Rest assured, dear reader. This isn’t an in-depth look at the Essex-based punk band or the 90s Alicia Silverstone classic movie, which is still to this day a guilty pleasure of mine.
Sadly and unsurprisingly, this must therefore mean that it is indeed a damming look, once again, at our board. The way it has conducted itself once again and made the proud name of West Ham United something that in footballing circles is poisonous.The short-lived Julien Lopetegui era is over. Mercifully, for both parties. But done in a manner which sticks in the throat.
It’s the joint shortest managerial reign in our history, matching Lou Macari’s 230-day stint. The performances of the side, or lack of, have been well documented. But let’s not forget David Sullivan was the main driving force behind the appointment, ignoring the advice of the actual football men at the club, who were reportedly against the Spanish choice.
If you employ people to perform roles, why are you not utilising them? Tim Steiden was employed to be a footballing mastermind, determining the very shape of the club's footballing blueprint, buy usurped by someone with an extensive knowledge of anything but.
The manner in which the whole parting of ways has been handled is nothing short of amateurish. Openly interviewing replacements whilst the incumbent is still in charge is crass. Thinly-veiled "two games to save his job" threats, an often-used tactic, wear thin.
Drip-feeding information to media outlets from the very boardroom itself, is embarrassing. Lopetegui can consider himself harshly treated from above, but he knew what kind of employers he was getting into bed with having been cahoots with them for many a month while his predecessor was in charge.
Either way it doesn’t excuse the messy, public, ponderous and embarrassing way the whole event has panned out. Once again West Ham’s name has been sullied by Sullivan and Karren Brady. A multi-million pound business increasingly run in a way that would embarrass a market stall. As prospective employers, our club's board is currently about as undesirable as any.
And so on to the next incumbent. Graham Potter. Someone I’ve admired for the way he set his career in motion in Sweden with Ostersund. Then with Swansea and Brighton before his spell with Chelsea which was doomed from the off.
Again, our board quibbling over Potter's contract length - he wanted two-and-a-half years, they offered six months - hardly inspires confidence in a long-term plan or vision. More a reinforcement of their ineptitude, refusal to believe in the club as anything but a private cash cow for them.
This is just the latest of many disrespectful, manipulative and shameful actions from the board. No doubt Sullivan will lay the blame on the fans, for wanting a change in manager and style - just as he did after the Pellegrini experiment.
But due diligence and listening to those who are better placed are traits any business person should adhere to. The last few years had seen some great things happen on the pitch, but the board’s actions of late have been downright shameful.
Managerial mishaps, concession eradication, stadium mismanagement; they are biting the hand that feeds in a major way. They may have tried to break the hearts and minds of the support, test its patience to the core. But you’ll never break our resolve, spirit and love for West Ham.
You prodded the bear too much in 2018 and saw what happened. The lessons from that haven’t been learnt. We were here first. We’ll be here when you’ve gone. Remember that. You’re just a sour chapter in our club’s history.
* Like to share your thoughts on this article? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the highlighted author/s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy or position of KUMB.com.
