Sunderland or bust for Big Sam

This week I have been asked: “Is Big Sam on borrowed time?” – a few weeks ago I said that if Sam Allardyce didn’t get six points in the next four games that he would most likely be shown the door. So effectively this game against Sunderland will decide his fate. It’s hard to sack a manager who wins a game – unless you’re a Chelsea Manager.

Sam has had a terrible run with injuries this season. And while they are a part of the game, he should have bought an extra striker in summer.

If Sam is given the sack the big question is whom do we replace him with? There is no point sacking Big Sam to bring in Avram Grant. If we do make a move, we have to bring in some quality. There are some good managers that are unemployed right now, however they might not want to get in the relegation dogfight.

Roberto Di Matteo is sitting at home on the couch waiting for a phone call, he would be my first pick. David Moyes looks like he will be out of a job soon, he would be my second. Guus Hiddink is also a very capable manager sitting at home waiting for a call and he would be my third. Paolo Di Canio would be a risk, while brilliant as a player, his management style at Sunderland left a lot to be desired, however he could be a fantastic, it’s just a risk in a high stakes game

There is no doubt that he is running out of time, West Ham need a win(s) and fast. Sunderland is do or die for both the club and Sam. Should he fail to win he should be shown the door.

I like Sam; he has done very well for us as a manager. But this is the big stage and the most ruthless industry of them all. Football managers, just like milk, have an expiry date, and when it expires everything turns sour. Things are looking a little sour now at the club and unless we get some points very shortly we’re in big trouble.

Relegation must be avoided at all costs. Relegation will cost the club millions; we will lose supporters and might end up stuck in the second division for ages.

In the 2010-11 season the two Davids made a terrible mistake by not sacking Avram Grant before the season was over. While a turn around was not certain, it was a view held by many that he needed to go. That experience was a big lesson for the owners, and I am sure that they will not make the same mistake again.

If we are in the relegation zone at Christmas, Allardyce has to go, plain and simple and if we lose on the weekend he has to go.

COYI