Maybe I’m getting into the Christmas spirit a bit early or something but I feel it’s time to give Sam Allardyce a pat on the back this morning.
It is of course very early days and not the right time to get carried away with a little success but Stewart Downing’s call-up to the England squad has to be recognised as being as much about the manager as the player.
A welcome change of system was a very good thing in it’s own right but that the Hammers have possibly their first international player since Scott Parker ( if we ignore former loanee Andy Carroll) is a credit to the two guys.
Given that Roy Hodgson seems to have made a habit of turning a blind eye to West Ham when selecting England squads makes the selection even more significant.
Downing himself commented yesterday that the England manager had been impressed with the way the side has adjusted it’s style of play this season, perhaps the most significant comment in what at times sounded like a thank you speech.
And Allardyce’s decision to employ a diamond formation with Downing as the key player was – whether you like the bloke or not – a masterstroke.
I, like every other Iron, am hoping Hodgson goes the whole hog and gives Stewart his start against Slovenia as, after all, this is no ‘kid’ whom he has to protect.
Allardyce is right when he claims he’s the most effective midfielder around, a statement borne out by the fact he’s provided more assists that Cesc Fabregas.
For the first time in a long while I’m looking forward to an international – all the best Stewart and well done Mr Allardyce.
Your are right its way too early.you assume the diamond is Sam’s idea,with twenty five years of previous to the contrary and the whole of preseason.Try looking towards Mac and Teddy .They inherited the new players and set up and have prepared the lads well. Do you really think the genius fame up with this? I don’t see any evidence to back it up .
And I see no evidence to suggest it isn’t. Perhaps some are a little more balanced and less bitter
Sorry Hugh but Rugby has a valid point.No we are not related.
I’m no fan but the constant abuse is as I say unbalanced
Spot on mate! The same position over and over without ever explaining how.
I’m not BS greatest fan, it drives me mad when ginge and others just aimlessly punt it upfield instead of trying to play the ball out. But he is not the devil and can’t be blamed for all the troubles in the world.
At the end of the day I don’t think it really matters who is responsible for this seasons upturn in fortunes just that it has happened! We should simply be enjoying it while it lasts!
After all nobody outside the upper echelons of the club can truely know how we have reached where we are now.
At best fans reasoning in this matter are speculations and at worst speculation based apon the pro and anti BS camps and all the more predictable for it.
The only thing I would like to add to this debate is,
I think everyone can agree that BS has always been his own man! So I find it amazing after all the debates that some people could ever think that anybody could force either players or a playing style on him. He is too proud for that and would have imo walked.
I believe all debates about BS/the style/formations and good start to the season should begin there. COYI!