West Ham legend Frank McAvennie is convinced the club is taking a gamble by backing Sam Allardyce declaring:”I think a change of manager might help.”
And he added: “Unfortunately there’s too many players there that aren’t good enough to play in the Premier League, let alone play for West Ham.”
Supermac – still revered by those who saw him in his pomp for the Irons – speaking in an exclusive interview with KUMB.com Podcast – added: “Sam’s got a lot of backroom staff but it doesn’t matter how many stats you fling at me, the game is simple – he can either get the ball down and play, or he can’t.
“West Ham are going to the Olympic Stadium and they don’t need a team from the Championship to go there.
“Sullivan and Gold are taking a major gamble and I feared for Sam’s job after the 5-0 [defeat at Nottingham Forest]. I think they’ve got enough [to avoid relegation] if they get everyone back, but I think a wee change might be better for the Club.
“I was one of those all for Sam, but it just hasn’t happened.”
He sees a lack of passion and cohesion in the team and simply doesn’t understand why.
He said: “I don’t know if it’s the dressing room, I honestly can’t understand it.
“When we were there and things weren’t going right we sat ourselves down, locked the door for a few hours and got it sorted with all the players.
“I don’t think people do that now, they just put their headphones on and walk out the door. I don’t think they really talk to each other.
“It’s a bit different to my time and they say football’s better for it – but I don’t think so. Money talks and these fellas are very wealthy guys now. Don’ get me wrong – I’m delighted the guys are getting loads of money – but I’d just like to see that bit of fire in their bellies and hunger to play for the jersey.
“Also, to go out and enjoy themselves. Everyone’s a millionaire, but I don’t see anyone laughing! You never see anyone laughing during a game now – and if you’re enjoying yourself you’re going to play better.
“Some of the fans who pay to watch them have major [financial] problems but they find the money to go – and they see them not bothering.
“I don’t agree with all that.”
Well said, you can’t argue with that.