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The FIVE candidates to replace West Ham gaffer Sam Allardyce

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David Moyes Unsurprisingly, the familiar noise of Sam Allardyce rumours are whirling around East London, once again. Following a pretty dismal pre-season tour of New Zealand, and growing rumours of hostility between the board and the manager himself, social networking sites were ecstatic to see David Gold favourite a supporter’s tweet, asking whether ‘BFS’ would be sacked. A hint, or an accident? – I’m fairly certain it was the latter.

Although I am far from Allardyce’s biggest fan, I highly doubt a board with as much experience as ours would continue delving into the transfer market, whilst also considering sacking their man in charge this close to the new season. If we wanted to sack the manager, it should have been done at the end of last season to allow the new man in charge to implement his style, methods and transfers successfully. That being said, I have complied a list of potential replacements for Sam Allardyce, if he is to face the axe before the forthcoming season is up, let me know what you think:

1) David Moyes:

A fairly obvious replacement, I think it’s fair to say. Despite a disastrous spell after taking the reigns of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Moyes’ performance at previous club Everton was nothing short of fantastic. Moyes enjoyed 11 successful years at Goodison Park, turning a mid-table side with a relatively small transfer budget, like us, to regular competitors and often achievers, of a Champions League place. Everton’s achievements in Moyes’ last couple of seasons at the club were tremendous, and fans have often spoke of the atmosphere and unity that he created in his time at the club – something that we clearly lack in East London at the moment. Having taken a lengthy break from managerial duties, I feel Moyes would certainly considering taking over at Upton Park very carefully. Although I feel Allardyce should stay in charge for the forthcoming season, Moyes would certainly be my personal choice, if Sam were to not go the full distance.

2) Neil Lennon:

Another manager that is currently out of a job, the Scotsman may be considered a genuine replacement for Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. Despite only being in management for four years, Lennon’s ability to lead Scottish giants, Celtic to three consecutive league titles and consistent Champions League qualification shows that he certainly knows how to get results. Despite this however, I have a couple of concerns about Lennon. Firstly, he is completely unproven in England – although his achievements at Celtic are impressive, it’s fair to say that the step up from Scottish to England’s top flight is significant. As well as this, Lennon is known to be somewhat of a hot head, having received various touchline bans during his tenure at Celtic Park. Competition for Lennon’s signature would be rife, with the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and Premier League new boys Leicester City, reportedly sniffing round the Scot.

3) Glenn Hoddle:

Undoubtedly an outsider, and perhaps not a fans favourite in East London due to his affiliation with the old enemy, Spurs. Nonetheless, it’s astonishing that Hoddle is not linked for more vacant club jobs than he is, considering numerous ex-pros have described him as the best manager they’ve played under. Having managed Tottenham, Wolves, Chelsea and Southampton, it’s fair to say Hoddle has his fair share of Premier League experience in management under his belt, and following his expressing of interest in the Spurs’ job after Tim Sherwood’s exit, it could be assumed that Hoddle is open to a return to management after an 8 year break.

4) Slaven Bilic:

The former Hammer has made no secret in recent years that he has dreamt of a return to East London as a manager, and is something of a fans’ favourite at Upton Park. Having heard many conversations amongst supporters on matchdays, Bilic’s name is often mentioned as a man that fans would like to see take the reigns. Bilic’s 49% win percentage at current club, Besiktas is particularly impressive, whilst his undoubted passion is something that would not go amiss in the Hammers’ dressing room, at the moment.

5) Malky Mackay:

Another former Hammer, and former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay has often been linked with the post at Upton Park. Having secured Cardiff’s promotion back into England’s top flight, Mackay was in my opinion, sacked unfairly by owner Vincent Tan and has since, not returned to management. I’ve no doubts that if he were to be approached, Mackay would certainly like to take the West Ham job, but I must admit I do have fears over his capability amongst England’s elite. His performance in Cardiff’s championship campaign was certainly impressive, but he struggled dearly for results last season and I simply do not feel he is any more capable than current boss, Sam Allardyce.

Let me know what you think – do you think we should keep Allardyce considering how close we are to the new season, or do you still think there’s time for a change in management?

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8 comments

  • banksy says:

    Good shout with moyes and bilic two good candidates if bfs does get the elbow. Personally i would prefer bilic a massive favourite with the chaps in the stands and a previous hammer say no more?

  • irons4ever says:

    How about Di Canio or even Harry? Or how about both of them with Di Canio
    acting as apprentice until Harry retires. Harry only has one year left on his QPR contract.

  • Ken Perry says:

    I would go for Bilic or (dare I say) Hoddle with a preference for the latter. He is too good a coach and a very shrewd tactician to remain outside premier league management. Boy, would we see a change in style under him at West Ham. I also think he would talk some sense into the likes of Rav and show a damn sight more interest in the youngsters than BFS. Forget about the Spurs connections of the past. Think instead of the excitement his approach to the game would bring to us

  • roger holcombe says:

    Lets wait and see where we stand by November
    BFS may not be universally popular but he did have
    a quite good football team on a smallish budget
    at Bolton.

    Who knows it could be a good season/ or not.

  • Michael Houston says:

    Lennon is Northern Irish….

  • Dave says:

    The question is, who would want the job?
    Things don’t go well, you have the owners and chaiman and their son playing it out on twitter etc.
    Public criticism, washing laundry in public.
    Every time we have a bad run, coming up with save our season crap !!!
    Now taking over the transfers, arguing who plays and stays in public.
    They undermined Zola, Grant and Alardyce.
    They keep saying they don’t sack, but have had 3 managers in 5 years and then humiliate each manager in public.
    So what top manager would want it ?
    I think they wouldn’t fancy the owners, then they have Brady in the paper every Saturday making snide comments as well.
    Great for morale !!!

  • Ash007 says:

    What about Graham Arnold from Sydney fc. Can’t do any worse.

  • Stafford hammer says:

    Give bft 12 games and if he’s sacked i would be torn between bilic and hoddle both have great cvs and international experience as players and managers, why not bilic as manner and Hoddle as his assistant wat a combination guess i can keep dreaming on that one

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