The demise of David Sullivan’s control over West Ham United has had a remarkable rejuvenating effect on east London.
Instead of being engulfed in a cloud of despair post relegation, instead there’s barely a glum face to be seen on those of a claret and blue persuasion. There’s a buoyant spring in the step instead and renewed hope, that the stewardship of Daniel Kretinsky will lead to a new dawn.I won’t bring back the darkness, but will initially add a word of caution. No new incumbent steps into the role declaring that they’re out to pillage the club and drag the support to despondency, but it happens a lot in football. A regime change often promises much but delivers little.
After 16 years of being increasingly lied to, manipulated and deceive, it’s no wonder many see this as an unbridled opportunity to reach new heights. But we have to be realistic. Social media outlets, now with little rage to expel to boost viewing figures, are turning to false optimism to reel in them ‘likes’. Sadly due to the nature of the beast that is modern life, it raises false expectations with little substance to back up the bravado.
The biggest pull is currently the redevelopment of our current home. The downright lies of a promised world-class stadium delivered by our former custodians, means it’s a cheap attempt to raise expectations. AI mock ups of a revamped home, fit for football, fit for us have fanned the flames. Forgetting key factors. Mainly, we don’t own the home and land we’re desperate to rebuild.
Buying it from the authorities would not only be costly, fraught with a huge complex legal conundrum, but the complexities of architectural and logistics would make the project very challenging to say the least. It’s not to stay it’s impossible. But it would not only be a huge financial commitment, but an incredibly lengthy one that would take years to complete. It’s not unreasonable to say a brand new stadium at a brand new site would be far more realistic.
The London Stadium may be operating at a loss, but it’s not the financial drain on the public resources some think. Indeed had it been built correctly initially, it would be more than financially viable. At Sparta Prague, Kretinsky is overseeing an new stadium, with redevelopment of the surrounding area with fresh transport links. The area the London Stadium sits upon is worth a fortune and there would be plenty of suitors if it should become available.
The retention of Nuno Espirito Santo is a positive in terms of continuity. There’s been a statement that sets out the intention to retain the bulk of our squad if possible. Form from January onwards was notably better, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement, not just from a playing point of view. The financial nightmare of relegation has been downplayed by the board. Stating the boardroom shift and injection of capital leaves us in a good place.
On the whole though, we’ve been a squad that’s been in decline for three seasons. A change in personnel would for signal a fresh start. Injecting new energy, cutting away the disruptive elements in our dressing room is essential. A charge at Championship football is a slog. You need characters as well as quality. Most of all you need a squad full of desire and fitness. There’s no room for passengers. Are many of the squad that saw us go down, really going to show the characteristics desired?
The likely retention of the popular Paco Jemez is a good move. So to the suggested return of Nuno’s chosen backroom staff. A set of trusted generals all on the same page, setting the foundations for a prosperous season.
Elsewhere, our new chair brings a proven track record of business success. It will hopefully see financial and commercial growth. A shift to a modern, dynamic team driving the club forward. Already steps have been taken to establish more meaningful dialogue with the clubs support. The last 16 years of being customers who were mere cash cows hopefully banished to the history books.
The end of the GSB reign is a major success for the club. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Paul Colborne and Hammers United for stepping up to the plate and showing real fight and commitment to pressure the previous regime. Another huge victory.
In an era of empty words online the commitment and desire by people willing to genuinely make a stand shouldn’t be lost of the wider support. The battle was won, but there others on our hands. The positivity emanating from E20 must be built upon. Let’s hope Daniel Kretinsky and his team really do mean what they say. More importantly have the ability to learn from the horrendous errors of their predecessors.
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