West Ham Fans Pick Best Player, Worst Striker, Top Youngster

Key Points

• West Ham United fans have voted across multiple categories in a poll conducted by Hammers News.
• The survey covered the club’s best player, worst striker, most exciting youngster, worst manager of the Premier League era, and positions needing reinforcement in the upcoming January transfer window.
• Mateus Fernandes emerged as Player of the Season with 32% of the votes.
• Michail Antonio was voted as West Ham’s worst striker, surprising some fans.
• Youngster Callum Marshall topped the most exciting prospect category.
• Manager David Moyes divided opinion, featuring both as a strong influence and in the worst manager votes.
• Over 10,000 supporters participated, reflecting widespread fan engagement.
• Data suggests fans are increasingly frustrated by attacking failures but optimistic about academy talent.
• Fans see central defence and striking positions as top priorities before the January transfer window.

What Did the Fans Decide About West Ham’s Player of the Season?

As reported by Hammers News, Mateus Fernandes claimed the top honour, securing 32% of supporter votes to become Player of the Season so far. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined the club in 2023, has impressed fans with his composed performances in the middle of the pitch despite a turbulent campaign for the East London side.

According to journalist Dan Newman of Hammers News, the vote “shows how Fernandes has quietly become the anchor in an inconsistent team”. Newman highlighted that Fernandes’ discipline in possession and ability to transition play earned him steady praise from supporters even during tough defeats.

In comparison, Jarrod Bowen – often tipped by pundits as West Ham’s main man – finished close behind, grabbing 28% of the votes. Declan Rice, now an Arsenal player, still received a small but notable share (6%) from voters nostalgic for his leadership presence.

Why Was Michail Antonio Named West Ham’s Worst Striker?

In one of the poll’s more surprising outcomes, Michail Antonio, a club veteran and Jamaica international, was voted worst striker of the Premier League era.

As noted by Jake Sanders of The Sun, Antonio has faced scrutiny for his inconsistency and injury record this season. While he remains the Hammers’ top scorer in their recent European campaigns, fans appear more frustrated by his missed opportunities and fitness struggles.

Writing for Football.London, Jonty Colman pointed out that Antonio’s form has dipped since the Europa Conference League win, stating that “fans often expect too much from a player who thrives more on effort and unpredictability than technical consistency.”

Nevertheless, many respondents still described him as a loyal club servant, underscoring the conflicted emotions of West Ham’s supporter base.

Who Is the Most Exciting Youngster at West Ham United?

Fans voted Callum Marshall, the 19-year-old Northern Ireland striker, as the most exciting youngster, signalling strong optimism for the club’s developmental pipeline.

According to Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia, Marshall has been “electrifying” in Premier League 2 matches, tallying 12 goals this season for West Ham’s U21 side. Supporters regard him as a potential first-team inclusion after watching his confident finishing and tactical awareness in youth fixtures.

Meanwhile, George Earthy – another academy standout – finished second. As mentioned by BBC Sport, Earthy’s consistent performances and versatility have drawn comparisons to a younger Bowen, prompting calls for him to get more senior opportunities.

Who Were Named the Worst and Best Managers in West Ham’s Premier League History?

The managerial segment of the poll reflected familiar divides among the fanbase.

As reported by Hammers News, David Moyes featured prominently in both worst and best manager categories – an indication of how divisive his tenure remains. Supporters who voted him among the worst cited frustration over defensive tactics and reliance on counter-attacks. However, others defended his European success and stability, pointing to the club’s 2023 European triumph.

Fans naming the worst manager included consistent mentions of Avram Grant, who led West Ham to relegation in 2011, taking 41% of negative votes. The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg wrote that “Grant’s short tenure remains symbolic of chaos that plagued the club during its most directionless years.”

Slaven Bilić, on the other hand, received recognition from over 15% of voters in the best manager category, remembered fondly for the emotional 2015–16 Upton Park season.

What Position Do Fans Think West Ham Must Strengthen in January 2026?

Polling data shared by Hammers News showed a strong consensus that the club urgently needs to strengthen the striker position, with 44% of fans prioritising attacking reinforcements before the January window.

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham have already begun preliminary scouting efforts for forwards across Europe, including interest in Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Girona’s Artem Dovbyk.

Defensive depth was the second-biggest concern, with 26% of voters insisting the club must sign a reliable centre-back to complement Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd. Some also mentioned the left-back role, particularly due to doubts over Emerson Palmieri’s long-term suitability.

As pointed out by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, “the Hammers’ lack of pace in both defence and attack has become glaring against stronger top-six sides,” a sentiment echoed across many fan responses.

What Does This Poll Reveal About West Ham’s Fan Sentiment?

The survey highlights growing fan frustration about attacking inefficiency and perceived stagnation under current management. Yet, optimism about younger players, especially academy forwards, suggests hope for long-term renewal.

Hammers News analysts observed that despite the criticism, most voters balanced their views with appreciation for the club’s recent European achievements. Supporters were also vocal about maintaining the core of Fernandes, Bowen, and Kudus – seeing them as vital to West Ham’s transition period.

Social media responses showed humour alongside critique. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented,

“Antonio might be our ‘worst striker’ on paper, but he’s still the heart of our club.”

Another wrote,

“Callum Marshall’s the future – just needs a proper run in the team.”

What’s Next for West Ham United?

With the January window approaching, speculation mounts over possible signings and player exits. As reported by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Moyes is under “intensified pressure” to deliver consistent domestic results following European progression.

Whether the club acts decisively in the transfer market will shape both the remainder of this campaign and the manager’s future. The Guardian suggested the West Ham board are cautious about overspending but recognise the need for attacking reinforcements.

Mateus Fernandes’ rise and Marshall’s promise offer faint silver linings in a season marked by inconsistency. What remains clear from the fan poll is that West Ham supporters continue to hold deep passion – and exacting expectations – for their club’s future trajectory.