Reading boss Jaap Stam has been heavily linked with replacing Slaven Bilic at West Ham United this summer.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
Bilic has endured a tough second season in East London, a stark contrast to his record breaking debut campaign which saw the Hammers finish just four points off the Champions League places.
West Ham have flirted with relegation this season but secured their survival with a 1-0 win over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time out, a result which effectively ended Spurs’ title hopes.
As a result of West Ham’s poor form throughout the season, Bilic’s future has been the subject of intense media speculation with the likes of Jaap Stam, Roberto Mancini, Rafa Benitez, Slavisa Jokanovic and most recently Lazio boss SImone Inzaghi tipped to replace him in various reports.
Speculation has not been helped by the refusal of co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold to offer the Croatian a new contract.
That is despite many fans and pundits feeling Bilic has done a good job in difficult circumstances this season with injuries, poor recruitment, the Olympic Stadium move and the Dimitri Payet saga taking its toll.
Reading boss Stam added fuel to the fire when he admitted it was ‘nice’ to be linked with the Hammers job recently, as reported by the likes of the Express.
Jaap Stam has impressed by leading Reading into the Championship play-offs
He also publicly criticised West Ham’s training methods after taking young defender Reece Oxford on loan just when speculation over Bilic’s future was at fever pitch.
And the Dutchman looked to be putting himself back in the shop window when asked about his future next season should Reading not be promoted through the play-offs, which kick off this weekend against Fulham.
“I don’t know,” Stam told Sky Sports.
“I don’t really want to think about it, it’s not there. So we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
“I still have a contract for another season and there’s nothing going on. If it’s up to me for now I’m still over here, I’m enjoying my time here and we are working towards something.
West Ham United owners David Sullivan and David Gold
“It would be nice if we can do it straight away this season, but If it’s not going to happen then maybe next season depending on what the owners can do with the club.”
Sullivan and Gold have come under fire from supporters this season who feel the blame for the club’s struggles lay squarely at their feet.
The owners know they cannot afford to get it wrong again in the summer transfer window and supporters do not want to see Bilic made a scapegoat.
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