The position envisaged by the Guardian writers: 9. (Note: This is not necessarily Michael Butler's prediction, but the average of our writers' advice.)
Last season's position: 9th
Perspectives
Perhaps no team in the Premier League West Ham have undergone a bigger makeover than ever before, both in terms of personnel, playing style and ambition. The saga of David Moyes' coming and going finally ended with the manager's contract at the London Stadium not being renewed, an amicable way of getting rid of the Scot, who had brought a stoic style of football and European glory to the self-proclaimed “academy of football” since rejoining West Ham in 2019.
The debate over Moyes was not dissimilar to Southgate's dilemma in England. A decent man of integrity, not without achievements, but ultimately a flawed manager, slightly out of step with the modern game. Moyes was a defensive manager, but only the three relegated teams conceded more goals than West Ham last season. Both England and West Ham fans can be grateful to the man who is leaving. and Excited for what's to come.
In Moyes' place comes Julen Lopetegui, who has been sold to fans as a more attack-oriented and exciting manager to work alongside Tim Steidten. The manager was ousted from the dressing room under Moyes, but Steidten is now at the centre of the revolution at West Ham. Niclas Füllkrug, who played under Steidten at Werder Bremen, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Jean-Clair Todibo are all new additions. All of these have cost more than £150m.
There is still work to be done, but this summer has been a good start, although it may take a few months for the players to gel and for Lopetegui's style to bear fruit. While this summer's spending has raised expectations, West Ham fans will have to be patient if there is a slow start to the season while Lopetegui's players and ideas settle. A top-half finish and a strong run in the Cup are realistic goals.