West Ham United have qualified for the Europa League for the first time in nine years through the Fair Play system.
Just days after the end of the season and Sam Allardyce’s departure, Hammers fans have reasons to be delighted after learning that the club will be playing European football for the first time since the 2006-2007 season.
Managerless West Ham will be among one of the 102 teams starting their Europa League campaign on the 2nd of July and will have to negotiate three rounds of qualification before August’s playoff that would determine the 22 teams featuring in the group stages.
This is the London club’s last season at the Boleyn Ground before moving to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season and joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold believe progress in the the Europa League would make for a fine tribute to their long serving home.
“We are delighted to have won a place in the UEFA Europa League as we want to ensure the Boleyn Ground the best send-off possible, and progress in this competition will certainly help with that.
Starting in early July will bring its challenges but everyone at the club, from the board to the players and supporters, will be relishing the opportunity to feature on the European stage. It should be a fantastic experience.” said, Sullivan and Gold.
Former defender Slaven Bilic is the bookmaker’s favorite to take over from Allardyce after the Croat confirmed he would leave Turkish club Besiktas. Sevilla manager Unai Emery and former England boss Steve McClaren are also possible candidates.
