OK now I am sure I am going to be unpopular with large swathes of the fan base but I am talking about football, here, not club politics. In my humble opinion, David Sullivan should be congratulated for his far-sightedness in appointing Tim Steidten and promoting him to having overall control of West Ham United.
Yes, the power struggle that followed with Moyes, prior to his exit was awkward – Moyes banned Tim Steidten from the dressing room – but Sullivan’s backing for Steidten was constant and lead to Moyes’ leaving after only being offered a Head Coach ‘European-style’ new contract.
Now, just 6 weeks on from Moyes’ departure, we are in ‘launch’ mode having spent a while in ‘countdown’ whilst a new, big calibre coach was identified, recruited and put in place. The transfer window has been breathtaking for those of us used to dithering and excuses and the same ageing squad for another year. Steidten has snatched players from the jaws of other clubs, stalked players and signed several more conventionally, and remember Kudus last year was a Steidten ‘pick’ too. His activity, dynamism and culture creation are very reminiscent of his time at Bayer Leverkusen – and look where they ended up this year.
When I read today’s Sky Sports article where they speculate that West Ham could even repeat Bayer Leverkusen’s success I realise that this excitement at the state of ‘our’ club is not limited to supporters: More objective opinions than mine are certain that “If trophies were awarded for winning transfer windows, West Ham would be up and running for the season.” Don’t forget, West Ham used to be an embarrassment in transfer windows.
And when we consider the Talk Sport ‘careful what you wish for’ contrast- I go back to the original appointment of Tim Steidten and his subsequent backing to effectively take control of the day to day running of the club, and say a massive ‘well done’ whether it was David Sullivan, the Board, whoever. And Steidten has been backed in this transfer window to the tune of over £170 million.
We are at that exciting, uber-optimistic stage at the start of a Premier League season with eight new signings, a new Head Coach, and a new club Captain. Whatever the progress on the pitch, give them time. Support them all, stick with them through the difficult transition in the coming months. I will. And you can quote that back to me.
We have the fanbase and the history to be truly ‘massive’: And now we have the squad and the management team to ‘blast off’ into new territory.
Nice piece Martin, I couldn’t agree more, but as you say some will object simply because you referenced DS.
Lessons have been learned and all the right calls have been made. For that the board deserve some credit. The only ones that won’t give it are intellectually limited bitter souls who cry “d*ldo brothers” whenever things are not going well.
Let’s hope the optimism translates.to success on the pitch. #COYI
As Jeff said great article. Actually stopped worrying about how many of the last six games we have to win to stay up!! COYI
I was a Moyes fan up to the last 6 months. Moyes infuriated me at times with his lack of Subs, lateness or Subs, stubborn and predictable approach.
I wanted change in how we do things and how we play. So all credit to DS and the Board. It took them a while to deliver, but I think they HAVE now delivered!!
It’s a shame they spoiled it over the ticket concessions, but hopefully they now see sense on that one after the fans spoke!!
Got to hand it to
Steidten was our best signing for a long long time, he’s extremely good at what he does. Early days yet but I have high hopes for Lopetegui too.
Hiring Tim Steidten and appointing him to have overall control was a golden move. Now we will see if the new team gel in a reasonable amount of time into a a force to reckon with, under Lopetegui’s direction. Let’s hope they do.
Tim Steidten when he came in said it is a five year plan to achieve all the things he, the fans and the board wanted, appointing Julen Lopetegui was to many not a good idea but their work together has been very impressive, I’m sure none of us expected to start like this so quickly, the players that have been brought in are nothing short of spectacular, and even for the first season we are expecting to finish in the European places but we still have some who will moan and find fault whatever, but Mr Sullivan should be applauded for putting all this in place and backing it with the linances, I, and every West Ham supporter should be proud of what has been achieved by our supposed “Small club” good luck for the season West Ham, I’m having “Bubbles” played at my funeral, I love yer!!!
I love new seasons under whatever circumstances I suppose because every club starts at zero, we’re all equal and I’m gagging for football. This coming season more than ever is wildly exciting for the obvious reasons. Great article, nice work. It sums up my forever optimism exactly.
Have we unretired the number 6 shirt