Sam set to stay at Upton Park after talks with board

After much speculation, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will stay on at Upton Park. After an indifferent season, in East London, where ‘Big Sam’ was criticised by fans for playing “boring” football, he still managed to steer them away from relegation to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.

Reports have indicated that the 59-year-old had managed the Hammers for the last time, though he had an end of season meeting with David Sullivan to discuss the future.

It is believed there were conditions set down by Sullivan, who insisted that the coaching staff be added to, and that more emphasis should be put on playing attacking football, with more youth promotion. In a recent poll with fans, 78 per cent called for their manager to be dismissed.

Although Allardyce took Bolton into Europe, he is 200/1 to lead West Ham to a top four finish. Perhaps beyond their reach, however Everton have proven before using limited resources and applying the right attitude that it is not impossible.

Encouragingly for fans, the boss will be given funds to spend, in order to improve the team and the potential to play more expansive football.

Following news that Allardyce would be kept on, a statement from inside Upton Park said: “The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.”

David Gold joined Sullivan in a comment, lending support to the West Ham boss: “Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives.

“Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season.”

“During this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs.”