The relegation battle in the Premier League is far from over, just yet, but there is the strong inclination that West Ham have done enough to be safe from danger.
Sam Allardyce’s contract at West Ham is set to expire in the summer though. David Gold and Sullivan have insisted that they will sit down and discuss new terms in May but does the former Bolton and Blackburn boss deserve better? Or is this a rouse to move the 58 year old on?
A spiral of uncertainty now swirls around Upton Park as Allardyce has insisted he wants to thrash out new terms as soon as West Ham are mathematically safe. You can hardly blame him considering the nature of his departures from football club’s in the past.
Should Gold and Sullivan make the situation more comfortable for all involved and sign Allardyce to a new contract as soon as possible? If Big Sam is to remain at the helm surely he will need to make plans for the development of the team going into next season for the transfer window, long before May.
At this moment I want to point back to the 10 point pledge the West Ham owners made to the fans in May 2010 going into the 2010/11 season. It was as a signal for how they planned to lead the club the success.
The first point on this list was to appoint the right manager. The season after this checklist was made West Ham were relegated and the Allardyce reign began. He achieved promotion at the first attempt and now looks intent on achieving survival in his first Premier League campaign for the Irons. If this is not the qualities of the right manager for the job then it is difficult to quantify what is.
They went onto mention in this pledge that they would listen to the supporters too. Whilst you will never see all the West Ham supporters advocate the methods of Allardyce they would surely be in agreement Premier League football is a priority. It is useless playing pretty football next season if they are to get relegated to the Championship.
The eighth point of the plan is the one which may draw contention as it was to make football enjoyable for people to come and watch. This is where the Ownership at Upton Park seemingly have a get out of jail free card to dispense of Allardyce’s services using this as an excuse. Would that be acceptable? Definitely not.
It appears to be quickly forgotten at times that Premier League football is a results business. Arsenal have regularly played eye catching football yet still disappoint their supporters. Swansea would not be lavished with praise for their style of play, in the manner they have been this season, if they had not achieved Capital One Cup glory. The Gold and Sullivan partnership may want to be careful what they wish for in their handling of their current boss. The grass is not always greener.
If there is any hesitation as to whether they should be handing their man a new contract they want to read their own words they wrote in 2010 at the end of their 10 point pledge.
“We are here for the long term and our goals will evolve as we progress. We are proud to be here and will never stop working for you.
“All of us share the same hopes and dreams. It is not just about aiming for cup finals or derby victories but about feeling part of something together and all pulling in the same direction.”
If Allardyce is for the long term this may be a worry, but surely for now they have to, as they state above, progress. There may be a leader in the future in the mould of Di Canio who can deliver the glamour football required but for now stability is essential.
West Ham should have enough this season to survive but achieving the same feat two seasons running would be a greater achievement. There may be plans for the Olympic Stadium and continued development in various aspects but ensuring consolidation on the pitch is what remains most important.
If fanciful thoughts have suddenly struck Gold and Sullivan to try and quietly relinquish the duties of Allardyce then the Hammers may be the latest club to be struck with the curse of sacking him too soon.
Whilst Allardyce is by no means entitled to contract security in the nature Pardew was awarded at Newcastle, it is time for the sensible decision to be taken at Upton Park.
If the plan does though suddenly evolve and a new man is handed the reins to lead West Ham into battle then you wonder whether there really is a plan in East London after all.
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