Board members say ‘first priority’ under new ownership is to appoint head coach
WEST HAM have released four long-serving players but have yet to make a contract decision on Michail Antonio, it was reported today.
Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will all leave the London Stadium at the end of the season as boss Graham Potter begins his squad overhaul.
Striker Antonio has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg in a horror car crash in December.
The 34-year-old, who will also be out of contract at the end of the season, is desperate to make a playing return and is now taking part in light training with his team-mates.
Potter said: “When we have something to announce we will announce it.
“I think he’s in a unique situation in terms of how he’s recovering from his injuries.”
Left-back Cresswell has been with West Ham 11 seasons, and holds a record for the longest unbroken stint as a top-flight player with the club.
The 35-year-old and goalkeeper Fabianski, right-back Coufal and striker Ings were all members of the squad which won the Conference League in 2023.
“Aaron, Lukasz, Vladimir and Danny have been a pleasure to work with in my time here so far,” added Potter.
“They are all brilliant professionals on and off the pitch, with fantastic experience in the Premier League, and clearly loved and admired by their team-mates and everyone here at the club.
“We still have three important matches to play this season, and I know that their focus will be 100 per cent on helping the team in any way they can in those games.
“But we felt it was important to confirm this news now, out of respect for them and the service they have given to the club, and to allow our supporters to show their appreciation at our final home match of the season.”
Board members say ‘first priority’ under new ownership is to appoint head coach
Move follows PSL decision to relocate games to United Arab Emirates