April 17, 2025
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Tim Stiedten’s “long term” vision doesn’t align with West Ham’s reality, he made too many mistakes

By
Jamie Freeman
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Tim Stiedten

West Ham confirmed the departure of Technical Director Tim Steidten shortly after Graham Potter took the helm as the club’s new head coach. 

While a significant portion of West Ham’s fanbase reportedly welcomed the news of Steidten’s departure, the former director has since publicly defended the work he did at London Stadium.

Despite a number of questionable acquisitions, some of which aren’t expected to remain at the club for long, he cited the potential of players such as Luis Guilherme as evidence of a well-considered, long-term transfer strategy.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Steidten shared his views on the timescale required for a comprehensive squad rebuild.

He said: “I believe it takes eight to 10 transfer windows to change a squad. I told the owner that clearly.

“This has been a long-term project. At least, that was what I gave to the club. My task was to build something in the long term, which also needs young players.”

Tim Stiedten West Ham

But Stiedten’s projected timeline for rebuilding the squad has been met with scepticism from various quarters. Fans believe that a more rapid transformation is possible, pointing to the successful recruitment models employed by clubs like Brighton and Brentford, who famously prioritise acquiring young, high-potential players.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the effectiveness of some signings made during Steidten’s tenure. The likes of Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and Wes Foderingham are clear examples of signings that do not necessarily align with a long-term focus on developing young talent.

Unsurprisingly, questions have also been raised regarding the coherence of Steidten’s long-term vision, particularly in light of the number of signings he made last summer.

Moving forward, there is considerable positivity surrounding the impact of Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay on West Ham’s recruitment strategy. Many anticipate that their expertise will bring a different approach to squad building in the upcoming transfer windows, especially given the success they both had at Brighton.

Links to young Vladimir Coufal replacement hints at West Ham’s summer transfer strategy – reports

By
Jamie Freeman
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West Ham Head Coach Graham Potter

West Ham are preparing for a big squad overhaul this summer. 

Graham Potter will likely already know which players he wants to keep and which he’s not keen on, while his recruitment team will have already been scouring the market for players that fit Potter’s style in key areas.

As things stand, five first-team players are expected to leave at the end of their contracts this summer – Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings, Michail Antonio and Vladimir Coufal – while it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson will see their loan spells made permanent.

Indeed, one or more of those players nearing the end of their current terms may be offered extensions, but it’s currently likely that the majority of them will be free to find new clubs by July.

One that looks almost guaranteed to be leaving the club is Coufal, who has been very vocal about his West Ham future in the last few days. He has refused to rule out a move to Everton and hinted that it’s unlikely he will remain in east London.

His exit would leave Potter with Aaron Wan-Bissaka as his only option at right-back, so it’s an area of the squad he will need to recruit in before the start of next season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Fortunately, it appears the club is already on the case as The Guardian has reported an interest in FC Nordsjaelland defender, Lucas Hogsberg.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season in Denmark and despite spending much of his time as a centre-back, he playing much of his youth football as a right-back.

It could be that Potter is looking to add youth and potential to a squad that is currently one of the oldest in the Premier League. Wan-Bissaka would likely remain as the first-choice right-back but adding a young and promising Hogsberg to the squad, especially given his versatility, means there is a ready and waiting understudy raring to go when needed.

It is not yet known how much the teenager would cost or whether the club is lining up an official approach for his services, but it’s an indication of what the club’s strategy might be in the transfer window this summer, with youth and potential seemingly high on the priority list.

‘I have what it takes’ – West Ham favourite makes vow as London Stadium future remains unclear

By
Jamie Freeman
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When David Moyes returned to Everton, it was widely accepted he would look to West Ham for potential familiar faces when the transfer window opens in the summer.

The Scot has previous, after all, given his decision to sign Marouane Fellaini from Everton when he left Goodison Park to take the Manchester United job. The Belgian was a key player for the Toffees under Moyes, so not many eyebrows were raised when he took him to Old Trafford.

So it’s understandable that many people have been predicting that he will do a similar thing this summer, by going back to a club where he arguably enjoyed the most successful years of his long managerial career for reinforcements.

Many have believed that to be Tomas Soucek, who Moyes signed as a relatively unknown midfielder from Slavia Prague in 2020. The Czech has gone on to be a revelation in east London ever since, scoring 39 goals in 237 appearances in all competitions.

However, while many believed Soucek’s days at London Stadium would be numbered when Moyes left the club at the end of last season, he has remained a vital member of the team as Graham Potter continues to benefit from the midfielder’s goalscoring abilities; Soucek has scored seven goals in 30 appearances this season.

As a result, it’s no longer a given that West Ham would entertain any interest for Soucek this summer and even if they did, it would no doubt cost a buyer much a big fee.

But another player is being linked with a possible Moyes reunion, one which seems far more realistic at this stage.

Vladimir Coufal hints at Everton switch

Vladimir Coufal has struggled for consistent game time this season, firstly due to the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and then because of injury.

Under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, his role in the squad has been limited to just 18 appearances in all competitions this season, 11 of which have been starts.

To put his declining importance to the team into perspective, the Czech right-back made 47 appearances last season and missed only two Premier League fixtures.

With his contract expiring at the end of this season, it’s looking increasingly likely that Coufal will not be offered fresh terms to remain in east London, so it’s likely he will be Moyes’ radar as the Everton manager looks at what recruitment he can do in his first summer back at the club.

And Coufal has refused to rule out a move to Everton, even doubling down on his determination to remain in England prove himself.

He said, via Everton.News, when asked about links to Everton: “When I am free, anything can happen.

“But my priority is England, the best league in the world. I want to prove myself week after week that I have what it takes.”

Coufal has indeed proven he has what it takes to compete in the Premier League. Despite not scoring for West Ham, the right-back has registered 20 assists across four-and-a-half seasons in east London, making 140 appearances in the Premier League and 21 in Europe.

West Ham ‘don’t need to sell’ superstar this summer, Potter could still cash in

By
Jamie Freeman
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West Ham manager Graham Potter

The future of Mohammed Kudus remains a hot topic as we anticipate Graham Potter‘s plans for the summer transfer window.

The winger’s form has been a serious issue this season, having scored just three goals and made two assists in 27 first-team outings this season. It represents a significant drop off in form for the 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and made six assists in 45 appearances in his maiden season in east London last term.

Kudus has been regularly linked with a move away from London Stadium, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal previously touted as potential suitors.

The Ghanaian’s form this season appears to have quietened those rumours of late, but that hasn’t stopped West Ham fans from questioning his long term future in claret and blue.

We saw first hand how good Kudus can be when he’s on form during his first season as he dazzled crowds with his direct attacking play, pace and clinical finishing. One of his goals was even nominated for the Puskas Award.

On the other hand, the winger has been a shadow of that player for large parts of this season and has failed to find his form even since Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in the dugout over three months ago.

There has also been speculation that West Ham may be forced to sell Kudus this summer regardless, as they look to raise funds for a much bigger squad rebuild as Potter attempts to establish a squad capable of implementing his ideas and tactics effectively.

West Ham don’t need to sell Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus

But Chief football news reporter for BBC Sport, Simon Stone, has believes that’s not the case and that Kudus will only be allowed to leave the club if Potter doesn’t see him in his long term plans, not because they need to grow the summer’s transfer kitty.

Writing in response to reader questions on BBC Sport, Stone wrote: “I don’t think West Ham have to sell Kudus.

“That is not to say he will remain at the club. He has done enough to show he could be valuable to any number of teams and there is bound to be interest in the summer.”

But Stone also acknowledged that his lack of form this season could lead to West Ham deciding to listen to offers.

“I think Kudus tends to drift in and out of games,” he added.

“Keeping him interested during matches is the key. But, as I say, it may be someone else’s problem next season.”

Stone did proceed to hint that West Ham could make the bold decision to sell both Kudus and Lucas Paqueta in the summer if Potter wants to oversee a complete squad overhaul.

“Would West Ham sell both? I would be a brave move bit it would allow Graham Potter to shape the squad the way he wants, form goalkeeper to the top end of the pitch.”

I asked AI to redesign West Ham’s London Stadium and it absolutely understood the assignment

By
Jamie Freeman
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AI Redesign West Ham's London Stadium

Let’s not go into the details of the London Stadium. 

We all know the fans don’t like it. We all know it’s not a football stadium. We all know West Ham fans deserve a far better home.

But at the moment, we’re stuck with it and there’s not much we can do.

Still, in light of Man United announcing their plans to rebuild Old Trafford with a 100,000-capacity arena, I wondered what it would look like if West Ham were to rebuild London Stadium.

Thankfully, in the age of Artificial Intelligence, there’s not much left in the world that can’t be made a reality.

So, I booted up Grok and got to work. To start, I asked the following: “Can you redesign West Ham’s stadium? It has to follow all the traditions of West Ham United. Make it more like Upton Park.”

It immediately protested. “I’m not an architect or stadium designer,” Grok replied. Alright then, at least prove that you understand the assignment.

Oh, it understood alright. Before showing me any designs, Grok went to work by outlining a concept for a full London Stadium redesign, and it included some very interesting points that will raise some eyebrows. Here’s what it had in mind…

Redesign Concept: The “New Boleyn”

The goal is to transform the London Stadium into a spiritual successor to Upton Park, blending tradition with modern requirements while keeping West Ham’s soul intact.

