ONE of the main talking points ahead of our 2026/27 EFL Championship campaign commencing is West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League after a 14 year tenure.
The Hammers’ second tier prospects are already attracting plenty of football betting reflecting associated parachute payments. But how will they perform this season?
Here is my analysis of relevant pointers to assist your Championship betting…
LAST TIME IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
West Ham last appeared at Championship level in 2011/12 in a one year stint where they immediately bounced back to Premier League status. However it wasn’t all plain sailing for then boss Sam Allardyce.
He achieved third spot thereby missing out on automatic promotion by two points. A 5-0 aggregate cruise past Cardiff City in the Play-Off Semi-Finals (2-0 away, 3-0 at home) was followed by their 2-1 triumph against Blackpool at Wembley Stadium for the showpiece Play-Off Final.
Carlton Cole (35 minutes) and Ricardo Vaz Te (87 minutes) netted the vital Hammers’ goals before 78,325 spectators on Saturday 19th May 2012.
LAST SEASON 2025/26
West Ham filled 18th position in the Premier League. Suffering relegation on the final day – Sunday 24th May – was a real hammer blow in every sense.
They concluded by defeating visitors Leeds United 3-0 and had to pray relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur simultaneously faltered at home versus Everton. Alas, Spurs pulled off a single goal victory to condemn the Irons via a two point margin.
2026/27 OPENING CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
West Ham begin their programme with a trip to Burnley on Sunday 16th August at 4pm. This is a tasty opening weekend battle of two relegated clubs. Burnley finished 19th in the Premier League – one place below and 17 points behind the Hammers.
Scott Parker vacated his Burnley head coach role by mutual consent on 30th April. His successor at Turf Moor is former Club Brugge and Genk boss Nicky Hayen who penned a three year deal on 10th July.
MILLWALL RIVALRY RENEWED
The Irons will now renew their traditionally fierce cross-London ‘dockers derby’ rivalry against Millwall for the first time in 14 years.
Previously in 2011/12 they fought out a 0-0 draw at the Den prior to West Ham edging an Upton Park return 2-1.
THE LONDON STADIUM
I’ve been to the London Stadium on several occasions – most recently for West Ham’s FA Cup Third Round tie hosting Queens Park Rangers in January this year. The huge 62,500 capacity bowl portrays a true sense of grandeur.
Although most fans are a long way from the pitch so I wouldn’t fancy going there every home game to watch my team play. It just doesn’t feel like a football stadium for me and it might not be full each time for Championship fixtures either.
THE FANS
West Ham can continually draw on a loyal and passionate fanbase throughout East London stretching into Essex.
In a current climate of armchair television ‘supporters’ across the country, I have nothing but respect for people who actively attend matches at their local club.
UPTON PARK
Of course West Ham had a lovely intimate home venue from 1904 until 2016. The Boleyn Ground, commonly referred to as Upton Park, afforded an electric atmosphere due to fans situated so close to the action.
I loved going there. It is sadly missed by Hammers supporters and us football aficionados alike.
TRANSFERS
Much will depend on whether West Ham can hold on to star men like Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Crysencio Summerville.
Those named players and others are inevitably being linked with big money moves away from East London at the time of writing. Therefore replacements may well need to be recruited.
MANAGER
Nuno Espirito Santo is staying on as West Ham manager in the hope of earning promotion back to Premier League riches at the first attempt.
He said: “Relegation was sad for all of us but it was a period to reflect and understand. I am thankful for the confidence the board of directors have kept in me. It is a pleasure to be here planning towards a new season.
“Now is the time to work hard on creating fresh routines to make sure we are ready to adapt in how we compete. We want to reward our supporters for the loyalty they always display. There is a total commitment to turn things around. Everything is positive and we are looking forward to it.
“I am fully aware the Championship is a very hard competition which is really demanding across 46 games against different opponents. Essentially we must be resilient, disciplined, brave and show character. These are the fundamental pillars a successful team should possess.
“We have one mission. Let’s get back to the Premier League.”
HOW WILL THEY DO?
It may take a major rebuilding job amongst the squad yet I believe West Ham will have enough about them to claim a top two automatic promotion slot – especially bearing in mind the advantageous Premier League parachute payments they will receive.
