It has taken three years for West Ham to spiral from the summit of their footballing prowess to the depths of second division mediocrity, and the Hammers’ experiences can serve as a cautionary tale to any other poorly run Premier League side. Complacency and poor decision making will destroy even the best – supported side in the blink of an eye.
Hammers fans have also taken years to process the sale of their most successful captain since Billy Bonds, the Chairman announcing his availability the very day after their Europa Conference League trophy sale. For that alone, I’ll never forgive Sullivan.
There are ways of doing things. and that isn’t it.
Happy days of three years ago
As supporters we are now getting used to seeing Declan Rice in an Arsenal kit, and for many – most, I’d guess, but not all.. there’s a vicarious sense of pride still for the former Hammer, although of course not his club, as he goes onto deserved success.
It is clear the players’ love for West Ham hasn’t diminished either. Speaking to GQ magazine, Declan professed:
““I obviously love West Ham so much still, still a massive part of my life, I still watch them.”
Picking out his favourite goal ever, Rice glossed over those Champions League free kicks and confessed a goal in Claret and Blue meant more to him:
“My favourite goal is when I was playing for West Ham in the Conference League,” Rice said. “I picked the ball up on the edge of our own box and ran the whole pitch. As I was running forward I just remember the stadium getting louder and louder and louder, and as I scored the goal the place just erupted.
So I think that was one of my best solo goals.”
Agreed, Dec. Those were the days.
How fast and how much things have changed in the ensuing three years. The only comfort for West Ham fans is that they can change back again just as fast. COYI!