Forum | Non-Football Related

You would think that with £105 Million on its way to the club following the protracted Declan Rice to Arsenal transfer that West Ham would be eyeing up several top notch replacements, however despite plenty of excruciatingly poorly reported 'click bait' headlines the players realistically being linked with a move to the Irons are distinctly underwhelming and that might NOT be a bad thing!

Hammers track record when spending big is hardly illustrious, in fact it is just short of appalling, so maybe buying the 2nd cheapest wine on the menu might work to the club's advantage? New head of buying, or whatever new title has been dreamt up for him, Tim Steidten seems like a man who likes getting a good deal, if the flavour is too rich he is not above walking away.

Steidten's stance on transfers obviously appeals to David Sullivan, otherwise the club's majority shareholder wouldn't have sanctioned the German's appointment, so it will be interesting to see how things pan out. Will Sullivan take a back seat regarding transfers? Based on past occurrences definitely NOT, but times change and Sullivan seems to want out, not from the club but from the day to day aggro of dealing and wheeling.

Whichever way you look at it, West Ham are NOT a rich club, neither is the club poor, but it cannot compete with the likes of Man City or Chelsea or a good deal of other clubs that are owned by Nations or healthy hedge funds. Dining at the Premier League's 2nd table may not be glamorous but it is still a place others would love to occupy, just ask the supporters of Leeds, Leicester and Southampton.

The difference between this window and the last is that Hammers can offer 'proper' European football, not only that but there is the basis of a really good team on board, if only a certain Scot cold only shake of his shackles and utilise the talent he has at his disposal properly. There is also the fact that Tim Steidten is a man who means business and will not be overpowered by David Moyes when it comes to transfer targets, and who knows, maybe Moyes might perform to a higher level is he is NOT in control of transfers, because let's face it, he isn't that good at them!

For the time being, Hammers supporters can live in hope of what might be, and not in despair of what has been. - Ed

With so many comings and goings within the Irons coaching staff it is easy for the waters to be muddied. Mark Warburton's departure has swiftly been followed by that of Paul Nevin who has also been 'moonlighting' with the full England set up as a dead ball specialist coach.

Whilst it is relatively common to 'lose' one coach, to lose two is bordering on the reckless, especially bearing in mind Hammers players are just returning for pre-season training! What is clear is that there is an urgent need to bring in two additional coaches or to at least promote from within the club's staff, that would in itself leave two gaping holes that would need filling.

The U-18's did really well last season, but is Kevin Keen the man to step up tp the 1st team and would he want to? Perhaps he would rather continue with the group of players he has coached to such success, now that wouldn't be an unreasonable stance would it?

Irrespective of who is brought in, the Elephant in the room is in fact the Dinosaur! Winning Hammers first 'proper trophy' since 1980 has added to the murkiness of the water surrounding Manager David Moyes, rumours of discontent from within the club emerged during the 'turgid' run that almost saw the club relegated have again resurfaced and many assume that there is no smoke without fire.

West Ham supremo David Sullivan has made a point of saying that sticking with Moyes WAS the right thing to do, and he WAS correct, however he hasn't mentioned anything regarding a contract extension for Moyes who still has one year left on his contract.

Irrespective of winning a much coveted piece of silverware, the writing IS on the wall for Moyes, perhaps later rather than sooner but eventually he WILL be gone! David Moyes' Premier League win ratio over the last eighteen months is absolutely appalling, sixteen wins out of FIFTY FOUR games is pure relegation fodder. The Conference Cup victories hid the real truth of what was going on.

There is a reason Declan Rice and others want out as well as the coaching staff!

Further analysis of the Premier League stats shows an astonishing 28 losses out of the last 56 Premier League games, ONE In TWO! Atrocious, there will be more exits to come as Hammers are in danger of losing all their family jewels if Moyes is retained for even one week more than he has to be! Moyes wants retention, but please no extension!

This article is NOT meant to be negative, but it is damn hard to ignore the facts. - Ed