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.
Graham Potter’s start to the season with West Ham has been met with fan fury
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.
Two years on from West Ham’s European glory in the Conference League, the club ownership 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.
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. “
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