West Ham’s move to the London Stadium from Upton Park is “too big a jump” for the Hammers and is behind the club’s miserable first season at their new home. That’s according to former player Paul Konchesky, who believes the switch from the Boleyn Ground to the former HQ of the London Olympics was one which hasn’t suited West Ham.
Slaven Bilic’s side have produced some indifferent performances at the London Stadium, some of which have meant the club sit in 12th position in the Premier League table.
They have failed to taste victory in any of their past five matches and have gleaned just two points from the 15 that have been on the table.
Following the 3-2 defeat at home to Leicester City last time of asking, the Hammers go to Hull City for a Premier League game at the KCOM Stadium against Marco Silva’s outfit this Saturday.
And Konchesky, who now plays for Billericay Town in the Ryman Premier League, admits as a fan he’d like to see the side he followed as a boy turn things around.
He said: “I’ve played for West Ham and I’m a West Ham fan and I can see why the owners thought the move was a good thing. If you want to compete with the big clubs you need a big stadium, but possibly this was too big of a jump. It’s taking time to get used to for the players and with the atmosphere and that has taken its toll this year.”
One player who Konchesky feels has potential and who has impressed this season is Michail Antonio. The super-quick attacker faces a race against time to be first for the clash with the Tigers after withdrawing from the England squad for the games against Germany and Lithuania because of a hamstring injury.
Konchesky added: “Antonio has impressed me most because of where he’s come from. He’s always been quick, strong and powerful, we know that, but he’s brought a lot to his game. He does a job wherever he has to play and he’s proven his ability and versatility by getting into the England squad.”