A lot has changed at West Ham United since Nuno Espirito Santo last spoke to the media in detail, following confirmation of their relegation out of the Premier League.
Nearly two months to the day since the most moot of 3-0 final day victories, West Ham United are in the midst of their Championship preparations.
Few expected to see Nuno Espirito Santo still at the helm in late-July. Even fewer expected that there would be a real feeling of optimism hanging over the London Stadium; not exactly piercing through the dark clouds, but giving them a hint of a silver lining.
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Daniel Kretinsky is a popular man making popular moves. His growing influence, coupled with the departures of David Sullivan and Karren Brady, creates the impression of a clean slate.
Kretinsky answered the call for a genuine transfer specialist [Nils Koppen was appointed as Director of Player Recruitment], he refused to let Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes go on the cheap, and most importantly, Kretinsky convinced Jarrod Bowen to stay and spearhead their attempted return to the elite.
Nuno Espirito Santo stunned by West Ham United’s season ticket numbers
Earlier in the summer, Hammers News exclusively revealed that prospective investor Amanda Staveley had been ‘blown away’ by the dedication shown by a fanbase who had renewed over 35,000 season tickets in the immediate aftermath of relegation.
Last month, Hammers News exclusively revealed Amanda Staveley’s PCP group were ‘blown away’ by West Ham fans as the club revealed over 35,000 season ticket holders had renewed over a week before the deadline.
That number has now risen to a staggering 50,000.
Even Nuno – a man who’d sit through an entire Will Ferrell marathon with barely a hint of a chuckle – couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
“I think it’s incredible to see our fans so committed to us,” Nuno beams in conversation with Sky Sports. “They’ve always been there, and we know that this season is going to be very, very tough and we’re going to need them. These 50,000 seats show their belief.
“So, it’s up to us again to try and give back, make them feel proud of us, and achieve what we want -which is to go back to the Premier League.”
That is very much the party line at the London Stadium. If ‘ambition’ is the buzzword of the summer – one Bowen used liberally when discussing his decision to stay – an immediate promotion back to the Premier League is something everyone at the club is talking about, from the players to the coaches to the owners.
“There’s no other thought in our mind. We cannot get away from our objective, it’s clear,” Nuno added. “It’s clear why we are going to do it, but in our minds, the goal is clear – we have to go back to the Premier League.
“Having that unity and togetherness needed to win in football makes us calmer, while more responsible at the same time. We know that we have a plan and a path that we want to take together. So in that sense, all of us are calm, all of us are excited, but we are all feeling the sense of responsibility ahead of us.”
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Just the 50k season ticket renewals! Not bad for a relegated side…
Nils Koppen and Nuno are working hand-in-hand
Nuno has been reunited with Rui Pedro Silva; his long-standing right-hand man and former flatmate alongside whom he has now worked at eight different clubs. Koppen is a less familiar face, but one the head coach is looking forward to knowing much better.
“It’s been good, it’s been good. Nils is a top professional and a fantastic person,” Nuno says. “He’s adapting really well to the club, and we are working trying to do things differently. But more than anything; avoid mistakes, get it right.
“First of all, we need to take our time and decide well so we choose the right pieces for our project.
“We are working every day trying to make the right decisions. It’s about avoiding mistakes. Avoid mistakes – we cannot get things wrong. I think we have a squad from last season that has commitment and purpose. It’s vital for us to try and keep this togetherness that we had moving forward, and then integrate the right players for the right positions with the right purpose.
“So that takes time, but we are working very hard.
“I cannot go much further, but soon – really soon – we expect to have the squad ready with new elements that bring energy and competitiveness to positions in the squad. At the same time, keeping the guidance and core of what we had is vital for us.”
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