Mrs Robinson and the Graduation Day Published 20/03/18 on Moore Than Just A Club

Where were all the voices that cried foul? Where were the sabre rattling tribes that stood firm and would not let this pass? The West Ham fans were sold a dream, convinced that better days would finally come…but all that came to pass was a roll in the hay with mutton dressed as lamb and a feeling of unbridled abuse.

“For God’s sake, Mrs. Robinson. Here we are. You got me into your house. You give me a drink. You… put on music. Now, you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me your husband won’t be home for hours.” – The Graduate

The players returned from their warm weather training amidst much frowning and ill feeling from fans who mostly feel betrayed by a club ownership that sold them down the river and now there are no hopes of salvation before being hurled off the edge of sanity.

Since the game against Burnley, the club have held emergency talks with the representatives of the stadium, the council and police to determine what can and should be done to resolve the stewarding issues for each game that West Ham play there. Whilst the conclusions were unsatisfactorily drawn, one can imagine much finger pointing taking place, much scrutiny of video footage and even more shirking of responsibility by all parties involved.

So where does that leave the club, the fans and the remaining fixtures? Well, the FA still need to make their decisions and one can only assume that the delay in delivering their verdict is based upon the complexities of responsibilities and the contractual ramifications if the club are made to play behind closed doors.

Whilst most fans would concede there was never a realistic expectation that the club could ever challenge for European places or even win annual cup trophies whilst at Upton Park, there was a sense that the declaration of will and the full sales pitch that convinced many to move to Stratford…was enough to raise the hopes of every fan. Young or old, man, woman or child…were sold a dream that has been royally burst and has turned into a nightmare of epic proportions.

The first season was lamentable, both on and off the field…and the second is just as bad if not worse in many people’s eyes. However this second season, the problems and tension off the pitch have soured the taste of many an ardent fan…to the point that many have declared a permanent divorce from their beloved club. Whilst the Decree Nisi is yet to be signed, there is an overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction and anger directed both towards the club and owners, the manager and players…and even towards some sections of fans.

On the field, it has been a disastrous season with little to raise a smile or voice a cheer, albeit most fans do try their level best. The players have become more isolated and disconnected from the fans, their confidence is low and they are playing as independent contractors without support or resources to do the job properly.

Each game, the fans have played the guessing game…trying to predict what team will show up, which player will put in a stellar performance and will the result go their way? In virtually each encounter there were surprises galore with little in the way of glorious endings. Speculation would be rife about Moyes’ starting line ups, formations, attacking or defensive posturing, substitutions…and why certain dunces were continually being played whilst other potentials were systematically benched.

Many breathed a long sigh of relief last season as the team finally secured the mid table obscurity spot, however acknowledging that the season as a whole had been poor. Payet had departed, Fonte & Snodgrass arrived…and the team continued to perform as children to a pensioners bridge match. It was largely forgettable apart from a couple of highlights such as the Carroll goal against Crystal Palace…yes that one! Bilic seemed battered and bruised but there was hope that summer rehabilitations and signings would set the team up for a glorious comeback…but that failed as with so many other ambitions.

Whilst there are obvious concerns with behind the scenes antics and within the corridors of power in West Ham…and all of the stadium woes that seem to gather moss as the stone failed to roll…the glaring issue now facing the fans is whether the team can actually rally together to save themselves from dropping to the second tier, in the Championship.

Will this warm weather training in Miami pay off? Will the time away from the prying eyes, the imperial wars and the glare of the FA be of benefit to the individuals and the teams as a whole? Will Moyes have been able to reevaluate his starting selections and formations to make the team a much improved unit, more resolute, more attacking…more cohesive? Only time will tell!

The first test…if indeed, will be in the friendly arranged with Dagenham and Redbridge FC…giving the squad a run out in a competitive scenario to build up match fitness during the long lay off. Whilst more prominent players will undoubtedly be away on international duties, this will give a chance to the ‘also rans’ and the younger stock to show their worth and give Moyes another look at players and tactics in preparedness for the Southampton encounter at the end of the month.

With off the field distractions taking centre stage over the last few weeks, it will be solace for some to shy away from such politics and focus purely on boot and ball manoeuvres. Whilst battles still rage on, there is committed purpose from within the fanbase and amongst the supporting factions…to come together as one to support the travelling wilburys in their quest to find form, prove potency and deliver a righteous three points so vitally needed.

Whilst the fans stand coy in front of the lady that stole their cherry, they will find strength to push back and cheer with gusto. A ninety minute support is all that is required…to do their part and for the players and manager to do theirs in turn. Let all fans be empowered by the fumbles of Mrs Robinson…for this is West Ham’s graduation day!