How much will relegation cost West Ham?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Adam Leventhal discusses the recent relegation of West Ham from the Premier League, reflecting on the significant emotions felt by fans and the team's performance throughout the season. Correspondents Matt Slater and Roshane Thomas analyze the club's failure, citing a lack of fighting spirit and effective leadership as primary reasons for their demise after 14 seasons in the top flight.

Throughout the episode, they emphasize critical missteps, including the rapid managerial changes from Graham Potter to Nuno, which disrupted team preparation. The podcast also highlights the fans' frustrations, situating West Ham's woes in a larger context of poor recruitment decisions and the significant effects of relegation on club finances, with a potential loss of nearly half of their revenue. The discussion includes predictions about player turnover, the need for a new approach to recruitment, and future hopes for the club's return to the Premier League.

Overall, the conversation underscores West Ham's struggle for identity and direction, leaving many feeling unsure about the club's future.