West Ham United’s board are today faced with a £4 million dilemma – the price of sacking Sam Allardyce and his backroom team!

ClaretandHugh has learned exclusively an unusual deal was hatched when the 59 year old was appointed boss – that the cost of sacking him and his entire backroom team would amount to the £4 million figure.

Allardyce, his assistant Neil McDonald plus backroom staff including medics, sports pychologists and sports scientists would be involved in the pay-off.

As we reported earlier  there appears to be a split in the board over whether or not to sack Allardyce after a season of huge unrest among the fans.

And David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady will want clear answers from him on his requirements for the new season whilst impressing the fans discontent upon him.

Allardyce himself is in a difficult position as he looks at a scenario which doe not include the full support of his employers.

A trusted ClaretandHugh source explained exclusively: “It’s a fluid situation and it may well be if the manager’s demands don’t match the board’s view for next season a compromise pay-out will need to be discussed.

“My view is that if they can get the pay-off terms reduced then he could be on his way but Sam is a very tough negotiator in such matters.”