98: West Ham come a kipper - an end of season review

West Ham United finished 16th in the Premier League in a typically rollercoaster campaign. Six places lower than last season. Two managers, narrowly escaped relegation, thousands of fans protesting against the board and ‘Mr West Ham’ himself Mark Noble reaching 500 appearances for the club. And for the last time this season, Will Pugh is joined by James Jones and Tom Edwards to discuss all of that in this season review episode. The lads hand out the We Are West Ham end of season awards – including a hilarious alternative player of the year. And of course, the very last rogue mystery players quiz of the season pits Tom and James against each other in a final race for glory. The Hammers were hoping to build on last season’s tenth place finish, and after an opening day 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Man City, Manuel Pellegrini’s men went six games unbeaten including a win over Man Utd. But then the wheels started to come off. They crashed out the Carabao Cup with a 4-0 thrashing at League One Oxford - and then won just one of their next ten League games. Pellegrini was sacked just before New Year, quickly replaced with David Moyes and unrest among fans continued to grow. After beating Bournemouth 4-0 in his first game, it took Moyes nine more league outings to get another win. And at the end of February thousands of fans marched through the streets protesting against David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady. But lockdown hit at just the right time for the club. And thanks to superstar Declan Rice, red hot Michail Antonio and impressive January signings Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek, they finished the season strongly - securing their Premier League status with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford before the same repeating that scoreline against Villa at home on the last day of the season. Thanks so much to everyone who has listened to the podcast this season. It’s been a real pleasure doing it each week and the boys are really grateful for everyone who tunes in. The lads will be having three weeks off before they are back ready and raring to go for pre-season. Please do SUBSCRIBE, rate and review if you like what we do and tell your friends. Up the Hammers, see you next season. COYI. #WHUFC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices