Happy Hammers Ship? The Proof of The Pudding is in The Tasting

It’s all very well for West Ham to suggest that relations between Graham Potter, Kyle Macaulay, Karren Brady, and David Sullivan are hunky dory—but fans remain understandably sceptical, and with good reason.

Many years ago, agent Barry Silkman told me in an interview that David Sullivan liked to “gift” his managers certain players. Fast forward to today, and an interview doing the rounds on social media features Michail Antonio discussing his move to West Ham.

According to Mikey, then-manager Slaven Bilić actually turned down the chance to sign him, but the player’s representatives convinced Sullivan to go ahead with the deal. As it turned out, Antonio became a fantastic servant to the club—but the point remains: it was another example of a chairman signing a player over the head of his manager.

So it’s hardly a surprise that eyebrows are raised when someone like Callum Wilson turns up at West Ham. It’s hard to imagine the 33-year-old free agent—represented by Unique Sports—was Graham Potter’s top choice.

For years, fans have cried out for modernisation behind the scenes. The appointment of Tim Steidten as director of football felt like the start of that process. While the German may not have worked out as planned, it doesn’t mean the entire structure should have been abandoned.

What this club needs is a functioning recruitment axis between Potter and Macaulay—but there’s growing concern we’re reverting to some of the bad old ways.

That’s why I believe the next two signings are absolutely crucial. If, as reported, there’s a £60 million budget for a goalkeeper and midfielder, those players have to be Potter’s picks.

I’m pleased to hear talk of harmony at the club—but the proof of the pudding is very much in the tasting.