HAMMER TIME – New Dawn for West Ham?

West Ham have been a funny old side – sometimes looking like they can compete with the best, and at other times seeming like they’re doing well just to cling on in the WSL. However, after some extremely positive signs under Rehanne Skinner last season this could be about to change, and we may have our new threat to the top four, says Dakota Johnson.

There’s a new twist to the Hammers’ tale. Since beginning this preview, West Ham have been in talks to sell a stake in the women’s team to an American private equity fund. This is part of a growing trend in women’s football in England, with Chelsea already having sold 10% and Aston Villa rumoured to be in similar talks. It is too early to say what impact this will have on the clubs, either positive or negative.

Chelsea of course benefit from having been the best club in the country for almost a decade, and thus have the funds and legitimacy in the game to fall back on if the deal doesn’t go according to plan. Additionally, having only sold 10%, the amount of power the new investors have is fairly limited. If the rumours around West Ham prove to be true however, they would see 49% sold to Monarch Collective. While the financial injection could make a huge difference, the stake would also offer the investors a significant say in the running of the team. Monarch’s American sports investments seem to be going well, but time will tell if they can replicate this success at West Ham. 

Head Coach:

Rehanne Skinner is one of the most underrated coaches in the game. Joining West Ham after spells with Leicester in her early career, both England and Wales at youth level and as an assistant at senior, joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2020 (her time at Spurs frequently up and down), her move to West Ham seemed like the right thing for both parties.

As a coach, her philosophy has evolved through the years and she has been good at adapting according to the club and squad. Last season at West Ham she often favoured a 4-4-2 formation, especially after a difficult run up to the winter break, and after this, her preferred formation brought much needed stability without jeopardising their attack. The difference in defence was staggering – by the end of the season they led the league in terms of overall clearances, and thrived in headed clearances. 

Signings:

In terms of new faces, West Ham secured the signature of Swiss international Leila Wandeler (below, left) from OL Lyonnes. The 19-year-old made Pia Sundhage’s squad at Euro 2025, featuring in three matches. Her potential could be huge, and signing her could prove to be a real coup for the Hammers. 

They have also signed England youth international Sarah Brasero, a 20-year-old midfielder. Both signings speak to West Ham’s desire to build a young, hungry team, which they will hope will grow and develop over the next few years. Brasero is known to be a creative midfielder, and working with Skinner who of course has a lot of experience with young players could prove vital in her being able to quickly settle back into England, and a new league. 

Outlook:

Currently, West Ham boast perhaps the most exciting squad outside of the top four. Shekiera Martinez joined the Hammers in 2024 and has so far proved to be a masterstroke. Spending the first half of 2024-25 on loan at SC Freiburg for visa-related reasons, her return to West Ham was a huge part of their resurgence after January. Ending last season with 10 goals in 12 appearances, having her for the full duration of this season will be a huge boost for the team, and they’ll be hoping she can continue her incredible form. 

Japanese forward Riko Ueki also remains at the club, and will be a huge asset for the team. After a good pre-season, Ueki will admittedly be hoping to finish this season with more goals than last, but where she could really shine could be in providing assists – and with Martinez leading the line, West Ham could easily finish top scorers in the league. 

So, what about defence? Centre-back Shelina Zadorsky (above, right) brings huge experience, and has recently signed a contract extension. Austrian Verena Hanshaw only played 11 games last season, but did register 3 assists, providing extra threat from the back. Keeper Kinga Szemik (above, centre) impressed for Poland at the Euros, especially in keeping the score down against endless German attacks. While West Ham have huge attacking capability, their defence will be the real indicator of how far they can go, and after finishing last season with a goal difference of -5, this season the defenders will be working hard to change this. 

Will finish:

West Ham are taking their women’s team seriously. After their early struggles last season, the second half saw them become a real threat. With players such as Martinez on top form, plus their new young signings nobody will be wanting to play West Ham. Given that the “top four” have also all strengthened, it’s unlikely that the Hammers will be able to break their hold just yet, but they will almost certainly be up there, and could easily cause the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to slip up, especially in the crucial stages towards the end of the season.

Keeping hold of their manager will also be key; Skinner has revolutionised West Ham. Plus, if rumours about investors turn out to be accurate, come January they will have the capital to be able to improve their squad more. 

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