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What Would a Successful Season Look Like for West Ham?

By Finn Ward

LYON, FRANCE - APRIL 14: Declan Rice and Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrate following their sides victory after the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Olympique Lyon and West Ham United at Parc Olympique on April 14, 2022 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
LYON, FRANCE - APRIL 14: Declan Rice and Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrate following their sides victory after the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Olympique Lyon and West Ham United at Parc Olympique on April 14, 2022 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) /
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As the end of the season approaches, I have been thinking about what us West Ham fans would could consider a successful season.

It does feel like, in a way, whatever happens from here, having another competitive season at the top of the league and in Europe should be considered a success. Last season was not a fluke, and that is amazing. However, I want to go through some of the different ways in which West Ham’s 2021/22 season could end up and what they would mean for us fans.

There is a best possible finish. A finish that would be a dream come true. This one is of course the least likely. A top four place and winning the Europa League is still on the cards. Given two Premier League losses and a draw recently, my expectations for this one are fading. Other teams also dropping points is good, but to be honest I am not going to get my hopes up!

Another possibility is the one that I am realistically hoping for. That would be a top of the table (hopefully a top seven finish, guaranteeing European football for next season) and Europa League glory. Our European form has remained strong all season, and while the other sides left in the competition are fearsome – so are we. To take home a huge trophy and have a decent end in the league would be incredible, and to me, feels achievable.

West Ham's Craig Dawson is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the first of the three goals versus Lyon.
West Ham United’s English defender Craig Dawson (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and West Ham. /

Of course, there is also a really, really disappointing path. To think West Ham could go out of the Europa League in the semis, and also finish outside of a European spot in the table is horrifying and will keep me up at night for the next few weeks. Even though there would still be loads to be proud of, it would take a while to get over the pain of having so much to play for and leaving with nothing. Please don’t do it to me West Ham.

There are, obviously, other outcomes that I haven’t mentioned but these three are examples of great, good and bad.

As I mentioned earlier, the team have done us all so proud and to have a second strong season in a row has been insane. Watching West Ham these days is a joy and we have had so many amazing moments this season. Beating Liverpool, Chelsea and knocking Man City out of the cup as well as getting through Sevilla and Lyon. Whatever the case, this season will have been somewhat of a success, we are just yet to see to what extent.

Next. Who West Ham should buy this summer. dark