Tony Gale’s warning about the challenge awaiting West Ham United in the Championship already looks particularly relevant after Nuno Espírito Santo’s side surrendered a two-goal lead at Burnley.
West Ham began their promotion campaign with a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor on Sunday despite goals from Maximilian Kilman and Manor Solomon putting them in control.
Zian Flemming struck twice late on as Burnley fought back, leaving Nuno frustrated after what appeared to be an excellent opening-day victory slipped away.
Former Hammer Gale believes that sort of intensity is something West Ham must become accustomed to this season.
Tony Gale sends West Ham Championship warning
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Gale warned that West Ham will be “everyone’s cup final” because of the size of the club and the attraction of playing at London Stadium.
He expects Championship clubs and their supporters to raise their level when facing the Hammers, particularly when travelling to east London.
That presents Nuno with a challenge beyond simply having one of the division’s most expensive squads.
ReadWestHam highlighted before the season that the fixture list gives Nuno little room to ease into the promotion campaign, beginning with Burnley before Saturday’s first home league game against Charlton Athletic.
West Ham remain heavily fancied for promotion. TalkSPORT’s updated Championship market still has the Hammers as clear favourites to return immediately to the Premier League, with Nuno’s previous title-winning experience at Wolves among the reasons for that confidence.
Gale, however, believes reputation alone will offer little protection.
Burnley’s late response provided an immediate example. West Ham were two goals ahead with fewer than ten minutes remaining, yet their opponents continued pushing until Flemming secured a point.
Charlton will present a different test on Saturday.
But if Gale is right, West Ham should expect the same motivation every week as clubs attempt to make a statement against the division’s biggest promotion favourite.
