The new boss will already be feeling the pressure has intensified after Kenny Miller’s last minute winner for Cardiff. And it’s the weight of history that makes the Hammers job all the harder. Not only is Big Sam expected to win promotion. Irons’ fans want to see their team play the sophisticated attacking game that earned their club the reputation as The Academy of Football.
Twenty five years ago Upton Park was a happy place to be. And West Ham started the new season full of pride, hoping to emulate their best ever League campaign when the Boys of 86 finished in third place in the Top Flight. For Allardyce to achieve what John Lyall did all those years ago is impossible to imagine. Simply winning promotion would be a remarkable achievement.
Big Sam expected to win promotion
