Sam Allardyce has dismissed speculation over his future at West Ham United, insisting all will be resolved during the summer.
The experienced manager was widely expected to be giving his marching orders at the end of last season, when the Hammers finished in 13th place and supporters voiced their disapproval with the style of football they were witnessing. However, Allardyce was given the backing of the board, although he was instructed to introduce a more entertainment at Upton Park this term.
A number of new players were signed during the summer, many of whom have been undoubted successes such as on-loan Barcelona ace Alex Song, forward Enner Valencia and leading goalscorer Diafra Sakho. This has contributed to the Londoners making a fine start to the new Premier League campaign, in which they currently sit in fourth position having won half of their first 16 matches.
Yet despite this, reports have suggested that Allardyce’s position remains on thin ice. The reason for this, it is claimed, is that his current contract expires at the end of the season and thus far there has been no progress in regards to an extension. But the 60-year-old has played down such speculation, insisting the plan was always to discuss his future when the season draws to a close.
“It’s the same as it’s been all season,” said Allardyce. “We’ll sit down when we’re ready and comfortable, and discuss the situation. We’re comfortable in that position, like I was the last time after we got promoted to the Premier League. We talked about that contract around the end of April, May almost, even though we finished 10th that year. I don’t have any problems with that.”
The Hammers will certainly be looking to collecting another maximum-point haul on Saturday afternoon when bottom-placed Leicester City travel to the capital, especially as they won’t be expected to pick up much on Boxing Day when they take on leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Allardyce’s side end the calendar year at home, in another intriguing date with Arsenal.
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