  • Reduce Capacity and Tighten the Stands
    • Capacity Adjustment: Shrink the capacity from 62,500 to around 40,000-45,000 to recreate the intimacy of Upton Park. This would involve removing upper tiers in certain sections and focusing on a denser, louder crowd. 
    • Pitch Proximity: Reconfigure the retractable seating to bring stands as close as 5-10 meters from the pitch, especially behind the goals. This enhances the “wall of noise” effect West Ham fans are known for.
    • Steep Stands: Model the stands after Upton Park’s steep gradients, such as the West Stand’s sharp incline, making the stadium feel like it’s “bearing down” on the pitch, intimidating opponents.
  • Incorporate Iconic Upton Park Features
    • Castle Turrets: Add two prominent turrets at the stadium’s main entrance, echoing the Boleyn Ground’s gateaway. These could be claret and blue, with “West Ham United” and “1904” etched into them. 
    • Stand Names: Rename the London Stadium’s stands to honour West Ham legends and history:
      • Bobby Moore Stand (main stand, facing east for tradition).
      • Sir Trevor Brooking Stand (opposite the main stand).
      • Billy Bonds End (behind the goal, for the hardcore fans).
      • John Lyall End (behind the other goal, honouring the legendary manager).
    • The Chicken Run: Recreate the infamous East Stand’s “Chicken Run” – a narrow, raucous terrace-style section – by designing a safe-standing area with a low roof to trap the noise.
  • Atmosphere Enhancements
    • Low Roofline: Lower the roof height significantly (where feasible within the existing structure) to trap sound, mimicking Upton Park’s cauldron-like feel. Add acoustic paneling to amplify chants.
    • Fan Zones: Create pre-match fan zones outside the stadium with East London street food stalls (pie and mash, jellied eels) and a stage for live renditions of “Bubbles” by local bands or fans.
    • Memorial Garden: Dedicate a corner of the grounds to a “Boleyn Memorial,” with bricks from the original Upton Park site, a statue of Bobby Moore and plaques for other club icons.
Why this Works

This redesign keeps the London Stadium’s footprint but shrinks its scale and corporate vibe, making it a true home for West Ham. The tighter stands and lower roof recreate Upton Park’s intensity, while the turrets, stand names and claret and blue identity tie it to the club’s heritage. It balances tradition with the practicalities of a modern venue. 

London Stadium Redesign Concept 1

So we’ve got off to the best start. Grok understands London Stadium’s faults and knows what the fans want for a home. I was particularly impressed by its plans to bring back the Chicken Run, while I was intrigued by its reasoning behind significantly reducing the capacity.

But what would this wonderful new home for West Ham look like? I asked Grok “generate an image to make your concept come to life.”

The result?

Just ignore the fact it’s just whacked a castle on the roof for a minute.

It doesn’t look too bad. It’s not the worst first attempt at redesigning the London Stadium.

But the castle has to go, doesn’t it?

London Stadium Redesign Concept 2

I asked Grok to “remove the castle” but “show the steep stands, pitch proximity and focus on how the Chicken Run would look.” I also asked it to give me an aerial view of the stadium and a wide angle view from inside the stadium.

It failed to give me a look inside the stadium this time, but did provide an aerial view…

Yeah, no, sorry, Grok, that’s not really going to work. I mean, it looks better that London Stadium from the outside, but it just doesn’t really scream “West Ham United” does it?

Time to go back for another go.

London Stadium Redesign Concept 3

This time I asked Grok to make it more modern and to “remove all gaps between stands and pitch” before making clear that it had to be a “better stadium than any other club in London.”

Surely it would get it right this time…

Nope, it’s still not doing it for me. It’s clear the stands are closer to the pitch, but it’s not really making me want to become an architect.

I asked it to generate more designs but to stick with the original specifications it had originally laid out in its first response.

In fairness, it tried very hard to deliver the brief. Here’s what followed…

Please no. Do it again, please.

That is literally the London Stadium without the carpet!

Presumably those fans are looking on in complete and utter disgust. If this is the answer, I’ve completely forgot the question at this point.

London Stadium Redesign Concept 4

I have to admit, I’m losing faith at this stage. Perhaps the London Stadium is so bad not even AI can make it look better?

I decided to have one last go and made clear to Grok that it had to “ignore the existing design of the London Stadium” and generate something completely different but “still in keeping with West Ham’s history.”

And here are the results…

YES! More like it!

It looks impressive. It looks compact. The seats are close to the pitch. It almost looks intimidating just looking at it. But I want a closer look inside please, Grok.

That. Will. Do.

Yes, the goal is in the middle of the pitch. Yes, the pitch markings are all over the place. Yes, it’s not absolutely perfect.

But it’ll do. It’s already a thousand times better than London Stadium.

Thanks, Grok.

London Stadium Redesign – Suggested Name

The final question I had for Grok was “what should West Ham call the newly redesigned London Stadium?”

Erm…

  • The Boleyn Fortress
  • Hammers Cathedral
  • Moore’s Arena
  • The Claret Citadel
  • Bubbles Stadium
  • East End Bastion

Think we’ll stick with London Stadium, don’t you?

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