West Ham fans ‘fear the worst’ with relegation as new poll emerges
West Ham fans will hope the coming weeks prepare them to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Last season saw the Hammers slip to a lacklustre 14th place in the Premier League, with the replacement of Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter, doing little to change their fortunes.
This summer, however, has not filled fans with confidence. Not a single new senior signing has walked through the doors at the London Stadium, and Mohammed Kudus could be next to leave.
West Ham fans voice their displeasure
West Ham fans have plenty of reasons to lack confidence going into the new season.
The squad has not yet benefited from any action in the market, and Potter’s performance in the second half of last season did not inspire hope.
In a poll conducted by The Athletic (July 7), West Ham fans have voiced their disapproval ahead of the season opener next month.
When asked how hopeful fans are ahead of the 2025/26 season, just under 90 per cent answered that they are either not at all or not very hopeful.
Just over 10 per cent answered that they are somewhat hopeful, whilst it was just one per cent who claimed to be very hopeful.
| How hopeful are you ahead of the 2025/26 season? | Results |
| Very hopeful | 1% |
| Somewhat hopeful | 10.1% |
| Not very hopeful | 38.9% |
| Not hopeful at all | 50% |
Signings in the transfer market over the following weeks would likely work to change those figures, but currently, West Ham fans clearly see no reason to be positive.
Fans answered similarly when asked where they think the Hammers will finish in the Premier League next season.
18 per cent think they will be relegated, while 46 per cent believe West Ham will finish between 15th and 17th, lower than last season’s disappointing result.
| Where do you think West Ham will finish in the Premier League in 2025-26? | Results |
| Top four | 0.2% |
| Fifth to eighth | 1.3% |
| Ninth to 14th | 34.4% |
| 15th-17th | 46% |
| Relegated | 18.1% |
34 per cent think the Irons will finish from ninth to 14th, in what would likely be a similar performance to the season just gone.
While Potter did manage to draw some positive results from his players towards the end of the campaign, the overriding emotion from West Ham fans is one of pessimism.
West Ham must act quickly
West Ham are currently sleepwalking towards a potential relegation battle next season, should they not act quickly and efficiently in the market.
Links to Senegalese full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf and Ademola Lookman have sparked some excitement, but the Hammers are yet to close any incoming deals.
If transfer chiefs are to avoid walking into a bearpit at The London Stadium, the next month must be treated with the highest importance.
Things are not looking good for the Hammers, with fans clearly losing hope.
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