very end of the season, when hopes were dashed. Despite beating Leeds United on the last day, a win for Spurs against Everton would mean West Ham were relegated.
Despite being relegated, this marked the beginning of a new era for West Ham, introducing new challenges. Many West Ham fans entered the season confident about a swift return to the top flight, but this was quickly stymied after the opening matches showcased it would not be as easy as once perceived.
Holding Onto Key Figures
One of the things most feared for a team relegated from the top division is the loss of all key players. Whilst there has been significant change for West Ham, with the transfer window seeing the loss of many players, the club has done well to keep hold of some key figures. Entering the summer transfer window, talks were circulating about the future of club captain Jarrod Bowen, with many Premier League teams interested in his talents. Whilst Bowen has showcased in the past that he is one of the most consistent attackers in the Premier League, doing it over numerous years, West Ham fans questioned if he would leave the club. Jarrod Bowen confirmed he will remain with the club throughout the Championship season, showcasing his loyalty and love for the club.
West Ham have also kept hold of manager Nuno, which is a statement for the league, with him being considered undoubtedly the best in the league. Over the years, Nuno Espirito Santo has showcased his ability to manage teams efficiently in the Premier League, and is considered a level above the Championship. With that said, Nuno is believed to stick out the season with West Ham, and will be imperative if the club were to return to the Premier League.
The Level of Competition
Whilst many of the clubs have experienced fierce competition in the Premier League, the challenges the Championship brings are something unique, with all clubs fighting for something. The Championship is regarded as one of the tightest league competitions in the country, with the promotion fight being just as tense as the relegation fight, making every club in competition for something. With every club aiming towards a unique goal, the competition rises, unlike the Premier League, where towards the back end of the season some clubs cannot achieve European football, but cannot be relegated either.
The promotion fight in the Championship is extra tense, with the lucrative rewards being so significant that they can change a club’s full trajectory. All of the teams relegated from the Premier League hope to bounce back to the Premier League, with Wolves emerging as one of the favourites for the title after smart business in the transfer window. In addition to the other two clubs that got relegated alongside West Ham, there are other notable clubs expected to compete for promotion right to the very end.
Middlesbrough fell one step short of the Premier League last year after losing in the Play-Off final, and since have improved their team overall massively, and are tipped for a strong season. Similarly, Southampton are expected to challenge despite their points deduction for their antics in the Play-Offs, with them putting up incredible form in the back end of last season, and keeping a solid core from that. With only three clubs being promoted every year, and the handful of exciting teams in the league, promotion to the Premier League for West Ham will require efficiency and few mistakes.
Fixing the Slow Start
With the transfer window coming to an end, it means West Ham are settled with the players currently making up the squad. The opening month of the Championship season saw West Ham fail to win in all three of their opening fixtures, and with no more time for transfers, the players and Nuno must find form rapidly before falling behind.
To start picking up results and build a good streak, West Ham require the experienced professionals to step up. Players like Jarrod Bowen, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and others need to lead the squad, drawing on their experience to overcome challenges in games and throughout the season.
The slow start does not automatically mean West Ham will struggle throughout the season; sometimes things take a month or so to click. With the arrival of new players, individuals must grow new connections on the field, adjusting to each other’s playstyles to achieve consistent results. With forty-six matches making up the Championship, West Ham have more than enough time to fix their slow start.
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