An Open Letter to the West Ham squad: It’s time to play for the badge.

West Ham United are quite simply a club filled with all sorts of issues. Between the staff, players, fans, and boardroom, it all seems lost. If the staff cannot do it, then the squad needs to and the time is now.

Dear West Ham Senior Squad,

There are three old mantras that West Ham United run by. The first is that you play for the badge on the front and not the name on the back. The second, no player is bigger than the club and finally the third, the players feed off the fans just as we, in turn, feed off of you.

For us, it doesn’t matter how much you make or where you came from as long as you play hard and embrace West Ham. Right now times are looking bleak and with no end in sight but all that we want to see is togetherness and heart. Play hard until the whistle blows and leave the rest up to skill and luck.

The badge that you see on your chest symbolizes the rich tradition of this club. The crossed irons were forged by the ironworkers on the Thames and represent everything that is West Ham. The majority of this fan base is a hard, blue-collar working individual that’s weekend rely solely on whatever match the Hammers play.

Many players have come and gone from this beloved club that still has ties to it and gave their all, not for them, but for the fans and the club itself. Names like Bonds, Peters, Brooking, Moore, Dicks, and so many more have given blood, sweat, and tears for this club and all we expect is the same.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Sebastien Haller of West Ham United celebrates with his team mates after he scores his sides 2st goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on October 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

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However, let it be known that having a bad run-in form is understandable but we need to see some type of heart in the performance. Understandably, there might be some players that aren’t holding up there end of the bargain but hey, that’s life. Play your game to the best of your ability and control what you can.

What you can control is how you can handle your situation, your position, and how you influence the others around you. Look to your leaders, look to Mark Noble and Robert Snodgrass for veteran EPL experience, and if you need to look no further than club ambassadors and coaches Carlton Cole and Zavon Hines.

It is understandable that you might feel lost and hung out to dry by your leadership and coaching staff but once again control what you can and play for yourselves, for the fan base, and most importantly for the badge. Just as no player is bigger than the club so too is the fact that no manager or board member.

Next. An open letter to the West Ham Board. dark

In closing and to recap, we don’t require much as a fan base and what we do require is simple. Pure your heart out for the club, its traditions, and the badge. The reason that West Ham legends were made isn’t just that they were great players, but that they also had an undivided love for West Ham United.

Sincerely,

A West Ham Supporter