The Evolution of West Ham United
The Evolution/ Modernisation of West Ham United: moving in the right direction?
West Ham United have come a long way since their the most recent relegation following the 2010/11 premier league season. The West Ham we see today would seem barely recognisable to the club that percolated into the countries second tier all those years ago. To call it a makeover would be an understatement. West Ham are no longer stepping on hot coals near the foot of the Premier league table; constantly looking over their shoulder. They are now dreaming of pastures new; flirting with the idea of finishing in the top six and rigorously pursuing the goal of European football. But what is the method behind the madness?
Their owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, who bought the club in 2008, have overseen this transition, and it is largely because of their backing that West Ham have been able to achieve their new look.
It seems as though Sullivan and Gold have taken all the necessary steps for the club to achieve its aforementioned ambitions. For example, they have secured a stadium that is – according to UEFA – one of the best footballing arenas in the world. The London Stadium is a category grade 4 stadium, meaning it is capable of hosting a champions league final. A stadium of this stature yearns for the oneiric, cavernous and slightly delirious atmosphere that European football can create. To see such an arena in the championship does not bare thinking about. The new home of West Ham United demands an international stage, for Europe’s elite, a new age.
At full capacity the London Stadium is home to just over 66,000 paying fans. It is therefore no surprise that the club’s revenue has more than doubled since moving to its new home. West Ham are now the 14th richest club in the world, one behind Atletico Madrid. This money, although taking some time, has not gone to waste. With profits higher than ever, West Ham have been able to attract a pedigree manager, who’s reputation more than proceeds him. Manuel Pellegrini, who joined the club in June 2018, has proven his worth both in Spain and in the England. He won the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2014, as well guiding Real Madrid to a record points tally in La Liga (96), and Malaga to a Champions League semi-final.
A new stadium, a solid financial foundation and a proven winner in Pellegrini, West Ham are not done yet.
Looking ahead, it seems that the only thing missing for West Ham is the consistency of high-class performances on the pitch. Throughout the 2018/19 premier league season Manuel Pellegrini’s side showed – at times – a new and exciting brand of football; an attacking style that hammers’ fans have been crying out for since the club’s big money move to theOlympic Stadium in 2016. However, the continuity of these performances was lacking throughout the hammers’tumultuous campaign in 18/19. For example, after losing their first four games of the season the hammers showed great character to bounce back and beat the likes of Manchester United and Everton; showcasing how devastating West Ham could be if they ironed their recurring pattern of inconsistency. The West Ham faithful will be hoping that Pellegrini’s new-look squad have put those demons to bed as they prepare for yet another season in the top flight.
Sullivan and Gold have provided their man with a more than generous funding scheme to allow him to precure good business in the transfer market. This is coupled with the appointment of a new director of football in Mario Husillos, who worked alongside Pellegrini at Malaga. The pair know each other well and oversaw the success of a Malaga side who, like West Ham, had only previously endured mid-to-lower table scraps in their domestic seasons.
With Pellegrini’s attacking philosophy and Husillos’s intelligent investment in the transfer market Malaga achieved a top four finish in La Liga and enjoyed a spectacular run to the Champions League Semi Finals. The emergence of talents such as Isco and Santi Cazorla in that Malaga side will excite the West Ham faithfull, who will be hoping Husillos and Pellegrini can produce some the same magic and thus bring similar fortune to East London over the coming seasons. The purchase of club record signing Felipe Anderson for £35 million last summer is perhaps sign of things to come. The winger enjoyed a successful first term in the premier league, returning 10 goals; the joint highest alongside Austrian team mate Marko Arnautovic. The current squad – under the guidance of Pellegrini – are attempting to play fluid, expansive and fast-moving football; the stark opposite to any predeceasing squads formed by either Sam Allydice or Slavan Bilic. The only player to remain from a team, that according to Jose Mourinho produced “19th century football”, is club captain, Mark Noble.
The evolution of West Ham United did not happen overnight.
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