Jeff Stelling hits back as West Ham fans call out recent comments
West Ham have flirted with European football in recent times, and supporters would love a return to a grander stage soon.
However, since West Ham lifted the Europa Conference League trophy, their form on the pitch has fluctuated.
Next season, Graham Potter faces the tricky task of lifting the Hammers back up the table, but he needs more signings through the door.
Now, Jeff Stelling has been embroiled in a dispute after his recent comments about the East London club.
Stelling raises several questions after West Ham comments
When West Ham won the Conference League, Gabby Agbonlahor backtracked on his comments of calling it a Mickey Mouse competition.
The Irons were the second winners of the competition, having beaten Fiorentina 2-1 during the 2022/23 season.
| Season | Winners |
| 2021/22 | Roma |
| 2022/23 | West Ham |
| 2023/24 | Olympiacos |
| 2024/25 | Chelsea |
It marked the second European trophy that the Hammers had ever lifted, with David Moyes the man responsible for the achievement.
In his autobiography, Stelling addressed Robbie Savage’s comments when commentating on the final.
Savage yelled: “West Ham are massive,” after Said Benrahma put the Irons ahead.
However, Stelling wrote: “No Robbie, they are not. A good club, but not massive.”
The extract from the book has been posted online, and Stelling’s talkSPORT colleague, Bianca Westwood, responded to the comments.
She said: “I don’t take anything Jeff Stelling says about West Ham seriously.”
Stelling responded: “What are you complaining about – I called them a good club? What’s not to like? How would you describe them?”
Potter has work to do to get Hammers back to their best
While the debate around the size of the London club goes on, the only way they can enhance their status is on the pitch.
So far this summer, the Irons have taken small steps to improve on last season’s underwhelming achievements.
El Hadji Malick Diouf has been one of West Ham’s most significant signings, having arrived from Slavia Prague for around £19million.
Other than him, the Hammers have acquired a couple of free transfers and bought Jean-Clair Todibo permanently for a reported £34.3million.
Having sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £55million, Potter needs attackers before the season opener against Sunderland.
While they will want to be known as a big club, they have some work to do to convince the doubters.
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