In March 2023 West Ham fans were celebrating the Hammers’ victory against AEK Larnaca – in case you have forgotten already it was over two legs and the Hammers’ came out six-nil winners with second leg goals at London Stadium from Scamacca, Jarrod Bowen’s double and [Divin Mubama.](https://www.claretandhugh.info/mubamas-city-move-a-disappointing-outcome-for-west-ham/)
In the course of the memorable conclusion to that campaign in June 2023, a sound thrashing of modest opposition might not be the most memorable way point. But the run to the final occupied the club and supporters who were success-starved without a trip since 1980 and the explosion of joy in June was never to be forgotten.
Now thousands of West Ham fans endure seemingly endless international breaks and cup weekends which we exited long ago. Just two games in thirty days was the statistic I think I read last night. The loss of European football at West Ham means that there is no spark, no excitement, no buzz around the club after three seasons of quarter final, semi final and final progression.
That is the real cost. Fans are bored. With the moderate stability of Premier League survival just about achieved, there is nothing to play for and nothing to get excited about. Of course, We’ll try and raise our pulses a little for the remaining fixtures – but until the squad is overhauled and a more exciting playing style evolves, West Ham fans are in hibernation certainly until the business end of the August transfer window.
Management need to send Potter an urgent memo entitled _‘wake the fans up please’:_ The danger for the club is that hibernation means that many will decide to put their ‘season ticket renewal’ invitations envelope, unopened, behind the clock on the mantelpiece until August too.