West Ham United have endured a tough season but there has been another piece of good news this week.
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.
The likes of Manuel Lanzini, Declan Rice and Marko Arnautovic have been linked with moves away from the club this summer after impressing for the Hammers in an inconsistent side.
Young star Rice committed his future to West Ham at the weekend and there is another piece of good news for the club after Hammer of the Year Arnautovic followed suit in an interview on the club’s official website, where he even apologised for failing to shine early on.
“A lot of things have changed since then (the inauspicious start to his West Ham career) for me,” Arnautovic told whufc.com.
“The manager told me that if I didn’t work, I wouldn’t play, so I have given everything every time I have been on the pitch and I am thankful that I have scored so many goals and got some assists for the team.
“It was tough at the start for me, for sure, but I have worked hard and found my form and I love being part of this club and playing for these fans, who have shown me so much love.
“First of all, I want to apologise for the first three months!
“I tried to work hard and give everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything.”
Whether West Ham’s new manager – expected to be Manuel Pellegrini – can continue to get the best out of the Austrian remains to be seen.
But Hammers fans will hope he can continue where he left off last season in what should be a more attacking setup under the Chilean.
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