West Ham – the possibility, the reality, the dream, the anticipation and the step forward

This season is the chance for West Ham United to prove that as a club we are moving in the right direction. An opportunity for us to build on last season’s success and create the foundations of a club worthy of playing in the Olympic stadium. Here are five things that could happen this season to help steer us in the right direction.

I have bracketed the five things that could happen as the following:

1. The step forward
2. The anticipation
3. The possibility
4. The reality
5. The dream

The step forward

Since the beginning of pre-season, fans have been crying out for the club to sign quality talent that will help improve our side, provide more balance, pace and finesse going forward. Although we performed some good business this window, we are still short in the attacking third and therefore will likely sign another forward, but this signing will be crucial and could well determine our season.

If we are to sign another forward, they will need to be equally adept to play alongside Andy Carroll, as well as linking up with him – if Big Sam opts to play two upfront. An ideal candidate for this role would be Lacina Traore. At 6ft 8inches he would certainly fit into the type of player Big Sam likes to have at his disposal.

Traore would provide us with great aerial threat, with or without Carroll alongside him. Not to mention if Carroll were to get injured, he would be a like for like replacement.

However, fans would likely prefer a more proven goal-scorer such as Gary Hooper, or someone like Wilfried Zaha join on loan (unlikely to happen). I personally feel Traore would be a better option for us and now that it appears we have given up on getting a work permit for Duvan Zapata, who knows who we could go for.

The Anticipation

Our first game of the season is what everyone is waiting for; it just cannot come quick enough. Fans are finding themselves clueless on the weekend, turning to YouTube, DVDs and Football Manager, just to relive the feeling of match day – unless they have the time and money to pay to see pre-season friendlies.

The match itself is going to be a momentous occasion, as Cardiff City find themselves in the Premier League for the first time in their history. Although new to the league, they will not be a push over and like all clubs deserve the respect and not be considered a win in the bag before a ball is kicked.

Nevertheless, this is going to be a great fixture and it will be exciting to see how the new signings perform under the pressure of the roaring crowds at Upton Park and under the eyes of fans from all across the world watching on their TV screens.

The possibility

Before the season starts fans often discuss where they think their sides will finish in the league come the end of the season and that is no different this year. After discussing this with a few fellow Hammers, it appears the general opinion is that fans expect us to finish in the range of 9^th and 7^th. An outcome such as that would definitely be welcomed with open arms – especially if we can secure a Europa League spot.

The possibility of a Europa League position would without question help reward the club financially, however it would cause strain on the squad with the increased amount of games they would have to play (depending on how successful they are in the tournament). Despite this, I am sure every West Ham fan would look love to see their side play in Europe and it would clearly show signs of progression from the club and attract a higher standard of player to join the club.

The Reality

When you look out our past finishes in the Premier League, a frequent pattern occurs and you will see that we are constantly a mid-table club. With our move to the Olympic Stadium granted and looking set to take place in a couple of years time, we need to be aiming higher. Despite this, we have to accept the reality that at this moment in time are still a mid-table side.

We have some good prospects in the youth system, a manager with great experience and chairmen that are really giving it their all. The problem we have is that we don’t have the financial backing like Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs, we are very much in a similar position to Everton, a club that can’t get over the last hurdle because they can’t attract the talent as they don’t have the funds.

Until we manage to attract the quality to Upton Park we won’t develop into a European spot contender, and that’s the heartbreaking truth. I believe we can get rid of this tag, but it will certainly be a long term outcome as planned, rather than something that will happen over night.

The Dream

I am not sure how every other Hammers feels, but I personally hope we try hard in the cups this year. I would happily finish between 10-13^th and win the FA Cup than to finish higher in the league.

Seeing as I was born in the early 90s, I missed our glory years and it is always going to be a dream to see my club lift the famous trophy.

I mean, have you ever had something in your life that was out of your control and you just had to pray for the best? Well that is pretty much, what I have done every year, for West Ham United to win the FA Cup. It is a tick in the bucket list that just doesn’t look like happening, but still I have high hopes each year.

With the team we have this year and others bound to sign for us, I feel more optimistic than any previous year, this season could just be one to make dreams become a reality.

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