Tuesday, May 20

Allardyce stays

So the board has just announced it's retaining Sam Allardyce, though the key part of its statement is surely this section from Gold and Sullivan mentioning the West Ham Way:

"We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."



On one hand you have to be careful what you wish for, as Allardyce keeps teams up. But this is his last chance at WHU and he has to produce more entertaining football. Big Sam can't claim not to have any idea what the West Ham way is, as his own chairmen are very clear they do know what it is. He's also been forced to agree to a new attacking coach, which is hardly a vote of confidence in his methods. Many fans will be disappointed that he hasn't gone today, but he's surely been told that things have to improve and hopefully instructed to be less arrogant in his dealings with the fans. Now Big Sam has to prove that he can get the Academy flowing again and with better players create a proper West Ham side

Allardyce has basically been retained after a vote of not much confidence. And if things don't get better — including, as well as better football, scoring from set pieces which is supposed to be his side's strength — then he could still be gone by Christmas.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

If they understood the West Ham way - Sam would not be our manager.

Anonymous said...

Of course not!!
Look at our players! We need more attacking minded midfielders. Simple.
I have asked many times who else is available. All i see is rednap!! Yes misspelt on purpose. So who is available. Yep lets sack him and not have anyone!! So, i am happy he stays as he will keep us up till we go to the big balloon in Stratford. Surely deep down, that's what we all want. Then the income should attract better players. Some who will be released have given blood for the shirt this last year. And i feel for them. Some haven't and should go. Maiga, say no more. So lets do what we do best. Support the iron's.

Pete May said...

My feeling is the board will Keep Sam for another year to ensure safety and jettison him at the end of next season and rely on the new man keeping us up one more year until we arrive at Stratford. Van Gaal would do me but he seems to be taken

matt said...

The post of new attacking coach will be crucial. I did suggest Kevin Nolan could get the job: "Any ideas Kev?" "Yes, Gaffer, we could try boshing it up long to the Big Man?" "Great plan, we'll give it a try..."
But realistically, Kevin Davies could be available. He could teach AC how to back into defenders and fall over, and we'll have loads of free kicks. And as Paul Weller knew, that's entertainment...

Pete May said...

Maybe we could just get Paul Weller himself Matt - it would be a Start and knows a thing or two about Style Counselling…