He may have played for West Ham United’s bitter rivals Tottenham but Danny Murphy is not hiding his feelings for the Hammers.
West Ham retained their Premier League status with a 2-0 win at Leicester with two games to spare and went on to finish 13th after a draw against Manchester United and win over Everton on the final day.
Survival does not mask what has been another torrid season for West Ham on and off the pitch and supporters want big changes from unpopular co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold if not a change of ownership altogether.
The Hammers have been in disarray this season and supporters are furious over what they feel are a string of broken promises regarding ambition, transfer spending and the much-heralded move to the London Stadium.
Their anger was highlighted by the protests which spilled onto the pitch during the 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in March.
More than 52,000 fans shelled out for season tickets in the first two seasons at the London Stadium – second only to Manchester United.
And former Spurs and Liverpool midfielder Murphy says he is glad those passionate fans will still be around in the Premier League next season in his column in the London Evening Standard.
“I think the Premier League would be a poorer place without West Ham,” Murphy said in the Evening Standard.
“I always enjoyed playing against West Ham.
“When you went to Upton Park, there was an intimidating atmosphere and you could feel the passion in the stands.
“When I played them at home, there would always be an excellent travelling support.
“They are the kind of club I like to see perform well.”
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