Page 22 - Soccer360 - Issue 103

Players of West Ham celebrate after scoring the 2-1 lead during the
English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC,
Tottenham appointed Ange Postecoglu as head coach after he guided Celtic to two Scottish titles
Tottenham Hotspur
Such was Tottenham’s increasing ineptitude in 2022-23 and the negative atmosphere that has surrounded the club, they enter the new season as rank outsiders for a Champions League place, and many feel a place in the top six
is beyond them. Add to that the monumental loss of all-time record goalscorer and club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, and that paints a grim picture. Yet all is not lost. The appointment of Ange Postecoglu as head coach after two outstanding title-winning seasons in Scotland with Celtic is both exciting and intriguing, and he is sure to bring an entertaining style of football with him to Spurs. If new signings such as James Maddison and Manor Solomon can have a positive impact, then they could well exceed expectations.
West Ham United
The 2022-23 campaign will go down as a historic one for West Ham after their memorable success in the Europa Conference League, but they’re under no illusions that their domestic form must be so much better this time around. Declan Rice leaving for Arsenal represented a massive loss and was a day neither the club nor its fans ever wanted to come, but David Moyes has filled the sizeable gap left behind with proven quality. Mexico international Edson Alvarez is a shrewd signing, while James Ward-Prowse brings further leadership and class to a very solid looking midfield. Jarrod Bowen will also hope to return to scoring form for a Hammers side that should really improve on last season’s 14th place.
NICKNAME:
The Irons, The Hammers
MANAGER:
David Moyes
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 14th
NICKNAME:
The Lilywhites
MANAGER:
Ange Postecoglou
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 8th
Wolverhampton Wanderers
There is no hiding the fact it’s been a difficult time for Wolves. Julen Lopetegui arrived last season to guide the club away from danger at the bottom of the Premier League, but left just five days before the start of 2023-24 after not being allowed the funds to strengthen his squad. In the meantime, star man Ruben Neves was sold along with defender Nathan Collins for a combined £70m, and key midfielder Joao Moutinho was also among those to leave. After his controversial sacking by Bournemouth, Gary O’Neil has taken over from Lopetegui and may well have to battle the odds again - with Wolves seemingly short in several key areas and tipped by many to struggle.
NICKNAME:
Wolves, The Wanderers
MANAGER:
Gary O’Neil
LAST YEAR FINISH:
Premier League, 13th
DID YOU KNOW?
Gareth Barry leads with the most Premier League appearances. The former England midfielder made 653 appearances in the league.
It was a difficult for summer for Wolves, with manager Julen
Lopetegui leaving just days before the season began
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil reacts
22 SOCCER360 MAGAZINE
2023-24 EPL SEASON PREVIEW