West Ham United have admitted they fell short of expectations after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed, describing the moment as “sad and painful” for everyone connected to the club.
In a statement released on Sunday after their fate was sealed, the east London side thanked supporters for standing by the team during what has been a disappointing and difficult campaign. The club acknowledged that fans deserved far better from the players and management throughout the season.
“The confirmation of our relegation from the Premier League today marks a sad and painful moment for West Ham United.
The Club wishes to sincerely thank every single one of our supporters for the constant and loyal backing they have given, throughout what has been an extremely difficult and disappointing season.” The statement reads in part.
West Ham conceded that their performances across the campaign were simply not good enough to preserve their Premier League status. The club said it would confront the setback with honesty and transparency as it begins plans to rebuild ahead of life in the Championship.
“Ultimately, we have not repaid that support. The plain truth is that we have not been good enough. We must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild.” It added
Despite the disappointment, the Hammers stressed that the identity of the club stretches beyond results on the pitch. West Ham pointed to its deep roots in east London and the loyalty of supporters who continue to carry the Claret and Blue spirit through difficult moments.
The statement also recognized the frustration and hurt felt by fans, admitting that the club must now work to restore pride, belief and confidence among its supporters after a season that failed to meet expectations.
The club vowed to fight for an immediate return to the Premier League, with officials insisting that preparations for that challenge would begin straight away as they seek to rebuild and return to the top flight at the first attempt.
“West Ham United is a football club whose unique identity is defined not by success or failure on the pitch, but by the values and traditions of our roots in east London, and by the spirit of the people who have Claret and Blue in their hearts. The Club acknowledges how challenging this season has been for them and knows it must take steps to restore a sense of pride, faith and belief.
As we have done before, we will fight with everything we have to return to the top division of English football at the first time of asking. The hard work to make that goal a reality begins immediately.”
West Ham were relegated alongside Wolves and Burnley despite a 3-0 win against Leeds United on the final day on Sunday. The Hammers finished 18th with 36 points, dropping out of the top flight for the first time since the 2010/11 season after a difficult campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo.
They scored 43 goals while conceding 65, with a leaky defence proving costly throughout the year.
West Ham were last relegated after finishing bottom in the 2010/11 season with 33 points (7 wins, 12 draws, 19 losses). That drop was confirmed on the second to last weekend following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Wigan Athletic, despite leading 2-0 at half-time. They bounced back by winning the Championship play-offs and returned to the Premier League for the 2012/13 season.
