Mate, no one is arguing the point that with proper management they could well have become a regular fixture within the top 6. My point is that would be flying in the face of what is the norm for them as 3rd is the highest they have ever finished which they managed just once whereas finishing in the top 6 and challenging for honours is relatively normal for us with the exception of 1992-2004 where we were utter brick for the most part. Despite being brick we already had a certain gravitas and pull, hence our ability to sign Ginola/Klinsmann as examples whereas West Ham have never had that base to begin from as a fallen giant or underachiever. By being in the league they are at about par and are generally happy with that.
For me, the only time they have had any potential at all to be a bit of a competing club was around 1999-2001 with all those younger players there. Once Ferdinand went, followed swiftly by Lampard the rot set in and within 2 years or so Cole, Johnson, Defoe and Carrick were all gone. Other than that I fail to recognise any period of time in recent history, ie 40 + years where they have had any similar potential to us so I would respectfully disagree with you.
