West Ham lay their cards on the table

Article by e-West Ham's Brandon Freeman

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The recent news that Sam Allardyce will remain West Ham Manager, following an emergency meeting with both David Sullivan and David Gold, has once again provoked widespread debate amongst Hammers fans. Personally, I feel the news that Big Sam will remain at the club is good news given that Premier League survival will be vital next season, our last at Upton Park before a new chapter begins for West Ham at the Olympic Stadium.

Despite over 70% of West Ham fans who took part in an online survey voting for Sam to be shown the door, the news that the owners have once again held their nerve and used their experience to make their judgement should be music to the ears of Hammers fans - fans who want Premier League survival and want the club to push on and aim for European football.

It may have taken many weeks for the owners to formally address the issue concerning Sam Allardyce’s playing style, but it appears that the club have listened to the fans concerns and have decided to limit the control Big Sam has over the club if he stays. Firstly, the club have announced in a statement that there will be an overhaul in the recruitment network to ensure the right players are brought to the club. The club described it as:

“An overhaul of the club’s scouting and recruitment operation that will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed.”

This is surely an open admission that, like the fans, the owners were not satisfied with Sam Allardyce’s transfer policy, especially given the money paid for players such as Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing who have failed to impress this season.

The owners have also given assurances that those who renew their season tickets for next season will be provided with more “entertainment” next season regarding the style of football on offer. This is certainly pleasing to hear, as up until now the owners have failed to recognise the dissatisfaction at the style of play. Despite our concerns it appears that the club will make sure Big Sam will only stay on as manager if he changes his philosophy and adopts a more attractive style of play in the hope of guaranteeing a top ten finish. However, it does appear that the board seem to think that it will only take the appointment of an “attacking coach” to play better football. Surely it will take more than one coach to alter the style of play and Sam himself will have to accept this and change his methods, but will he really be willing to do this?

A further cause of concern are the rumours that Big Sam will be handed £20 million to recruit players to Upton Park this season. Given the wide range of changes needed to the style of play, surely it will take more than £20 million to bring in the quality of player needed to change a physical and direct team into one which can play a quick passing game, reminiscent of the “West Ham way.”

Therefore, although I am happy that Sam will be given the full backing of the board and that changes will be made to the playing style and backroom staff to appease the fans, I am still unsure as to whether enough change has been made and whether the reported transfer budget will be enough to change our style.

However, surely us West Ham fans can be pleased that the owners have finally put their cards on the table for all to see?

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