WEST HAM have admitted that “nobody at the club is satisfied” in a statement on the future of the club after a dismal start to the season under Graham Potter.
Hammers supporters have been vocal in their displeasure at the way that the club has started this season, losing four of their opening five games across all competitions.
As pressure mounts on the ownership and Potter, the club have released a statement explaining their stance following a meeting with the Fan Advisory Board (FAB).
Two years on from West Ham’s European glory in the Conference League, the owners have admitted that results have not met their standards following “significant investment” into the football operation.
The statement read: “First, we accept that results and performances on the pitch over the past two seasons have not met the standards we set for ourselves.
“Nobody at the Club is satisfied with that and the Board of Directors have spent a great deal of time looking at the decisions that have been made across the football operation, in order to inform an improved strategy going forward.
“Our focus now is firmly on the future and building a team that can once again compete consistently in domestic competitions and in Europe.
“We have a strong platform from which to continue that quest, in that we are entering our 14th consecutive season in the Premier League – our longest unbroken top-flight run in the modern era.”
West Ham have now claimed they have “implemented a new strategy and approach” to get the club back to the required level, doubling down on their appointment of Graham Potter as part of that.
While Sporting Director Mark Noble and Head of Recruitment Kyle Macaulay are also part of those plans for the future.
West Ham’s statement
Here’s a look at the main points made by West Ham in their open letter to supporters…
Accepting Underperformance
West Ham have acknowledged that recent on-pitch results haven’t met their standards. But doubled down that Graham Potter is the right man for their direction of travel, as well as Sporting Director Mark Noble and Head of Recruitment Kyle Macaulay.
Focus on the Future
The club stated that their main focus is on building a squad that can consistently compete for a top-half finish in the Premier League and qualify for European competitions. Admitting they are not satisfied with the current level.
Financial Situation
Hammers chiefs highlighted that the club has made significant investments in new players, spending over £450 million in the last three years. But reassured supporters that they are operating within the Premier League’s financial rules (Profit and Sustainability Rules, or PSR) and remain financially stable and sustainable.
Stadium and Matchday Experience
West Ham are addressing fan feedback on the matchday atmosphere at the London Stadium by working with supporter groups to introduce initiatives like fan zones and tifo displays. They also state that winning on the pitch is the best way to improve the atmosphere.
Investment in Infrastructure and Facilities
The Irons reiterated that they have invested tens of millions of pounds into training facilities for the men’s, women’s, and Academy squads, including recent improvements at Rush Green and Chadwell Heath.
They have invited representatives from the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) to visit the training ground to see the improvements firsthand.
Continued Dialogue with Fans
The club confirmed it has had a “positive and productive” meeting with the FAB to discuss various issues raised by supporters and has committed to sharing a detailed presentation on their future strategy at an upcoming meeting.
Those ambitions are defined as “regular top-half finishes, strong domestic cup runs, and qualification for European competition”.
The club has also addressed the long-running concerns held by fans over the London Stadium and the lack of atmosphere inside the ground compared to Upton Park.
Work is underway on “supporter groups dedicated to enhancing atmosphere, and fan-led initiatives to improve the matchday feel, including the introduction of fan zones, fan-led displays and Tifos”.
However, there was an admittance that “regular winning performances are the best way to improve the atmosphere”.
After heavy investment in training facilities, stadium improvements and summer signings, the club hierarchy ensured supporters that the club is still “stable and sustainable” from a financial perspective.
Going further into on-pitch issues, the statement continued: “Supporters have spoken of the need for greater ambition than our position of the past two seasons, and we agree.
“Regular top-half finishes, strong domestic cup runs, and qualification for European competition remain the goals we are working towards.
“We know we must do better to deliver those ambitions more consistently.
“We are proud of our history and our loyal supporter base, and we remain committed to building a Club that reflects both. “
Since arriving as manager in January, Potter has led West Ham to just six wins in all competitions.
That means that across his 24 games in charge, Potter has a win percentage of just 25 per cent of his games.
While he has averaged less than a point per game and conceded an average of 1.6 goals in every match.
Potter’s side face Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on Saturday and find themselves in dire need of three points to build some momentum after a torrid start to the campaign.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Read the full article here