Football Season Guide

West Ham managed to beat the drop last season but that was the only positive in what was universally accepted to be a dire and unenjoyable campaign for the West London club. Changes were expected over the summer due to the increasing fans’ discontent but the directors did not have the audacity to sack Sam Allardyce. They still demanded drastic changes in the way the team plays and will certainly expect more progressive and pleasing football in the coming season. Allardyce has never been known to play such way though and has not really taken the instructions too well. Thus, it has the makings of a rather unhappy marriage of convenience for a manager and a club at the moment. That certainly does not bode well for the Hammers as a whole but there are reasons to look forward to the new season as well. The team signed a few promising players from abroad and have a fresher and more interesting look at the moment. Enner Valencia was signed for big money from Mexican side Pachuca after a highly prolific 2014. He also shone during the World Cup and certainly has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League. However, he will have to quickly settle in as a new serious injury by Andy Carroll leave West Ham without their main man in attack until November. Cheikhou Kouyate is a good player as well, comfortable as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder, while Mauro Zarate has lots of talent but is way too erratic to be considered a good addition to the squad for the time being. There is a good mix of quality and experience in the squad and West Ham should not have problems staying up. That is of course if everything goes smooth in the dressing room and in the boardroom as there is a good chance that Allardyce leaves by his accord or is sacked within a few months of the season if the rumblings go on. Yet, the Hammers look in decent nick and should be comfortable in mid-table.