West Ham owners need to ‘finally fulfil their promise’ and deliver Champions League football
Daily Mail journalist Kieran Gill believes it is time for the West Ham ownership to finally deliver their promise of Champions League football at the London Stadium.
West Ham are looking to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday evening.
After their defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, the Hammers can no longer gain Champions League qualification through their Premier League campaign.
Gill believes European glory would fulfil some of the “big promises” made by the Hammers’ hierarchy after their move from Upton Park to the London Stadium.
In an interview with Frankfurt’s official website, Gill said: “The supporters weren’t enthralled by the big move but to make sure it went ahead with an open mind, the owners made big promises.
“Namely they said this would take them to the next level, with Champions League football being the ultimate dream.”
He added: “That’s what’s riding on this Europa League tie with Frankfurt.
“West Ham’s owners want to finally fulfil their promise of world-class football and they’re only going to make it into Europe’s elite competition by winning this tournament.”
Huge occasion
The size of West Ham’s match in Germany cannot be understated for the clubs’ future.
With the Champions League now mathematically over and Europa League qualification looking unlikely, David Moyes’ side could be left with the Uefa Conference League as their reward after an arduous season.
Having beaten some excellent teams in Europe this season, the West Ham faithful would be disappointed with merely qualifying for Europe’s third rate competition.
It is also important to remember the financial side of Champions League qualification.
The Irons could potentially take their squad to the next level, by being able to attract players who want to play Champions League football.
Furthermore, Champions League qualification would make their chances of keeping talismanic captain Declan Rice far more likely.
The club need to give the England midfielder a reason to remain at the London Stadium.
Champions League football and dramatically improving the quality and depth of their squad would certainly give Rice a decision to make.
In other West Ham news, West Ham want to host major event at London Stadium according to a report.
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