What the Wolves hierarchy have told West Ham chief David Sullivan about incoming new boss Julen Lopetegui may shock fans.
It’s not unusual for fans of West Ham to be divided over something.
Whether it’s the stadium, the club’s owners or – as has been the case over the last two years – David Moyes.
Hammers supporters are so passionate about their club that disagreements over certain things are inevitable.
It should surprise nobody then that the fanbase appears somewhat split over the impending arrival of Julen Lopetegui as the 18th permanent manager in the club’s 129-year history.
Not many football clubs can boast as respectable a record as that in a culture of hire and fire.
It has been confirmed Moyes will depart after the game at Man City next weekend.
That brings to an end a four-and-a-half year spell of stability and relative tranquillity for West Ham’s ownership.
Wolves walkout puts question mark against Lopetegui
The appointment of Lopetegui is not being universally welcomed by Hammers fans.
And that puts David Sullivan and co out in the open to be shot at once again.
Other names such as Ruben Amorim and Paulo Fonseca were more appealing to the majority of West Ham fans.
But Lopetegui is the man Sullivan has opted to go with and supporters will, of course, back their new boss.
It is fair to say Lopetegui’s history is chequered.
Clearly a more than capable coach and manager, there have been some eyebrows raised at his sackings by Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla before he infamously walked out on Wolves on the eve of this season.
That was down to the club failing to keep promises over transfer spending and matching the 57-year-old’s ambition.
It left Wolverhampton Wanderers in a hole, though, and added another question mark – in the eyes of some – against Lopetegui’s reputation.
Wolves gave Sullivan glowing Lopetegui reference
Therefore what the Wolves hierarchy told West Ham about Lopetegui may shock fans.
Given how things unfolded with Lopetegui at Molinuex, one would think any references from the Wolves top brass might be damning.
Quite the opposite, though, according to Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
According to Ornstein, Sullivan reached out to the Wolves board when doing due diligence on West Ham’s new manager.
The feedback was surprisingly positive.
“The West Ham board have received strong references from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club he left by mutual consent in the summer,” Ornstein states.
“Lopetegui was appointed at Molineux in November 2022 with the club bottom of the league before leading them to 10 victories in his 27 matches at the helm and a 13th-place finish — eight points and five places above the relegation zone.
“West Ham’s hierarchy are also impressed by the 57-year-old’s record with the Spanish national team.”
Walkout proves new boss will push owners
One thing that seems undeniable is that Lopetegui must be an impressive individual who interviews extremely well.
While some might have been wary of Lopetegui after he walked out on Wolves, many West Ham fans actually take comfort in his actions.
That, along with the fact he reportedly rejected a £60m-per-year salary in Saudi Arabia to wait for an opportunity in the Premier League, suggests he is a man of principle and substance.
It also suggests Lopetegui will be no ‘yes man’ for Sullivan.
Supporters feel he will push the owners to invest in the team and build a proper squad at the London Stadium.
Given the clubs he has been at previously, Lopetegui may even raise standards off the pitch, such as driving for improvements at Rush Green.
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating of course.
But if Lopetegui is willing to stand up to the owners he will already be on to a winner with West Ham’s fans.