PremierLeaguePreview
West Ham United
Manager: Sam Allardyce
Captain: Kevin Nolan
13/14 position: 13th
Top League Goalscorer: Kevin Nolan 7
If the first season back was acceptable in the Premier League, 13/14 was just not acceptable for Hammers fans, many making their views on West Ham’s distinctly unpopular manager Sam Allardyce.
West Ham as a club seem just so.. broken. The fans seem disillusioned about Allardyce’s “lump it to Carroll, nod it on to Nolan” gameplan, and some of the disgusting prices quoted to watch a game at the Boleyn Ground, despite the Hammers various campaigns describing football for families, such as their season opener tomorrow against Tottenham. £77 for the highest price would seem stupidally steep at Chelsea or Manchester City, never mind a side that looked like they’d be relegated last year.
Allardyce has compromised with the fans and says they will try to play more attractive football next year, and to be fair some of the players are top players. Mark Noble is a key man in the Hammers midfield, and perhaps not always bypassing the midfielder could increase his influence.
The transfers could be worrying Hammers fans though; Enner Valencia at £12m from Mexican side Pachuca seems a good deal after his inspired performances for Ecuador at the World Cup, but it’s a hell of a risk. Aaron Cresswell should be a solution to a side that often fielded centre backs at full backs. Ravel Morrison, a very good creative player, is wanted by the board, but not by his manager. Hmmmm… 11th
FANS OPINION: James Weeks @JamesWHUFC_
What is your idea of a good season for your club?
A top 10 and a cup run. No chance we’ll break into the so called “Top 6" so 8th/9th and the semi’s of the FA Cup and I’d be happy for sure.
Worst case scenario?
We finish lower mid table and the football is still atrocious. Us as fans will not stand for that especially after the board promises this summer.
Best player?
I’d have to say Winston Reid. He’s the glue of the defence and never looks out of place wherever we’re playing, be a shame if he doesn’t sign a new deal as clubs will be after him in a flash.
Player you’d happily drive to his next club?
Kevin Nolan. Awful work rate, never does anything apart from score 1/2 goals every so often to keep his place in the side, feels like we’re playing with 10 men when he’s playing!
Fans hero?
Noble. Local lad, gives 1000% and has a great relationship with the fans and everyone involved with the club, even when he’s having a bad day, he’ll still be running end to end.
If you could pick, who would you want your team to do the double over this year?
Spurs. Got to be. Although we did it last year, to repeat the feat and show them that it wasn’t just because they had a bad season would be great.
League winners?
Chelsea, the talent they’ve brought this summer added with their current squad should be enough, although I reckon Man united and Man City will both be up there as well.
Relegated?
Burnley, West Brom and Villa. Burnley really haven’t strengthened enough for a premier league season and will finish comfortably bottom, which is indeed a shame. As for the other two, West Brom’s side just looks below average despite Lescott and Ideye and with Irvine I can’t look past them going down. Villa’s squad just isn’t good enough, and signing Phillipe Senderos kind of sums up the season they’ll have.
Surprise package?
Swansea. If they keep Bony I can see them finishing top 10, very good all round side and with a manager who knows the club and the players. The signings are also very impressive and if they can gel quickly, they’ll be a tough side to beat.
Who will win the golden boot?
Diego Costa, probably a popular choice, but he’s looked good in pre season and with Hazard, Oscar and Schürrle around him, he should bag at least 25 this year!