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Few transitions in Premier League history have been as emotionally charged as West Ham United’s move from the atmospheric Boleyn Ground to the expansive London Stadium in 2016. A side that were outsiders in the odds on top four for the 16/17 season with those that bet on football, a lot has changed in the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with being part of the Irons.
While Upton Park’s intimate environment represented over a century of tradition, the London Stadium signalled the club’s modern ambitions – a vision Graham Potter now inherits as he takes the reins in east London.
Potter’s appointment represents a significant new chapter for the Hammers, who have witnessed considerable highs and lows in their eight years since relocating.
The former Brighton and Chelsea manager arrives with a reputation for developing talent and implementing progressive football – qualities West Ham hope will restore European nights to a stadium that has already hosted memorable continental encounters.
As the club embarks on this new era under Potter’s guidance, it’s worth reflecting on the standout performers who have graced the London Stadium turf since that emotional farewell to Upton Park. These players have helped forge a new identity for West Ham while connecting the club’s storied past with its ambitious future.
Jarrod Bowen
When Jarrod Bowen arrived from Hull City in January 2020, few could have predicted his meteoric rise from Championship talent to England international. The winger’s relentless work ethic and clinical finishing made him an instant fan favourite at the London Stadium.
Bowen’s finest moment came in the 2023 UEFA Conference League final, where his decisive goal against Fiorentina secured West Ham’s first major trophy since 1980. The way he would deliver in crucial moments – combined with his tireless running and versatility across the forward line – established him as one of the Premier League’s most consistent attacking threats.
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta’s arrival from Lyon in 2022 represented a statement of intent from West Ham, bringing South American flair and technical brilliance to East London. The Brazilian’s sublime first touch and creative vision elevated the Hammers’ midfield to new heights. The midfielder’s sublime performances, when available, demonstrated why the club invested so heavily in his talents.
Declan Rice
Rising through West Ham’s academy before departing for Arsenal in 2023, Declan Rice embodied the club’s proud tradition of developing homegrown talent. His transformation from promising defender to world-class midfielder coincided perfectly with the London Stadium era.
Rice’s commanding presence, exceptional reading of the game, and increasing influence in attack made him the cornerstone of West Ham’s most successful period in recent memory. The England international’s leadership qualities were evident as he captained the side to European qualification and continental success before his record-breaking transfer.
Mark Noble
‘Mr. West Ham’ provided the crucial link between the club’s past at Upton Park and its future at the London Stadium. Noble’s leadership during the challenging early years of the relocation helped maintain West Ham’s identity during a period of significant transition.
Though his playing time gradually decreased in his final seasons, Noble’s influence extended far beyond match days. His connection with supporters, embodiment of the club’s values, and mentorship of younger players like Rice ensured his legacy would transcend both stadiums that defined his remarkable 18-year career with the Hammers.
Dimitri Payet
Though his time at the London Stadium was brief, Dimitri Payet produced moments of such extraordinary brilliance that he remains impossible to exclude from any list of the era’s defining players. The Frenchman’s free-kicks, vision, and creative flair made him the perfect talisman during the emotional first season away from Upton Park.
His acrimonious departure in January 2017 still stings for many supporters, but Payet’s impact cannot be diminished. For a magical 18 months, he elevated West Ham to heights that justified the ambitious move to more expansive surroundings, providing an early glimpse of what the London Stadium era could deliver at its very best.
