By Martin Graham
Hello empty seats West Ham before kick-off and multiplied as the match progressed. At the final whistle, the home stands were half-deserted, with those remaining expressing their anger after another nasty display.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s first home game in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat Brentforda marker that flattered his feisty side. For many supporters, frustration has turned into open protest, with sections of the fanbase choosing to stay away in opposition to how the club is being run.
The new manager, who is yet to taste victory after three games, admitted the players have a lot to do to regain the fans’ confidence. “Not good enough. Poor,” he said bluntly after the game. “Brentford won the game. They were better. We are all worried, the fans are worried and that anxiety extends to the players. We have a problem.”
Nuno acknowledged the discontent in the stands but said it was up to the team to regain belief. “Fans need to see something that energizes them,” he continued. “I understand and respect their reaction. Our job is to change it and bring everyone back together.”
The record decline continues
The defeat was West Ham’s fifth consecutive home defeat in the league, only the second time in the club’s history, the last time having happened in April 1931. It also marked the first time they had started a league campaign with four consecutive home defeats.
Sitting 19th in the Premier League table with four points from eight games, the Hammers are in crisis. His previous two matches with Nuno: a draw a everton and defeat by 2-0 arsenal — offered little sign of progress. Against Brentford, they created little and were fortunate that the visitors converted just two of their 22 attempts.
Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, were previously winless in the league this season but dominated throughout the season. The experts were scathing in their assessment. Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports: “West Ham were shocking and have been shocking for a while. Brentford physically bullied them.”
Former Hammer Gary O’Neil echoed these concerns: “They look lost, unconfident and disconnected. This performance needs a complete turnaround – Nuno has a huge task ahead of him.”
The fans are protesting against the club’s management
Discontent in east London has been growing for months. The sight of empty seats was linked to renewed protests organized by supporters’ group Hammers United, who want chairman David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady to step down.
Sullivan and Brady, who have managed the club for 15 years, oversaw the move from Upton Park to the 62,000-seater London Stadium, a decision many fans are still reeling from. Critics say the move stripped the club of its identity, while the stadium’s design, with a running track separating the stands from the pitch, has spoiled the atmosphere.
Protests before the recent ones Crystal Palace The game, Graham Potter’s last game as manager, saw around 3,000 fans gather outside the managers’ entrance to demand a change. Supporters accused the board of broken promises, limited investment and poor facilities.
The movement shows no sign of slowing down. A bigger demonstration is already planned for November 8 when West Ham host Burnley. Organizers expect thousands to march in what could become the biggest protest yet against the club’s hierarchy.
West Ham’s schedule offers little respite. They travel to Leeds on Friday night, with Nuno calling for a quick response. “It’s up to us to change the momentum and get our fans back,” he told BBC Sport. “In four days, we need a big improvement.”
