West Ham legend Tony Cottee has called for sweeping changes across the club after the Hammers slipped closer to relegation following a damaging 3-1 defeat against Newcastle United.
The result has left West Ham’s survival hopes hanging by a thread and significantly increased pressure around both performances and decision-making at the club.
The Hammers now appear heavily reliant on results elsewhere, with Tottenham needing only one point from their remaining two matches to mathematically guarantee safety and confirm West Ham’s drop into the Championship.
For Cottee, however, the latest defeat highlighted issues that extend far beyond a single result.
Tony Cottee criticises tactics and performances
West Ham fell behind quickly after Newcastle raced into a two-goal lead within the opening 18 minutes.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to deploy a back-three system quickly came under scrutiny, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the match.
The manager was eventually forced into a tactical adjustment before the half-hour mark, introducing Taty Castellanos and abandoning the original shape.
Cottee did not hide his frustration afterwards.
“Really poor performance. 3 at the back when you’ve got to win? Nuno’s at fault for this!”
The former striker then turned attention toward wider issues within the squad.
“Too many players not good enough.”
Cottee wants major changes<.h2>
Cottee’s strongest criticism focused on the overall direction of the club.
“Total clear out needed from top to bottom.”
Having followed West Ham’s campaign closely, inconsistency has repeatedly undermined any attempts to build momentum.
Individual struggles have also become increasingly problematic.
January signing Pablo has yet to score despite making 16 appearances, while goals have been a wider issue throughout the season.
| West Ham 2025/26 | Record |
|---|---|
| League matches | 37 |
| Games without scoring | 13 |
| Latest result | West Ham 1-3 Newcastle |
| Current situation | Relegation danger |
source: Premier League data – 16 May 2026
Only Wolves and Nottingham Forest have failed to score more often this season.
Future planning already underway
Despite the immediate pressure surrounding survival, reports suggest West Ham are already considering structural changes behind the scenes.
The club have reportedly shown interest in data scouting specialist Paul Wagner as they look toward rebuilding plans.
From the closing weeks of West Ham’s season, attention has increasingly shifted toward long-term questions rather than short-term momentum.
Whether the club remain in the Premier League or return to the Championship may significantly affect the scale of those decisions.
Before any of that becomes relevant, however, West Ham require help elsewhere and need to beat Leeds in their final fixture.
Key Points
- Tony Cottee criticised West Ham after defeat to Newcastle
- The former striker called for a “total clear out”
- Nuno Espirito Santo's tactics were questioned
- West Ham have failed to score in 13 league games
- Relegation now appears increasingly likely
What’s next
West Ham must now hope other results go in their favour before facing Leeds United in the final game of the season.
Meanwhile, questions surrounding the club’s long-term direction are likely to intensify regardless of the outcome.
Is Tony Cottee right — does West Ham need a complete rebuild?
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