The warning signs are flashing at West Ham after the disgraceful 0-3 defeat on Friday evening to Brighton & Have Albion. Various media outlets are reporting that the club’s co-owners are actively discussing whether it is now time to make a change. However, this evening, it appears that Bilic may get a stay of execution due to a lack of alternative options being available. The board are concerned that there is no obvious caretaker available in-house; while their identified permanent targets appear out of reach for various reasons. Alleged principle target, David Wagner, wants to remain with Huddersfield Town for the remainder of the season; while both Manuel Pellegrini and Rafa Benitez are unavailable; and, the most ambitious target, Carlos Ancelotti, while currently out of work, wants to sit out the rest of this season.
As a result, it is possible that the board might be forced to consider short-term, caretaker, external options. One possibility mooted is employing managerial veteran, Gus Hiddink, for the remainder of the season to give the board some breathing space. It has even been suggested that former manager, Sam Allardyce, could be approached as a temporary option, although it is thought highly unlikely he would consider an approach.
Consequently, it is likely that Bilic will be granted a stay of execution by default. The current betting is that the Croatian will be given the next two fixtures, Spurs in the cup and Palace away, to try and save his job. Two defeats will be the catalyst for managerial change.The most immediate problem for Bilic is how he motivates and regenerises a playing staff that look more like a collection of individuals than a coherent unit. On the plus side, Carroll’s suspension ends and Sakho could return from injury. James Collins could also be available to augment our defensive options. However, question marks remain over the serious lack of form demonstrated by many key players. It is alleged that the board are particularly concerned by the uncommitted performances of record signing Marko Arnautovic and the fact that so many others are under-performing.. There has allegedly even been attention drawn to coaching methods and a perceived lack of fitness amongst the first team squad.
The current difference between success and failure in the PL is very fine indeed. If we had beaten Brighton we would have risen to tenth and the talk would have been far more positive. As it is, this evening, the club remains out of the bottom three only on goal difference. However, there are still only four points separating us from Southampton presently in tenth position. And that is the possible imperative for the board, to take action early, while the situation remains more easily retrievable.
Which leads us back to the key question, where is a suitable available alternative to be found? In its absence it is likely the Bilic managerial regime will be given a stay of execution as we prepare to take on Spurs at Wembley on Wednesday evening.
SJ. Chandos.