---
title: "“Respond the right way”: West Ham favourite indicates potential stay following relegation"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/05/25/tomas-soucek-indicates-potential-west-ham-stay-after-relegation/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ralphael Adelugba"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-05-25T13:15:00Z"
modified: "2026-05-25T13:15:00Z"
---

# “Respond the right way”: West Ham favourite indicates potential stay following relegation

- **West Ham were relegated to the Championship on Sunday evening**
- **The Hammers are expected to be forced to a squad exodus**
- **Tomáš Souček has been at the club since 2020**

West Ham are expected to entertain a squad exodus, whether the club hierarchy likes it or not. The Hammers were relegated to the Championship on Sunday evening after their relegation rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, secured a decisive victory over Everton, which [rendered Nuno Espírito Santo’s side’s 3-0 win over Leeds United irrelevant.](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/24/west-ham-3-0-leeds-united-premier-league-match-report/)

The end-of-season outcome means a number of [West Ham](https://readwestham.com/) players will likely depart, and [recent reports of the club’s financial predicament suggest that £150 million from player sales would be required](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/25/west-ham-relegated-premier-league-expected-to-lead-to-150m-player-exodus/) to offset the drop to the Premier League.

There are a few departures that would be hard to stomach for supporters, with club captain [Jarrod Bowen](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/24/west-ham-3-0-leeds-united-premier-league-player-ratings/) headlining that pack. Another would be [Tomáš Souček](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/22/tomas-soucek-west-ham-one-thing-to-think-about/), the club’s Big Friendly Giant who has endeared himself to East London since his arrival from SK Slavia Prague in January 2020.

## Tomáš Souček urges club to ‘stay united and loyal’ after Premier League relegation

Souček was once again a commendable performer despite the team’s dismal performance. The 31-year-old Czech international’s goals against Everton and [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/) in the run-in seemed decisive for potential survival. However, the Hammers would suffer three defeats in their final four matches, proving fatal.

Following the club’s relegation, Souček posted his thoughts on his [X](https://x.com/tomassoucek28/status/2058869795064328541?s=20) account on Monday: *“This is one of the hardest days of my football career,”* the midfielder wrote.

*“I’m devastated for our fans, for everyone at the club and for what this means after 7 years in the club and in the Premier League.*

*“You deserved better from us. Thank you for standing with us even in the toughest moments.*

*“I truly believe the West Ham family will stay united and loyal through this difficult time, just as you always have.*

*“Now it’s on us to respond the right way, work harder than ever and fight to bring West Ham back where it belongs.”*

## A chance to cement legendary status

Like [Mark Noble](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/08/west-ham-former-captain-mark-noble-birthday-39/), Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole in West Ham’s Championship-promoted side in 2012, Souček and company have the chance to cement legendary status in East London.

The upcoming Championship campaign will be a slog for West Ham. Every game will be appointment viewing for the league’s observers, especially at [their 62,000-seat stadium](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/19/bbc-5-live-pundits-highlight-fears-for-west-ham-london-stadium/). There will be an expectation to win the decision at a canter, and having someone of Souček’s quality would go a long way in doing so.

Club captain Jarrod Bowen is another who could reaffirm his legacy by staying. [The 29-year-old forward told Sky Sports](https://readwestham.com/2026/05/25/jarrod-bowen-states-immediate-future-remains-with-west-ham/) that his ‘vision’ was to get the club ‘back in the Premier League’ after the Leeds match.