Sam Allardyce facing West Ham United sack before the Premier League season - reports
Under-pressure Allardyce is on a collision course with the Hammers board
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park is reportedly under increasing jeopardy and the former Bolton Wanderers boss could even be dismissed before the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The Hammers' hierarchy have publicly criticised their manager for his transfer policy in recent weeks, labelling the £15m signing of Andy Carroll a 'mistake' while openly disagreeing with him on Ravel Morrison's future at the club.
The Daily Mail report that Allardyce is on borrowed time at Upton Park, with an agreement already in place which would give the 59-year-old just ten games to prove himself, but the recent quarrels appear to have accelerated matters.
The United squad are in New Zealand this summer and slipped to their second defeat of the pre-season tour, a 3-1 reverse to Australian side Sydney FC, last night.
Allardyce's men were also beaten 2-1 by Wellington Phoenix on Wednesday.
David Sullivan, the co-owner, raised eyebrows last week by using an interview with talkSPORT to openly criticise his manager's decision to sell Morrison - stating that the board had other ideas.
"Sam has said Ravel is not part of his plans but we do - as a board - see him as part of our plans," he said.
"I think he said in a press conference, if I read it correctly, he's not part of his plans for this season. I think he said that in New Zealand but we don't agree with that. We would like to sit down and give him a longer contract.
"We do like him. We do see him as part of the long-term future of the club but we have to agree it with the manager because there's no point signing a player he's not going to play."
The Hammers boss has endured a tough time of late, with a section of supporters calling for his dismissal since last winter, but comfortably secured the club's Premier League status.
The signing of Enner Valencia, one of the star performers of the World Cup in Brazil, had started a process which Allardyce hopes will eventually appease his critics.
Another contentious issue is the club's reliance on Carroll's services up front after the former England international was dealt with yet another injury blow during the week.
The former Newcastle United striker still has five years to run on his contract in East London after joining the Hammers for a considerable sum last summer following a successful loan spell.
His latest injury, an ankle problem, means that he won't be adding to his fifteen West Ham starts until Christmas.
While the reports could prove to be hearsay, they won't help Allardyce's cause.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments