West Ham Describe Relegation as “a sad and painful moment”

West Ham have described their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship as “a sad and painful moment” for the club.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers were relegated despite a 3-0 final-day victory at home to Leeds through second-half goals from Valentin Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson, as Tottenham edged past Everton 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure Premier League survival.

Following confirmation of their relegation to the Championship, West Ham now face matches against losing play-off finalists, Middlesbrough and teams like Southampton, Wrexham and Sheffield United, alongside a Dockers Derby against London rivals – Millwall.

West Ham will also take on promoted Lincoln City and Bolton Wanderers next season, alongside Cardiff who return to the second tier after just one season in League One.

In a club statement, West Ham paid tribute to supporters for their loyalty and support in a tough season but vowed to fight hard to secure an instant return back to the top-flight, just like they did in 2011-12 season when they won promotion via the Play-Off Final.

“The confirmation of our relegation from the Premier League today marks a sad and painful moment for West Ham United.

“The Club wishes to sincerely thank every single one of our supporters for the constant and loyal backing they have given, throughout what has been an extremely difficult and disappointing season.

“Ultimately, we have not repaid that support. The plain truth is that we have not been good enough. We must now face the consequences of that failure with honesty, transparency and a determination to repair, refocus and rebuild.

“West Ham United is a football club whose unique identity is defined not by success or failure on the pitch, but by the values and traditions of our roots in east London, and by the spirit of the people who have Claret and Blue in their hearts. The Club acknowledges how challenging this season has been for them and knows it must take steps to restore a sense of pride, faith and belief.

“As we have done before, we will fight with everything we have to return to the top division of English football at the first time of asking. The hard work to make that goal a reality begins immediately.”