One of Claret & Hugh’s regular readers has delivered a brutal assessment of the mess currently engulfing West Ham United — and it’s difficult to argue with much of it.
With uncertainty hanging over the manager, recruitment structure, squad rebuild and even the ownership direction of the club, many supporters are fearing this could become the most important summer in West Ham’s recent history.
One reader, Martin — no, not that one — summed up the mood among sections of the fanbase perfectly in a comment sent to Claret & Hugh earlier today.
“The club feels completely directionless”
Martin’s biggest concern centred around the club’s leadership structure and the fear that the wrong people remain in charge of making key decisions.
“The need to resolve the senior management positions, particularly CEO and Director of Football, is paramount,” he wrote.
“I fear we’ll attract less capable individuals because we’re likely to be in the Championship, but my biggest fear is that buffoon Sullivan is involved in the recruitment process.”
The criticism aimed at David Sullivan and Karren Brady reflects long standing frustration among fans who are livid the club has stagnated despite increased revenues and years in the Premier League.
Martin also questioned the likely managerial appointment should Nuno Espírito Santo depart.
“Given Sullivan and Brady’s poor record in managerial appointments, it doesn’t bode well,” he added.
Huge rebuild facing West Ham
“Then the need to overhaul the squad in what could be the largest turnover of players we’ve seen is frightening,” Martin explained.
“Especially given the fact we’ve yet to do this successfully — and certainly not quickly.”
He also pointed towards the impact of the upcoming World Cup, which could complicate transfer business further by slowing both player sales and incoming deals.
All of which, he believes, could leave West Ham facing a very difficult start to next season.
“This all points to a strong possibility of a slow and difficult start to the season,” he wrote.
“Not insurmountable — see Ipswich Town’s turnaround earlier this season — albeit without all the turmoil being witnessed at West Ham. Equally, look at what’s happened to Leicester City.”
“Worse position than when they took over”
Perhaps the most damning criticism came in Martin’s closing assessment of the ownership.
“Irrespective of anyone’s views on the new stadium, the simple fact is that Sullivan and Brady have proved incompetent at taking advantage of our increased revenue streams and have put us in an even worse position than when they took over.
“Useless pair.”
Well said Martin mate.
‘Worse than when they took over?’
You mean when we were a day away from going out of business after the Icelandic financial crisis?
At worst, next season we’ll be a top-ranked Championship side.
Useless pair? Reminds me of Liz Truss and Angela Raynor.
Can’t argue with that, especially the last comment!
Sullivan he’s our Nero….The younger generation should look it up the more senior in years will understand.
Could regret not putting more faith in academy players.
Nothing present management does is going to make debt go away.