Ray Winstone suggests clear West Ham path ahead of Championship return

Ray Winstone has never hid his loyalty to West Ham United, and believes that there is only one way for the Hammers to bounce back.

After years of mismanagement, the East London club's worst fears would be realised on the final day of last season.

Despite beating Leeds United 3-0 at the London Stadium, the Irons would drop down to the Championship.

Faced with their first second-tier season since the 2011-12 campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo's side are looking to bounce back at the first time of asking.

Nuno has proven himself in the Championship before, having sealed automatic promotion with Wolves in 2018.

But, actor and West Ham fan Winstone believes that there is one key path for the club to follow.

Ray Winstone provides example for West Ham to follow

After a dismal start to last season under Graham Potter, West Ham would turn to former Wolves and Nottingham Forest boss Nuno, who had most recently guided the Garibaldi to Europe.

Looking at the term as a whole, Winstone told The Athletic: "We weren't good enough. Too many mistakes. We've got the players and our man Nuno who has come in, made mistakes, but he has done an amazing job.

"From where we were, to where we ended up, we were a much better side, but we were still relegated," he added.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Hammers have to raise upwards of £100million in sales before they can begin their own preparation.

Winstone acknowledged this, but admitted that he would love the club to begin looking for younger players.

"We've got to sell players, but let's find some kids, maybe find a spine of East London boys, local boys, East End blood in them. It might take us two or three years to build back up.

"I don't think we will bounce back straight up [into the Premier League. Maybe this is where we need to be," said Winstone.

West Ham must avoid disastrous summer scenario

As of now, there are no real plans set in stone at the London Stadium.

With talk of a change in ownership, adjustments to the hierarchy, and player sales yet to take place, the Irons are in an awkward spot.

At the start of July, Nuno may be returning to pre-season with a squad that is largely the same as last term, without the required incomings and outgoings solved.

For West Ham as a club, promotion at the first time of asking is an absolute necessity, and that will start with their summer business.

While things are not exactly in order at the London Stadium, the Hammers must devise a plan, and begin getting to work on that.