West Ham star Tomas Soucek says some of the club’s fans are not true supporters ahead of the Premier League clash with Burnley.
Football supporters have it tough nowadays. But many still get a bad rap – especially West Ham fans.
It’s increasingly expensive and ever more difficult to attend matches. Especially against the backdrop of a cost of living crisis.
When West Ham fans go to such effort – like those of other clubs – many want to be entertained.
Hammers supporters have been painted in a certain light by a large section of the press of late.
West Ham division driven by entertainment values
Ungrateful, deluded, fickle, clueless, unrealistic, you name it, Hammers supporters have been called it recently.
There was a sense of deja vu when some West Ham fans held banners and signs aloft demanding ‘Moyes Out’ after the recent defeat at Forest.
The manager was greeted by an identical sign at Fulham around the same time last year.
Fans calling for a change of style or indeed manager to one with a more modern, attacking approach have been pilloried by many for having the temerity to want a better quality of football.
Soucek suggest some West Ham fans are fickle
Others believe Moyes should stay and be rewarded with a new long-term deal off the back of a superb body of work in east London.
Such division makes for tension, indifference and apathy on the terraces.
And that is clearly being picked up by the players it seems.
Because West Ham star Tomas Soucek says some of the club’s fans are not true supporters.
Soucek is often a scapegoat for a small section of the club’s support.
But the Czech continues to prove a vital player for the Hammers. That was proved by his brilliant last gasp goal which saw West Ham beat Everton.
Now the midfielder has admitted his frustration at the fickle nature of some West Ham fans.
Fan connection is a two-way street
“It is very difficult to be honest, because our fans are so up and down,” Soucek told Sky Sports.
“When we won the cup, everyone was behind us… it was great, we love them and enjoy it with them. But now after a year, we were seventh or sixth in the league, we can play still in the Europa League and in a great position, but we didn’t feel they are behind us, so it’s difficult for us on the pitch, we need them.
“When we feel some boos or something our performance drops, or when they support us, we improve. It’s very difficult with them sometimes.
“But for example at Everton away, the fans were perfect and I was so happy that we gave it back on the pitch. When there’s this connection, it’s how it should be and I hope we have lots of improved connection at the home stadium too.”
All clubs have an element of so-called “fickle” fans. West Ham are no different.
But Hammers supporters want to be entertained.
And West Ham fans will want to see the team to play on the front foot again when Premier League whipping boys Burnley come to the London Stadium on Sunday.
Any other approach is bound to irritate supporters. So the manager and team must do their bit as well as the fans.