Managerial uncertainly costing Hammers points, says Roberts

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 20th April 2015

BBC pundit and former Blackburn striker Jason Roberts believes West Ham's recent results have suffered as a result of the uncertainly regarding Sam Allardyce's future.

Roberts, who worked under Big Sam at Ewood Park during the manager's two-year tenure at the Lancashire club claimed that Allardyce's squad are currently exhibiting a lack of "discipline and commitment to the cause", as the season reaches its end.

"When you are a player you look to your manager for leadership, especially when you are playing a brand of football like Allardyce's," said Roberts.

"I know from playing under him at Blackburn that those are the key factors in a successful 'Big Sam' side, and I did not see any of them in the Hammers' display in their defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.

"Instead, I saw a team who did not look like they were buying into the philosophy of hard work and organisation that I know Allardyce usually installs in his players.

"Far from playing with any freedom, they were not even doing the basics that you would expect from an Allardyce side. They were not getting the ball forward in the first place, let alone winning any knockdowns.

"Time and time again they were caught in possession in their own half and they were not doing enough to get it back. That meant City had lots of space when they attacked, and it turned into a extremely comfortable afternoon for them."

Roberts, who announced his retirement last year following a string of injuries also believes Allardyce is also finding motivation an issue - something he also blames on the current uncertainly regarding the manager's position.

"It is no secret that his contract is up at the end of the season, that there is a constant stream of stories about who is going to replace him, and there has been a lack of support for him from above.

"That all helps the players - or at least some of them - to not give the commitment he needs for his teams to be successful. When a team of players know the manager might not be in charge for the longer term, then it is harder to motivate the group. They don't need to impress you.

"It is not just the players. For most people watching the situation, myself included, it looks as if Allardyce will not be in charge next season. But the way the situation has been handled has been messy and I think it has undermined West Ham's season."

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News