(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Thu 30 April 2026 7:30, UK

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West Ham United’s decision to keep Callum Wilson at the club in January is being repaid in the relegation battle.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, talking to Football Insider, after Wilson scored the winning goal in West Ham’s 2-1 win over Everton last time out.

With Spurs winning 1-0 at Wolves, the three points for West Ham maintains their position two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

Wilson was close to leaving the Hammers in January, but the club decided against terminating the 34-year-old’s contract after he scored the winning goal against Tottenham.

West Ham have four games left to keep their Premier League status, starting with a trip to Brentford next, who are winless in seven matches.

Callum Wilson’s experience a difference maker in relegation battle

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that West Ham and Spurs both winning has pulled Nottingham Forest and Leeds back into the relegation battle.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that Newcastle could also be in danger of the drop.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “You knew it was going to be Callum Wilson [to score the winner vs Everton]. I mean, it was just made for him to do that.

“This just vindicates the fact that you buy experience in these relegation battles, and experience counts, and Callum did it. It was very important, because with Spurs getting a win, it was crucial that West Ham got that last-minute winner.

“I do think that both clubs suddenly winning has meant that I’m afraid when we were counting that Forest and Leeds were out of it, I’m afraid that’s dragged them back in.

“As well as Newcastle, which is interesting to see that they’re even they’re being mentioned now in the relegation fight. Four games to go and 12 points still up for grabs.”

West Ham plan permanent Axel Disasi deal

Wilson is still among a number of West Ham players whose futures are uncertain heading into next season, depending on which league the club finds themselves in.

The state of the club’s finances means they will have to sell a star player before they can make any big money moves in the market.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham plan to use funds to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea.

The centre-back has made an impact in strengthening West Ham’s defence since his arrival in January, and the 28-year-old has no future at Chelsea.