Simon Jordan backs Rafa Benitez for West Ham but gets it wrong by perpetuating David Sullivan and David Gold myth

Rafa Benitez would be the perfect manager to replace under pressure Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United.

The former Liverpool and Newcastle boss – currently with Chinese side Dalian Yifang – has been strongly, and persistently, linked with the Hammers in the last few years.

Speculation has been rife this week too as West Ham stand at a crossroads over the future of Pellegrini after a winless streak stretching back seven games, over two months (Daily Mail).

Benitez revealed how he came “close” to taking over as manager of West Ham before an 11th hour call from Real Madrid in 2015 (The Mirror).

Photo by Serena Taylor Newcastle United

Jordan backs Benitez for West Ham

And former Premier League club owner turned talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has backed the Spaniard as the perfect appointment should the Hammers axe Pellegrini.

But Jordan showed a lack of due diligence in his assessment of West Ham’s situation.

And as a result he only served to perpetuate a myth that owners David Sullivan and David Gold have been splashing the cash since the Chilean’s arrival.

‘I could see him at West Ham’

“Benitez, despite my vitriol about the manner in which he left Newcastle, is a very, very good Premier League manager and I tell you I could see him at West Ham if they can match or get anywhere near the gain financially that he is getting in China.”

Jordan might think Benitez would be the ideal candidate to replace Pellegrini at West Ham.

And it could be argued the Spaniard would get more out of the current squad than his counterpart is currently managing to.

But Jordan has joined a long list of pundits repeating a common misconception West Ham have spent large amounts of money under Pellegrini.

Photo by West Ham United FC via Getty Images

Lazy pundits perpetuating big-spending myth

The truth is over the three transfer windows since appointing Pellegrini, Sullivan and Gold have only invested £115million net in a team that was struggling against relegation before the Chilean’s arrival.

For context, newly-promoted Aston Villa spent £150million net in the summer alone.

For further context West Ham have the second highest number of season ticket holders in the Premier League – for the fourth season on the trot – behind only Manchester United.