Sport
5 REASONS WHY WEST HAM MUST PART WAYS WITH ALLARDYCE
5 REASONS WHY WEST HAM MUST PART WAYS WITH ALLARDYCE
After a great first half of the campaign, West Ham United have disappointed since the turn of the year and currently sit 11th in the Premier League. At one stage, there were whispers that the Hammers could defy the odds and finish in a Europa League spot and Sam Allardyce’s team were still fifth after 13 games. However, they have struggled since the turn of the year and, prior to Saturday’s 1-0 victory over 10-man Burnley, picked up just one victory in 13 Premier League matches.
Although the manager is not necessarily fully to blame for their poor run of form, Allardyce has failed to inspire throughout the second half of the year and it may be time for the club to look elsewhere in the summer. We take a look at a few of the reasons why West Ham should part ways with the former Bolton Wanderers boss, and discuss some of the potential candidates that could replace him at Upton Park.
Their form in the second half of the season has been terrible
The Hammers have struggled since Christmas and their form in 2015 has been abysmal. In their 16 league matches in the calendar year, they have won just three games and picked up 16 points. Meanwhile, they have failed to earn victories against the likes of QPR, Leicester City and Crystal Palace in the past few months. They have dropped a number of points from winning positions throughout the campaign, but have thrown away leads against West Brom, Stoke City, Swansea City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – despite leading 2-0 against the latter.
They continue to finish in the bottom half of the division
Since Big Sam led the Hammers to promotion via the playoffs in 2012, they have finished 10th, 13th and may finish 12th this season. Although their league position is consistent, their actual performances haven’t been. They earned 46 points in 2012 and finished 10 points above the drop zone, while one year later they finished with just 40 points and 7 points above the relegation zone. With three matches still to play, the Hammers are currently ninth but are only five points ahead of 12th placed Crystal Palace – who have a game in hand on Allardyce’s side.
Big Sam has taken the club as far as he can
Unfortunately for Allardyce, it appears that he cannot take the club any further and a change may be good for all parties. The 60-year-old completed his first task of earning promotion back to the top flight, but he has failed to build after an excellent maiden season back in the Premier League. Despite increased investment in the transfer windows, they have struggled to climb up the division and West Ham supporters are beginning to get frustrated at the consistent mid-table finishes. A new manager could help to freshen up the squad, and possibly introduce a more attractive style of football.
Other managers are likely to be available
There are a number of managers who may be open to offers in the summer window and the Hammers should exercise all of the options. Michael Laudrup, who impressed while head coach of Swansea, would be a suitable choice, while other options include David Moyes, Rafa Benitez and former player Slaven Bilic. At the end of the day, these managers would certainly consider a move back to the Premier League and all could be plausible candidates to take the reins at Upton Park.
The supporters have been concerned for quite some time
At the end of last season, a number of fans expressed their concern at Allardyce’s managerial style and ability. The Hammers struggled towards the end of the campaign last season and supporters raised their voices against Big Sam, claiming that the former Newcastle manager was failing to motivate the players after they had secured their Premier League status for another season. Without the support of the fans, it will be quite difficult to see a future for Sam Allardyce at West Ham and it would be little surprise to see another face in the manager’s dugout at Upton Park next season.
