Forum | Non-Football Related

Since the move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium there have been a few problems, most of which blown out of all proportion by media hounds and jealous supporters of other clubs less fortunate. The 'branding' of West Ham United London has been slick and efficient which is what is necessary to survive in the cut throat world of high end business supply, and whether you like it or not that is what the Barclays Premiership is all about now. Back in the day when it was possible to buy peanuts for a tanner a bag from the bloke in the brown jacket who would throw you the packet and then get you to pass the money down the line, global exposure was something that was read about in the now defunct News of the World, and it wasn't about football club branding! The London Stadium represents a giant leap forward and despite it's niggles will become an incredible home for West Ham once things have settled down a bit, of course success on the pitch will make all the difference and it is hoped that the remainder of the season will see Hammers pushing higher up the league, although achieving last season's heady heights is unlikely but not impossible.
One match day aspect that has fortunately been retained from the Boleyn is the match day announcement team, they are still accessible and are able to make a young fans day. Slightly self indulgent this, but despite incredibly short notice they managed to squeeze in a 'happy birthday' during the announcements at half time during the match against Manchester City to ed junior who had been incandescent with rage at the score, the smile on his face and the hug he gave when they announced his birthday were priceless! Never to be forgotten, it takes quite a lot to impress a seventeen year old nowadays....His happiness was compounded by the victory over Southampton which he saw as pay back to their gloating fans who had used the canvas covering the gaps at the London Stadium as a trampoline as they mocked the home fans in the reverse fixture!
A couple more victories and even the most paranoid of supporters, still scarred by the relegation with over 40 points nightmare, will be able to breathe easy and look forward to another season at the 'top table'. Settling in at a new stadium was always going to take time, and perhaps expectations were a little unrealistic? However there is a whole new generation of young Hammers fans coming through and to them the London Stadium will be home, at least the oldies will have the stadium announcers to remind them of the past. - Ed

West Ham United have tried various systems during this less than remarkable season, some to good effect others not. It appears Slaven Billic will be forced in to playing three at the back due to the recurrence of a hamstring injury picked up by Sam Byram during the dreadful home defeat by Manchester City, a week ago this would have been very bad news indeed, however Cheik Kouyate having returned from the africa cup of nations is available, and not a moment too soon!
Sofiane Feghouli had a mare of a game midweek, his place in the starting line up will surely go to new signing from Hull Robert Snodgrass, although some fans are saying in hushed tones that perhaps Mr West Ham Mark Noble should be replaced in midfield given his recent performances, he really does look a shadow of the player he was last season, perhaps he might have ridden on the shirt tales of a certain spoiled 'fat boy' more than it seemed at the time.
We assume that the team to face Southampton at St Mary's today will probably be : Randolph, Reid, Kayoute, Cresswell, Fonte, Noble, Snodgrass, Obiang, Antonio, Lanzini and Carroll.
With two new signings and Andy Carroll on the pitch you never know what will happen, especially given Hammers appalling history of their new players picking up injuries, Fonte will get a 'graphic' reception from the Southampton faithful who adored him when he was their captain before his joining up West Ham in the transfer window, this might push him either way, he will be wanting to forget his debut at the London Stadium that is for sure! You might fancy a punt on Hammers bouncing back from their midweek blues against a Saints side shorn of their two main central defenders , if you do, try using a betting accumulator to get more 'bang for your pound' We've had a read of a few reviews and this one is the best. Slaven Billic could pick the ginger pele in his starting line up but Collins has been woeful of late and his ball distribution out of defence is quite terrifying. The wisdom of selling James Tomkins was a question that would inevitably arise if there were problems at the back, and sure enough there are, but also the sending Reece Oxford to Reading on loan looks a little strange given the bare bones of 'quality' players available to Slaven Billic and his staff. The sooner West Ham United ensure their Barclays Premier League survival the better, the re-building and planning can be put in place to avoid a repeat of this season, maybe without claret & blue tinted specs on, and maybe without 'billy big bollocks' promises of 'marquee' signings who don't arrive at the club.
A little pragmatic honesty can go a long way, perhaps the board should try it, it is amazing how understanding West Ham fans can be, why not ditch the spin and say it as it is? It's worth a try isn't it? - Ed