The first half of West Ham’s season looked very promising – by the end of last year, Sam Allardyce’s side found themselves in the top four. But the second half has not produced the same types of results, and West Ham are now sitting in tenth. After four years in charge, is it time ‘Big Sam’ and West Ham parted ways?
In their last eight Premier League games, West Ham have managed just one win – a 3-0 win over relegation candidates Hull City at Upton Park. Their last two outings have seen them beaten comfortably at home to Crystal Palace and then narrowly by league leaders Chelsea.
Last season, Sam Allardyce found himself in hot water with the West Ham fans. Banners displaying the words ‘Fat Sam Out. Destroying WHU’ were displayed after West Ham’s 1-0 defeat at West Brom, and polls showed that a staggering 70% of West Ham fans wanted Sam Allardyce out of their club.
Slipping from a top four place into tenth of course does not sit well with West Ham fans. Competition has been fierce for those who are attempting to, and find themselves in the top four, with one point separating Arsenal and Manchester United in third and fourth respectively. Only two points then separate Manchester United and Liverpool.
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But West Ham want to be breaking into the top six. They are already in the top half of the table, while their highest Premier League finish under Allardyce remains ninth. Are they stalling under their manager? Is Sam Allardyce using his players to their potential?
Each season of football sees a managerial merry go round: abrupt sackings with successors being brought in as quickly as possible, with huge weight and pressure on their shoulders. This season has been no different, and Big Sam has been caught up in the media hype, much to his displeasure.
Sam Allardyce has tried to distance himself from the speculation surrounding the safety of his job. He said: “It is not my desire to listen to praise or criticism.
“I like to be professional and work with the people within the football club to try and get the best out of them. I hear things but I don’t take any notice of it. There was speculation last season same as this season, I think there always will be.”
Big Sam’s contract with West Ham will be up in the summer. At present, there is nothing to suggest that negotiations have been held to extend his current contract, but also nothing suggests that he is on his way out either.
If Sam Allardyce were to going the managerial merry go round, and part ways with his club, who would be in line to replace him? West Ham need a manager who will build on their current squad, and take them as far up the table as possible.
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