The likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Stoke, Swansea, Everton and Newcastle might not like the idea but they will have to face up to the fact that West Ham is becoming an increasingly more desirable club to play for. Our dealings in the summer transfer window have taken many by surprise as West Ham are finally showing some signals of intent for the upcoming season. Frustrations have been vented towards West Ham fans via social media from our so-called ‘rivals’ as some players have reportedly admitted that West Ham is their preferred destination. Indeed there are many reasons to favour a move to the East End, as I will investigate in this article.
London
New signings Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet have admitted that London played a key factor in enticing them away from other clubs and bringing them to West Ham. Likewise Carl Jenkinson has rejected moves to Hull and Sunderland in the past in favour of staying in London. Our location in the East End of the capital is a very desirable place to live. Most of the West Ham players reside in either the swanky, sophisticated, affluent areas around Canary Wharf or in the green belt outskirts of London, such as Chigwell and other parts of Essex. Aside from merely having a home, London is one of the best cities in the world in terms of things to do. London caters for all age groups and there would be plenty to do for players with families and children.
Olympic Stadium
Fans may approve or disapprove the move but at the end of the season we bid farewell to our beloved Boleyn Ground and head over to Stratford’s Olympic Stadium. West Ham will be bequeathed the venue which oversaw such an incredible Olympic Games in London 2012. Even those who are against the move must see that the transition is at least a ‘necessary evil’ and matches our intent to compete with the big boys. The 54,000 seater stadium is an a tantalising prospect for players too and the stadium will definitely help to convince more targets that West Ham is the right move for them.
Europa League
Granted we may have scraped in via Fair Play but being in the Europa League also raises our stock for prospective incoming players. In terms of league positioning rivals, we have the upper hand over Swansea, Stoke, Crystal Palace and Everton this year due to our presence in Europe. And European football should be advertised as a selling point for higher profile players.
New manager
The change of manager was another signal of intent – a desire to play a more attacking brand of football. Slaven Bilic is the new man in charge and he will hope to restore the ‘West Ham way’ to an extent. Bilic might attract a different calibre of players to Sam Allardyce and his signings thus far are stirring excitement amongst supporters. The owners knew that Allardyce had taken the club as far as he could, and that a fresh start was needed in order to progress.
Ambition
Neutral football fans have recently been praising West Ham’s ambition. The owners have both made it clear that they want us to be fighting for a European spot and potentially breaking into the top 4 in several years. Ray Parlour has also said that West Ham could eventually be competing for a Champions League spot. This is a very exciting time to be a West Ham fan and our ambitious ‘project’ is certainly impressing a few potential signings.
Fans
Lastly, we must not forget the fans. Historically, West Ham fans have always stayed loud and loyal even when losing. Upton Park is renowned as an intimidating venue to visit because of the atmosphere generated by the home fans and West Ham fans also take their passion to away games where we make ourselves heard.
