Harry Redknapp launches into passionate defence of West Ham’s status as a big club

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Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has launched into a passionate defence of West Ham United’s status as a big club.

West Ham United’s Adrian, Dimitri Payet and team mates look dejected

A woeful start to the season and life at their new 60,000 Olympic Stadium home has left morale on the pitch and in the stands at a new low.

Fighting amongst fans and safety fears at the ground as well as a perceived lack of the famous intimidating Hammers atmosphere from Upton Park has seen the stadium switch cited by many as a reason for the club’s contrast in fortunes compared to their fantastic campaign last term.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic

Five defeats from the first seven Premier League games is the club’s worst ever start to a season and Bilic’s side were also unceremoniously dumped out of Europe in qualifying too.

The struggles on and off the pitch have left the Hammers in the spotlight this season with the club seemingly the main topic of conversation on football phone-in shows and the butt of many jokes.

Harry Redknapp

But Redknapp, who polarises opinion amongst the club’s following for a variety of reasons – not least going on to manager bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur – has launched a passionate defence of the West Ham’s status when appearing as a guest on talkSPORT.

“It’s a fantastic football club,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.

“And when people say to me ‘Oh West Ham’s not a big club’ … course it’s a big club, you don’t have three players play in the World Cup final if it’s not a big club.

“They’ve had great teams, great players over the years and it’s a special place and always will be.”

Redknapp led West Ham to their highest ever Premier League finish of fifth

Whatever Hammers fans think of Redknapp, it is a fact that he achieved the club’s highest ever Premier League finish of fifth.

The club’s points total from that season was only bettered by Slaven Bilic – the man Redknapp brought to West Ham – last season.

An 18-year association with the club was tarnished by his decision to go on to manage Spurs as he was very much a homegrown Hammer.

But he clearly still cares deeply about the club and makes a salient point about West Ham being a big club, evidenced by the fact they have 52,000 season ticket holders – second only to Manchester United.