Whenever Tottenham Hotspur, or any of our rivals, do well, it raises an uncomfortable topic in Stratford, as since our move to the London Stadium, have we actually progressed?
The topic is currently being discussed on Twitter among some of the fanbase, after West Ham News pointed out that since leaving Upton Park, we have endured three bottom half finishes – including this year, at present – whereas Spurs have just moved into a new state-of-the-art stadium and qualified for the Champions League Semi-Finals.
The North London side also beat Manchester City in the Quarter-Finals, even though the Citizens have spent vast sums of money to compile their squad, whereas Daniel Levy did not spend a penny this year.
We, on the other hand, smashed our transfer record twice last summer.
That comparison only goes so far, though, as, in reality, Tottenham already had a range of top-tier talents, whereas we had to improve who was on offer to Manuel Pellegrini upon his arrival.
Spurs also spent more than £100million last season, £75m the campaign before, and £63m the term before that – dating back to when Heung-Min Son arrived at White Hart Lane in 2015. They also recouped a considerable amount, with player sales totalling £93m, £47m, and £78m respectively, as per TransferMarkt.
During those years, TransferMarkt’s records say that we spent £51m (2017/18 season), £75m (16/17) and £47m (15/16), and made £62m, £37m, and £16m through player sales and loan fees respectively.
The main issue then is not money spent, but how well that cash was used.
And who we have signed is just one of the issues fans raised on Twitter…
Don’t use the 15/16 season as a benchmark. That was a freak season. Our version of Leicester winning the league. Our highest points total since 1986. Well above average. We haven’t exactly lept forward since the move but to use that season as a benchmark is very misleading.
— Chris Burrell (@deanashtonsfoot) April 18, 2019
The first thing we need to stop is the process of buying ageing players that are way past their best on big wages as well as free transfers which are fine for cover but not if you have ambitions of becoming a top 6 club, otherwise it will be Groundhog Day every season.
— Andrew (@ANDAMA73x) April 18, 2019
We’ve not bought good enough players. All the centre-forwards are substandard for any team with top eight pretensions.
— Patrick O’Flynn (@oflynnmep) April 18, 2019
Completely agree. The difference between us and other fans is that we were never deluded to think we’d be champions league. However, the owners told us we would be so time to deliver and stop being so far behind everyone else with recruitment and progression. #newcarpet #please
— Matty Denners (@Denner7s) April 18, 2019
The year is 2039 and @whufc_news is still moaning about the ‘new’ stadium
— ross wilson (@rossco_9) April 18, 2019
A one off season is not a true reflection to our finishes for the last 10 years. History also shows all moves effect clubs badly the first few of seasons. We are getting back on track with a manager the owners believe in, our biggest summer ever and only 5 points off 7th.
— Ed Ayling (@thatboied) April 18, 2019
Couldn’t agree more. We are nowhere near achieving what they’re achieving and we won’t so long as the #dildobrothers and #thewickedwitchoftheeast are at the helm.
— Dave Delbecq (@Dave_delbecq) April 18, 2019
That’s the problem right there. Believing anything Gold or Sullivan come out with. Hearts are in the right place but wallets aren’t big enough and never will be. The game has changed massively over the last decade, £100m maybe buys you 6 points a season if you’re lucky.
— BKHammer (@BKhammer1) April 18, 2019
Moving to a new stadium doesn’t give u the right to be top 4, Leeds were semi final champs league an ended up disappearing 2 seasons later
— mark knowles (@we5thamutd1976) April 18, 2019
I might be wrong but don’t we make pretty much the same match day income now as we did at the Boleyn?
— Paul Kelly (@UptonPK) April 18, 2019
The team desperately needs some energy and movement, 3-4 high energy players that turn up most weeks, too many players r 7/10 one week and 2/10 the next four weeks !
— gary jones (@garyjones68) April 18, 2019