WSL 2022/23 Preview 11: West Ham United
WSL 2021/22 final position: 6th
Managed by former Fox Paul Konchesky, West Ham have made two impressive summer signings in French forward Viviane Asseyi and Japanese defender Risa Shimizu.
How we fared last season
26 September 2021: West Ham United 4 Leicester City 0
After giving up 33 shots to Manchester United in the previous game, Leicester let West Ham fire in another 25 in the third WSL match of the season.
This tally doesn’t even include the two own goals that added to first half strikes from Tameka Yallop and Claudia Walker.
Leicester did manage 12 shots at the other end of the pitch, thanks to another attacking lineup from manager Jonathan Morgan. The real problems were clear by now though, and Morgan must have been starting to wonder how to plug the gaps in his side’s defence.
13 February 2022: Leicester City 3 West Ham United 0
Fast forward to the return fixture and with Morgan long gone, his replacement Lydia Bedford was able to speak about the confidence flowing through her players after a fine 3-0 victory over the Hammers.
‘It's difficult when a new manager walks through the door,’ said Bedford. ‘Every week they give me 110%, they put the work in and they believe in what we are asking them to do.’
Natasha Flint charged down a clearance to open the scoring after just two minutes and the result was never in doubt from there. Ashleigh Plumptre’s header seven minutes later doubled Leicester’s lead. Loanee Freya Gregory made it three in the second half following great work from Shannon O’Brien and the closeness of the players was evident in the wild celebrations that followed. Leicester were well on the way to staying up.
When we face them this season
Away: 19/20 November 2022
Home: 20/21 May 2023
A new signing speaks
'Since I came in, I think we’ve been making very good progress from what I can see. Even for myself personally, I feel good! I’m very happy with how my first couple of weeks have gone.
'I’m getting to the point where I’m starting to have a lot more energy, a lot more power, so I’m moving in the right direction in terms of my fitness.'
Viviane Asseyi, French forward signed from Bayern Munich
What the papers say
‘Konchesky may seem an unusual choice but the former Liverpool, West Ham and Leicester player stepped up after [previous manager Olli] Harder departed and has embarked on a heavy summer of recruitment. The straight-to-the-point manager, asked whether he had taken advice from coaches he played under, spoke of chatting to Roy Hodgson and Nigel Pearson.’
Suzanne Wrack, The Guardian - read Suzanne’s full West Ham season preview
View from the stands: Allie Heppell
How happy were you with West Ham in the WSL last season?
Very. We had a rough 2020/21 season, barely scraping safety in the league.
In 2021/22 we played some impressive games. A win over Manchester City early on is a highlight of my following West Ham, never mind last season. We lost to a few teams but managed to limit the damages. So overall we cannot complain with a record position and points total.
What are your expectations for this season and how happy are you with your transfer business?
I think we can capitalise on what we did last season. We are working on speed and fitness which was an issue last season.
We have strengthened where we needed. We have, of course, lost some fan favourites. But the new players will soon replace them in the fans’ hearts.
Which West Ham players should we look out for this season?
Honoka Hayashi! For her goalscoring prowess. And Jessica Ziu for her talent and speed. We did well this transfer window.
Did any Leicester players stand out in our games against you last season?
Sam Tierney. What a talent that one has. She shows vision way beyond her years. I think she is thriving at Leicester.
I also want to give Demi Lambourne a shout out. What a keeper. Her prowess is top level. She also has such a command on the back line.
Lastly, one we're asking everyone, how was Euro 2022 for you?
Magical. I got to be at the final and I cried. It felt like such a powerful moment to be part of.
It’s also made me up my personal football playing. I still think I can be the next Millie Bright at 32.
Allie is co-host and co-producer of The WOSO Show.
Follow Allie and The WOSO Show on Twitter.