David Sullivan’s controversial Joe Hart prediction looking ridiculous as West Ham face battle to survive

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A prediction made by West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan last summer now looks rather ridiculous.

West Ham have endured a torrid season and face a real battle to stay in the Premier League.

The Hammers got off to their worst ever start to a Premier League season and it cost Slaven Bilic his job.

That was despite many – including Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho – predicting big things from the East Londoners after they signed Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart in the summer.

Only Arnautovic has impressed so far with Joe Hart losing his place in the side to Adrian under new boss David Moyes.

And that has made a controversial and very public pre-season prediction from Hammers co-owner David Sullivan look ridiculous as the season enters a new year.

Back in July, Sullivan – much to the anger of supporters and Adrian himself – told the club’s official website that loan signing Hart was “the best goalkeeper” he has worked with and predicted he would go on to win the club’s prestigious Hammer of the Year award.

The comments sparked an angry response from supporters who labelled it disrespectful and unprofessional while Adrian also hit back at the owner saying “Thanks for your sincerity! But you still having ‘two great professionals’ respecting, fighting and defending this badge.”

Six months on Hart finds himself out in the cold after a string of poor performances while Adrian has excelled on his return to the first team.

Hart’s spot as England number one is also in serious doubt due to his lack of form and game time with Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland breathing down his neck.

Sullivan’s comments are the perfect example of what Hammers fans cannot tolerate about their outspoken owners.

And seeing him get it so wrong will give many fans great pleasure such is the popularity of Adrian at West Ham.