West Ham United have been well below par this season.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
The Hammers have endured a woeful 2016/17 Premier League campaign, and have failed to live up to their fans’ expectations.
They currently sit in 12th potion in the table, and are by no means safe from the threat of relegation just yet.
A couple of wins should do the job, however, and then Slaven Bilic can begin to build for next season…if he is still in a job of course.
There are many things that need to be addressed within the club, but to start off, here is a five-point summer plan for West Ham that, if they follow, could prove to be highly beneficial:
1. Sign a proven striker:
Now, this may very well be easier said than done, but it is a complete necessity for the Hammers.
They quite clearly cannot rely upon Andy Carroll to remain fit for an entire season, and Bilic needs a different option amongst his ranks.
There are many names the club could try for.
They could go back in for the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Carlos Bacca or go down a different route with a move for someone in the mould of Charlie Austin, Daniel Sturridge or Wilfried Bony.
Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette
2. Give youth a chance:
Despite the Premier League demanding success instantly, Bilic must be brave and finally give his talented youngsters a chance next season.
Reece Oxford, Toni Martinez, Reece Burke, Martin Samuelson and Marcus Browne should all be given an opportunity to shine.
Remember what happened at Manchester United in the early to mid 90’s?
3. Get rid of the deadwood:
West Ham made so many appealing signings in the summer of 2016, and must avoid making the same mistake this time around.
And a good start would be by getting rid of the following names;
- Arthur Masuaku
- Jonathan Calleri (loan)
- Gokhan Tore (loan)
- Havard Nordtveit
- Alvaro Arbeloa
- Ashley Fletcher
- Sofiane Feghouli
West Ham United’s Mark Noble looks dejected
4. Sign a Mark Noble replacement:
The 29-year-old midfielder has been well below his best this season. He seems to have lost a yard of pace, and his passing hasn’t been as crisp and accurate as usual.
Because Noble is a homegrown fan favourite, he seems to have been immune from criticism over recent years, but this season has been different. And Bilic must look at replacing his skipper, or at least providing much needed competition for him.
5. Back Bilic to the hilt:
The Croatian has never given anything less than 100 per cent during his time at West Ham, and now is the time for the owners to finally back him in the correct manner.
Whilst his tactics have been questioned on occasion, he deserves great credit for the way in which he has dealt with various difficult situations.
And he must be backed financially and given the tools with which to succeed this term.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
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