Vladimir Coufal sends message to West Ham fans - relegation "hurts" Hammers icon | OneFootball

West Ham United hero Vladimir Coufal has sent a message to supporters following the club's relegation to the Championship...

West Ham United won the UEFA Conference League just three years ago with the likes of Vladimir Coufal key parts of the team, but now find themselves in the Championship for 2026/27.

A lot of the experienced players that helped West Ham United to that victory have since departed the club, but the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek are still around to have experienced both that high and this low.

Bowen was among the scorers in yesterday's 3-0 victory over Leeds United, which took West Ham to 39 points. However, that was not enough without Everton beating Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs held on for a 1-0 victory and sent the Hammers down.

2026/27 will be West Ham's first season in the Championship since 2012, and just their fifth outside of the Premier League since 1992. Only three teams have also been relegated with more points than West Ham's 39 this season as well.

West Ham United hero Vladimir Coufal's message to fans

Bolton Wanderers in 1998, Sunderland in 1997, and West Ham in 2003 are the teams to be relegated with more than 39. Middlesbrough in 1997, Birmingham City in 2011, and Blackpool in 2011 are the only other clubs to be relegated with 39, too.

It puts into perspective how Nuno Espirito Santo's side came close this year, but it was ultimately not enough. Some of their star former players of the last decade have since come out to pay their respects to the club and offer their commiserations.

Vladimir Coufal spent five seasons with the club until last summer, with the right-back joining TSG Hoffenheim and finishing fifth in the Bundesliga. He played 180 games for the Hammers and was a reliable option for David Moyes.

Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: "I will be FOREVER blowing bubbles, till I fade and die 🫶🏼⚒️

"Now it hurts but I am 💯 percent sure first game of new season fans will be here again, London stadium will be full cheering for Claret and Blue army. COYI"

What relegation means for West Ham United

Relegation to the Championship in is hugely damaging for West Ham financially. Premier League income dwarfs Championship revenue, meaning the club will already have to lower its wage bill, consider major player sales, and reset expectations around the club as a whole.

Naturally, retaining top-flight quality players will also become difficult following the drop. Bowen could be one, which will sting as much as yesterday did for the Hammers. However, keeping someone like that, helping to gain promotion at the first attempt, is essential. As is stability across the club.

West Ham must avoid a chaotic rebuild, keep a core of experienced leaders, and recruit players suited to the intensity and physical demands of the Championship rather than relying purely on Premier League pedigree. Will Nuno stay? Having the right manager is equally crucial.

A strong start to the season is also vital, because confidence and momentum often define promotion races in the Championship. But can they do that with so much uncertainty around many of the playing squad? There are so many unknowns, which is why they are perhaps the most interesting second tier club this summer.