West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is already under pressure so should the club turn to Newcastle United if he doesn’t survive.
The Hammers endured a torrid second season under Bilic after their record breaking farewell campaign at Upton Park.
The East Londoners were linked with a host of managers last season with the likes of Reading boss Jaap Stam, Abdullah Avci of Istanbul Beksekhir, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, Fulham’s Slavisa Jokanovic and Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi all touted to replace Bilic.
Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold had been planning to offer Bilic a contract extension but any talk was put on ice and the former Bestiktas boss is now into his last season.
Pressure has been ramped up further by West Ham’s transfer business this summer with the board backing Bilic with a number of quality signings.
But the nature of West Ham’s brittle performance in the 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United in the opening game of the season has set alarm bells ringing.
And with another three away games in a row Bilic could find himself under early pressure.
Before appointing Bilic to replace Sam Allardyce, David Sullivan was just moments away from sealing the signature of first choice boss Rafa Benitez until a late call from Real Madrid, as reported at the time by the likes of Sky Sports.
So if Bilic does not survive the early season pressure should the Hammers move again for Benitez, who is unhappy with his transfer kitty and lack of signings at St James Park on their return to the Premier League.
Tactically Benitez would be a far superior option and most supporters would understand why he opted to join Real over the Hammers even if it was an ill-fated tenure.
Whether the style of football would be to West Ham fans’ liking remains to be seen but Liverpool and Newcastle fans don’t have too many complaints.
The Spaniard is famed for getting his teams highly organised and well drilled, something Bilic’s side have sorely lacked for the last year.
It would not bode well for the Magpies if they were to lose Benitez and a battle against relegation would be inevitable.
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