In an in-depth survey carried out by NY Times’ famed sports column TheAthletic.com, expert journo Roshane Thomas took a look at West Ham United fans’ reaction to the spectacular transfer window dealings. I’m glad that the Claret and Hugh ‘comments’ section wasn’t consulted or it might have shown a different result.
The general consensus is one of a state of unified contentment with the window that as Hammers’ faithful, we aren’t used to. Indeed in recent years, the club has seemed fractured and divided on anything to do with Managers, Board, Stadium Players, Finances- but here it seems there is a broad level of agreement. After the club spent some £140 million-plus net on new players, the newspaper asked fans how they were feeling about the activity in the window.
Over 92% described themselves as ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’. Can this really be such a surprise? Well, considering we have lost two from our first three PL fixtures I’d say it is ‘surprisingly optimistic’ compared with our own respondents on Claret and Hugh’s comments sections.
Max Kilman – Hammers’ fans favourite signing!
And the survey went on to ask Hammers fans who the ‘best signing’ for the club was: Max Kilman topped the popularity stakes with 47% naming the ex Wolves defender followed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka named by 41%.
Here I have to say I’m a little bit surprised: Perhaps the survey was commissioned before the Manchester City game, with Wan Bissaka was named Man of the Match. I’d have thought he would be on top of the list.. Shows what I know!
Clearly West Ham Fans are not daft, with 61% believing that our attack still needs strengthening even after the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug for £27 million. I’m sure we will all be watching Germany’s performance this weekend with a renewed sense of interest to see how Fulkrug performs for his national side as he is yet to make a mark after just cameo performances. Plenty of time for him, this is a long season…
So with a rarely-felt sense of optimism pervading the fan base let’s ignore the odd moaner ( and we get a few of those) – it really has never been a better time to be a Hammer. 82% of us apparently are ‘more optimistic’ about the future following West Ham United’s dealings in the transfer window.
Some, incidentally, draw comments with the Pellegrini splurge and the failure that followed. I’d draw a big distinction thanks to the undoubted pedigree of players which Steidten has brought in, plus the youthful element of Summerville and Guilherme, and the pre-existing talents already at the club before the window. We now have a pretty awesome array of talent to develop.
Lopetegui now needs to mix the cocktail into a perfect blend using the ingredients on hand. If the Athletic’s survey is anything to go by, our knowledgeable West Ham fan base is already convinced we are headed in the right direction. Ignore the ‘moaners’ – The vast majority are looking forward to getting cracking again after the international break.
The Athletic was purchased by the NY Times. Given the amount of articles and information you canalbise from that publication I would hope you lot would get it right
@Joe. “canalbise”? I hope you didn’t cannibalise that ‘word’ from somebody who doesn’t spell check their work! 😂
Totally agree Len, it’s the lack lustre and inaccurate copy and paste writing that is the issue with Simon, along with him not checking a lot of his facts. And as far as Gonzo is concerned at the moment, he seems unable to let go of past issues that have already been aired multiple times, dragging them up again and then repeating them along with other negative aspects. Maybe it’s about time he let go of the past and the Moyes, academy and player issues he has and started to look forward instead of constantly picking at irrelevant points he has been making for far too lo long. I find it amusing that some of the writers tend not to read a lot of what the other writers post and end up totally contradicting themselves or giving such different information. Ah well, I suppose things can only get better hopefully.
Well, thank heavens we have the NY Times to tell us how optimistic we are….
Really? Complaints from fans on C&H comments section?
The only ones I’ve noticed are those complaining about the lack of quality in the journalism…