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It wouldn't have been West Ham if...

Submitted by Betty Swollox on Mon, 16/05/2016 - 12:44
We had beat Swansea and Stoke. Two teams that have had fair seasons and in Swansea's case a pretty good end. It's a shame we couldn't see the season out, and we could've still made top four with three games to go, but we almost focused too much on the Man Utd game IMO. I think that emotionally and physically challenge of that night, meant it was almost inevitable we wouldn't be able to perform for 90 mins at Stoke. I have to say though that for the first 45 mins I thought we looked like a top team. We still need that 20+ goal a season striker, but everybody wants one.
All week people on here have been pushing for Antonio to play up top with Tomkins in at RB. Well that didn't work very well. I have real doubts over Tomkins. He turns his back far too much for me, he did it on Saturday and did it against Man U in the replay. I think that he has to be braver to be a top defender in the Prem. Antonio and Sakho on the right side works well, whether we start looking at 3 at the back and wing backs for next season, that may be the answer. Conte I know likes 3 at the back so it will be interesting to see if that pans out.

I think that Bilic would have learnt a lot from this season, next year will be harder for us, Leicester and Southampton. We will be expected to win more games and teams will set out to cancel us out. I hope we add some world class players to the squad. There are a few of the relegated players that I'd like too. Redmond or Townsend, I like them both, they would both suit the way we play and can cut in and score goals. I do feel though that we will win something soon. I just get the feeling that the manager and the owners are so aligned with the fans and we are starting to get what we want from our team. I can forgive the performance against Swansea and the second half against Stoke, because I don't think we are at a level where we deserve to beat anyone. I read posts on here all week, criticising the manager for selections. I cringed at a couple, and wandered what a Newcastle or Villa fan looking in would think of us. we have to remember where we started from this season. I place of fear and dread. We beat Arsenal away then lost to Leicester and Bournemouth and it was all doom and gloom again. We must hold our nerve a bit, I think this season has taught us that.

My biggest fear for next season will be the football tourists. Those popping in to have a look for a year or two and not adding anything to the party. I'm hoping the extra 20,000 season tickets we've sold are all Hammers that have been goaded out of their armchairs, I'm hoping that the 35,000 fans we currently have sing like they did on Tuesday. If we can make the OS into a fortress and keep that intimidating atmosphere, with these owners, manager and improving squad, we could be a great club.

I predicted a top 6 or 7 finish at the start of the season when slav took over...a bit of fine tuning here & there (a top class striker will do for starters!!) & i predict a champions league spot next season...just booked my tickets for the first game-friendly v juventus,happy days & just goes to show that us (claret) members have a chance of getting tickets next season...Sunday 7th august,the dawning of a new era & a few sherberts to boot!!COYI

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180 users have voted.

But cringing is my opinion of their posts. I don't think that criticsing the manager makes you an anti-fan. But why do we always criticize the manager when we lose? The Swansea game classic example. Biblical has picked the wrong team because we lost to Swansea, same team goes out three days later and puts on a magnificent performance. Has he now got the tactics right? I agree that if like in Allardyce's case he's playing Nolan week in week out when he offers nothing, out of blind loyalty then criticism is valid, but after the season we've had, it was Lola I fear the worst for next season stuff, don't get it

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183 users have voted.

You boys are either a bit touchy or can't read. Maybe both? I don't recall saying you can't criticise. My opinion is that your criticism after the Swansea game was knee jerk and amateurish. Nothing more nothing less. If I was to criticise your input particularly Red is this you've been banging on about pushing Antonio up front all week, yet it didn't work against Stoke. Players have to take as much responsibility for how a game pans out. I also mentioned that Tonmkins turns his back too much, nobody has picked up on that? Or are we not to criticise Tomkins coz he's one of our own? Take a chill pill boys and read what's said.

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174 users have voted.

Antonio being pushed up didn't work? I have no idea where you dreamt that one up Betty? As for Tomkins yes I agree he does turn his back a bit too much, he also backed off for their first. Having said that the guy walked past about 3 players (midfielders) as if they weren't there. I could also pick fault in Valencia at their second goal but felt there was no need as it was our last game and a lot of players looked a spent force in the second half

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asheshammer's picture

Next season is going to be interesting, to say the least. Dicksy is right to say it's possible that we'll suffer a "second season syndrome" under Bilic -- going to be interesting to see how he handles the low moments. At the same time, I think it's best if we all try not to get our hopes up. Maybe 7th again would be just fine. Maybe even top 10 would be just fine. Keep the expectations low, and if we surpass them -- GRAVY. But not too low. Not Sam Allardyce low. We can dream a little, eh? The teams with the biggest cash flow will be spending a lot of money to get back to the top. But perhaps Leicester won't fare so well next season, or even Tottenham. No reason we can't be right up there in the battle for European places again.

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181 users have voted.

I honestly can say that after Leisester I know nothing about the future of football. We might as well have a bet on Sunderland to win the league. We do now know that money doesn't guarantee success

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