Ah, my weekly correspondence from Big Sam Allardyce—normally containing such gems as ‘Emily, the lads played well,’ ‘Emily, we didn’t deserve to lose,’ and a general essay on why nothing is Sam’s fault. Normally I skim it and move on, but this time I was pretty transfixed by it. Partially because I am hideously embarrassed at what’s happening at my club, but also because I have been one of the very few not calling for Sam’s head, and really needed some insight as to what is going on inside it.
“Emily, are you insane?” Maybe—but I don’t believe in chopping and changing managers in general; I think the lack of continuity and chance to build a long-term plan is bad for the game. But now, I can concede (much like my team did six times last night) that I’ve not seen anything this season from Sam that I would believe is good for the game.
11 goals conceded in four days on national television is possibly the worst sales pitch imaginable to try to convince any players to come to Upton Park. We should all collectively pray that Lacina Traore and Ishak Belfodil don’t have televisions, because if they saw the score line and more importantly the defeatist attitude and abysmal tactics, they will not become Hammers.
So please, Sam, convince me that you are going to keep us up, and that I didn’t throw my money away on that second leg ticket.
“Many teams have gone to Manchester City and, like us, have suffered a painful time.”
Sam, yes, this is absolutely true—but how many of them conceded five to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, too? Manchester City have a prolific scoring record, and have put seven past Norwich City, six past Arsenal, and six past Spurs. So yes, they have put a lot of goals away this season— but couldn’t we have at least put up a fight? Couldn’t we have tried to go into a cup game that fans are being charged £45 to watch with less of a deficit?
“…our players tried as hard as they could, but couldn’t get near these Manchester City players.”
Sam, this is mainly because a lot of them spent the game just stood there watching them, but I’ll move on.
“Despite the scoreline, Adrian was brilliant and he’s growing stronger.”
Sam, this is the only thing you and I agree on. I cannot believe that a goalkeeper who had six goals put past him in one game was one of the best players in the side, but he was. However, you can’t keep using him as a sacrificial lamb. Sure, he makes occasional mistakes, but he deserves better. Maybe in an upcoming game you could try putting some decent defenders in front of him? Radical, I know, but he’s better than the scoreline would have people believe, and that’s not fair on him.
“We’ve got to get out there, face the music…and win football matches.”
Well yeah, Sam, now would be a pretty good time to start.
“We’ve got to … be determined enough to show people that what they think at this particular moment in time is wrong.”
Sam, what I think in this particular moment in time is that I’ve seen two league wins at home this season. Two. I’m not wrong about that. I’m thinking that it is heart-breaking seeing other teams’ fans show their genuine sympathy for us online. I’m not wrong about that either. I’m also thinking that tactically I have seen nothing that convinces me that we are going to stay up, and I whole-heartedly invite you to prove me wrong about that come May.
But Sam, don’t you dare tell me I’m wrong to think that we are in serious trouble. You can leave if we get relegated; I can’t. Nor can the other fans. We have to stay with West Ham for life, so don’t you dare tell us we’re wrong to think that the legacy of West Ham deserves better than what it’s been given, that the fans who want better for their club are wrong.
“Emily, you threw your money away on that second leg cup ticket.”
Okay strictly speaking, you might not have said that, but it’s okay Sam— I already knew it would be a waste of money. At least the high ticket price ensures I’ll have a great unobstructed view of the game. Just promise me you’ll try to have something great to watch on the 21st, okay, Sam?
…Sam?
If you are going to the second leg, then you are a fool and deserve everything you get. And as you have been defending Allardyce when he has been the same one dimensional dinosaur for the last two years, and has now been found out and has given up, you and people like you are partly responsible for us still being stuck with the idiot.
It is now too late whatever the dithering chairmen decide to do on saturday night to save us from relegation and as you have supported the man responsible for that relegation, it might be best if you keep your misguided opinions to yourself in future.
I will be going to the second leg. Mainly as I ordered my ticket prior to the game. I think my ticket is £61 so even more to go and watch a pointless match. Tactically we have been disgraceful. Playing a totally right footed joey o brien at left back with mcartney central. Is not rocket science and sam decided to amend this at half time. Incredible…
I have not called for his head. I have not agreed vastly with many of the substitutions and team selections he has made. I was not even that concerned with the FA or league cup. So if sam has supposedly saved this all for saturdays game against Cardiff then we better bloody win. Otherwise the board must act and bring someone new in. Giving them the chance to effectively build a team and purchase players with a timeframe.
Gary lineker summed up our plight on 43 mins in a tweet when he sarcastically advised… If Carroll was playing.. West Ham would be winning this game. This has been the excuse being used time after time… I remain hopeful and although I have never been keen on Mr Allardyce style of play I hope he can keep us up so we can start a fresh.
He’s a boss who’s happy with a point at home. Lack of ambition. Mostly dull to watch.
Great piece, Emily. Really enjoyed reading it.
It’s nice to see that the tradition of Hammers fans being able to maintain their sense of humour while on the brink of disaster lives on. (Although Ian obviously stopped laughing a while ago, perhaps when Avram took us down.)
I’ll be praying for a miracle in the home leg so that all the fans like you get some value for your money.
Why do people expect us to win or do well against Man City, They are on an unbeatable roll at the moment and have a FULLY FIT TEAM. Central Defenders WHICH WE DON’T.I am amazed that anyone can think we can do anything different. If we had had our full team i do believe it would have been a completely different game, and until all the players are back it is going to be very very hard. But i will get behind Sam and The Team but not from my seat at Upton Park. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO TAKE UP MY SEAT I made that decision before the ist leg, I am a realist and knew we would not stand a chance. I CERTAINLY WOULD NEVER HAVE MADE THE JOURNEY UP TO MAN CITY knowing we only had a skeleton squad. Good on the ones that did go, I have done my share of following the team BUT now i can not afford to put Football before my way of living. Fingers Crossed for Saturday. I have seen some good games this year at home apart from the lack of goals and wins. Come on you Irons,
Anyone with half a brain knows fat face Sam should not be in charge of any team in the modern day prem league. The owners are not interested in WHU but how much they can sell the club for once in the OS. The squad is lacking ability, effort, depth, vision, fight and the main thing confidence which that fat face can’t wait to be sacked cos i don’t give a crap manager gets rich whatever don’t give the team. Wake up dildo bros, sell up and take your team of football brain dead idiots and leave our club alone. Please.