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Premier League 2024-25 Preview #19: West Ham | West Ham United

Photo of Vaseline VaselineAugust 16, 2024
0 1 minute read
Premier League 2024-25 Preview #19: West Ham | West Ham United

The predicted position of the writers of The Guardian: 9th (NB: this is not necessarily Michael Butler’s prediction, but the average of our writers’ tips)

Position last season: 9th

Outlook

Perhaps no team in the Premier League have undergone a greater overhaul than West Ham, in terms of personnel, playing style and ambition. The David Moyes in/out saga ultimately ended with the manager’s contract at the London Stadium not being renewed – an amicable way to get rid of the Scot, who had brought both a stoic brand of football and European glory to the self-styled ‘academy of football’ since returning to West Ham in 2019.

The Moyes debate was no different to the Southgate dilemma at England. A decent man with integrity, not without achievements, but ultimately a flawed coach, slightly out of step with the modern game. Moyes was a defensive coach, but only the three relegated teams conceded more goals last season than West Ham. For both England and West Ham fans, it is permissible to be grateful for the man leaving. And I’m excited about what’s to come.

In Moyes’s place comes Julen Lopetegui, who has been sold to fans as a more attacking, exciting head coach to work alongside Tim Steidten. The sporting director was banished from the dressing room under Moyes, but Steidten is now at the heart of the revolution at West Ham. Niclas Füllkrug – who played under Steidten at Werder Bremen – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodríguez and Jean-Clair Todibo were all purchased for a sum of over £150 million.

There is still much to be done, but this summer is a good start, even if it may take a few months for the players to settle in and Lopetegui’s style to mature. While the spending this summer has raised expectations, West Ham fans will have to be patient if the season starts slowly as the players and Lopetegui’s ideas settle in. A top half finish and a strong cup run are realistic goals.