West Ham will rue boardroom indequacies

West Ham will not look back at the 2010-11 season very fondly. In fact it was probably the worst season in the club's Premier League history. Even poor than 2003, the last time the Hammers were relegated. As a Hammers supporter though, this one was much more relieving than the previous fall to the 'B-League', giving us a sense of realism and a kick up the bottom.

When David Gold and David Sullivan brought the club outright from the almost financially-bankrupt Icelandic bank Straumur in 2010, fans seemed joyful of a more secure financial future at the club, but at the same time, wincing at the prospect of where they will take the club. Avram Grant was not the solution to their problems, but one that would compound further suffering.

Four straight league defeats set the tone, conceding 3 goals in each game in the process. While a home win over Tottenham stemmed the losing momentum in September, poor home form in the coming months really was the Hammers' undoing. They lost to Newcastle, and dropped points against West Brom, Fulham, Blackpool and Everton. The 'Save Our Season' fixture against Wigan in November seemed almost irreparable, despite the 3-1 victory, as their away form collapsed like an Avram Grant facial expression of disappointment.

The mood soured at Upton Park soured for a number of reasons other than their matchday performances. Hammers fans never likened the idea of leaving home for a redeveloped Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games. Then there was the managerial upheaval in January before and after the Arsenal fixture, with Grant suffering the ignominy of defeat for two obvious reasons. Grant was, though, given a vote of confidence by the board. The West Ham board did not cover themselves in glory with sporadic decisions in transfer policies. Rather putting the structure in place for a brighter long-term future, short-term and expensive recruits Wayne Bridge and Robbie Keane were drafted on in a steadily sinking ship. Signings such as Pablo Barrera, Winston Reid and Tal ben-Haim lacked thought and of little intention to take the club to great strides.

Benni McCarthy, Victor Obinna and Freddie Piquionne have proved inconsistent purchases, while Demba Ba should have been acquired at the beginning of the season, and not through an inflated £6m fee during the January transfer window from Hoffenheim.

Those mistakes, coinciding with Grant's lack of motivational skills, tactical deficiencies, adn over-reliance of Scott Parker cost the Israeli his job, and have made Gold, Sullivan and Karren Brady a laughing stock in the hub of east London.