With four games remaining, West Ham United are already looking to restart in the summer. While their Premier League survival has long been assured, there is little else to celebrate a season so rich in early promise and high-spending.
While supporters were left disappointed by what they see as a slump for the club following a record spending spree on transfers, West Ham are 17th in the league but 15 points clear of the relegation zone. That cushion has masked a crisis-torn season, including the loss of a head coach and technical director.
His successor, manager Graham Potter, has overseen just as disappointing displays. His real test starts next season, with initial pressure already expected if the team make a poor beginning.
But in confidence, West Ham allegedly are pleased with the recent Premier League trend towards established clubs. The latest relegation of Ipswich Town—the second consecutive season in which all three promoted teams relegated straight back down—the solidifies an expanding gap.
Commentator Ian Darke told West Ham Zone that this increasing gap between the top flight and the Championship serves as an unofficial safety net for struggling clubs like West Ham and Tottenham.
"It's widening constantly, as evidenced by the last two or three years – and it's one that West Ham are likely secretly content with," added Darke. "It is an insurance policy. Promoted teams don't manage to get relegated, which in effect protects sides such as West Ham from actual relegation risk."
Even as West Ham can take quiet pride in that buffer, co-chairman David Sullivan will expect a great deal more from the club next season.
