West Ham 2009/2010 Premier League Season Review

It was hard to find positives in a pretty disastrous season for West Ham. But hey, at least WE ARE STILL IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!! That's cause enough for celebrations. Fortunately for the Hammers, there were three other teams which performed worse than us....marginally.

The 2009/2010 season was all about these five major incidents:

1. The Wolves away win

That opening win remains West Ham's ONLY away win for the recently concluded season. That match at Molineux was the only time that West Ham ever showed any real cohesion in attack, defence and midfield. Sadly, that win moved all West Ham fans to expect great things for the season. That faith appeared misplaced now as I look back at how much West Ham have underachieved in the 2009/2010 season. Perhaps the sale of Collins and injuries to Cole and Collison were valid reasons for the struggles.

2. Scott Parker's Wigan rocket

Scott Parker virtually put on a superhuman effort all season long to ensure that West Ham did not suffer a relegation heartache. It was fitting that he, of all players, should be the one to score the match winning goal in a 3-2 win against Wigan. His efforts were recognized by Don Fabio and Scott Parker captured a place in England's provisional World Cup squad. His commitment and enthusiasm will surely boost England's chances of World Cup glory.

3. Constant expectation of "West Ham may have turned the corner"
As mentioned, it was a season of pure underachievement. Knocked out early from the domestic cups, West Ham struggled in the Premier League from the start. We had a six match losing streak, a nine match winless streak and could not muster more than 2 wins in a row all season. There were times in the season when there was a wave of optimism, talks of "having turned the corner" but time and again this enthusiasm was knocked back by crippling defeats.

4. The meltdown of Zola-Clarke

After the top 10 finish in 2008/2009, the Zola-Clarke management built up a hive of expectation for this season. Unfortunately, the nightmare "second season syndrome" took over and Zola was made to look very much like the novice manager that he did not want to be. Midway through the season, the communication between Zola and Clarke looked to have broken down. Thankfully though, the duo patched up their differences to lead West Ham stumbling over the safety line. Is it any surprise that Clarke stays on while his "mate" was sent packing?

5. Malaysian entrepreneur coming close to owning West Ham

Tony Fernandes spirited fight to gain control of West Ham made this season memorable for me. The Air Asia boss was supposed to be that breath of fresh air needed to provide financial stability to West Ham. Instead, Fernandes was thwarted by the Gold & Sullivan partnership. We will never know how West Ham would have benefitted from Fernandes' new wave of innovative stewardship. Instead, we have G&S who are still trying to win the fans over.

And yes, we will look forward to the next season with excitement. Holding out hope that Avram Grant, Yakubu and Dorrans will sign for next season.

Come On You Irons!