Simon Jordan admits Premier League survival trumps European trophy for West Ham United, live on talkSPORT
Simon Jordan believes West Ham United fans would much prefer Premier League survival to a trophy in the European Conference League this season.
The Hammers were humbled by Brighton last Saturday (4 March) as they crumbled to a 4-0 defeat that left the club just a point above the relegation zone with 13 games of the season remaining.
Despite their torrid fortunes in the league, Moyes’ side have a blemish-free record in the European Conference League, which was lengthened with a 2-0 win over AEK Larnaca in their last-16 clash on Thursday evening (9 March).
However, speaking live on talkSPORT on Thursday (9 March), Jordan admitted winning a trophy in Europe this term wouldn’t be much solace for the club if they were to be a permanent feature in the Championship next season.
“Winning this particular league isn’t going to satisfy West Ham fans if they get relegated,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be an either-or. They shouldn’t be in this situation, and the idea of David [Moyes] is constantly that you should be looking at our European achievements as some sort of solace.
“Surely to God, the cream of being in the Premier League is far more – I know they want a trophy, and I know that trophies mean something – but is that going to be a consolation when you’re playing Bristol City away?
“The fact they have won six games in Europe and the fact they got to a semi-final last year is scant consolation for those that watch West Ham on a daily basis and tell me that this team is a long way from where it needs to be.”
Survival first
West Ham fans have been dreaming of silverware for years now, so the prospect of another deep run into the European Conference League will be exciting.
However, Moyes must not take his eyes off the real prize this season: Premier League survival.
Jordan is correct in saying that Hammers fans won’t remember a European victory in as high regard if they are plying their trade in English football’s second division next season. West Ham United is far too illustrious a club not to be in the Premier League, and relegation this term would have all sorts of ramifications.
The club would likely lose marquee players such as Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, while any slim hope of Declan Rice remaining at the London Stadium would be thrown out the window.
The upcoming league schedule should be the number one priority for Moyes, and any further success in Europe is an added bonus.