Monday 25 May 2015 10:06, UK
We reflect on West Ham's 2014/15 campaign, with the help of pundit views, stats and quotes...
West Ham United
Finishing position: 12th (+1 on last season)
Total points: 47 (+7 on last season)
FA Cup: Knocked out in fifth round by West Brom
Capital One Cup: Knocked out in round two by Sheffield United
Sam Allardyce was one of the favourites to be the first Premier League manager sacked following a summer of discontent involving him and the club owners - but in the end he held onto his job until the last day of the campaign, when his departure was finally confirmed. In the summer, Allardyce was charged with changing West Ham's philosophy from a direct approach to a more expansive, free-flowing style of play. The first sign of a switch was making Teddy Sheringham as an attacking coach but Allardyce evidently didn't do enough to satisfy the owners.
David Gold and David Sullivan want to be a top-six team before making their move to the Olympic stadium in time for the 2016/17 season. The Hammers finished 13th last season on 40 points. This time around they finished in 12th with 47 points, but could yet qualify for the Europa League via the Fair Play league. They have scored 44 goals this season, which is an improvement on last year's 40. From an objective point of view, there seems to be some progress.
West Ham had a very strong start to the season and were sitting as high as fourth on Christmas Day. But their form nose-dived in the second half of the season and if the table started on Boxing Day, West Ham would be in 17th. A number of players' form dipped considerably. Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Alex Song and Stewart Downing all failed to continue their strong starts to the season. Defensively, however, West Ham did improve, conceding fewer goals than in the last two seasons, while their possession stats show an upward trend. However, those improvements were not enough to keep Allardyce his job and the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on the final day of the season would turn out to be his final match in charge.
Paul Merson's star player: Aaron Creswell
“I think this lad is a good player. I’ve been impressed with him. It’s a big jump to come from the Championship and he’s settled like snow. I wouldn’t be surprised if big clubs are sniffing around him this summer. Liverpool aren’t blessed with great full-backs.”
Quotes of the season
“We couldn’t cope with 'long-ball United', it was 'thump it forward and see what they could get'. In the end it paid off” – Allardyce on Manchester United’s tactics
"I think it's right for both the club and for myself. My time has been a fantastic time, I really enjoyed the London scene, really enjoyed managing the club, really enjoyed the success that we've all gained from the period of time we've been together" – Allardyce on his departure
"Result-wise, we have not hit the heights we managed over the course of the first half of the campaign since Christmas, but this season has still been a step forward and we've continued to build in our third year back in the Premier League” – Joint-chairman David Sullivan in May
Stats of the season
- West Ham ended the season on a run of 12 away games without a win - the longest streak in the Premier League
- Allardyce won just two of his last 16 Premier League games as West Ham manager
- Only West Brom scored more headed goals that West Ham's 15 this season
Paul Merson’s view
“People will say ‘they’re not a relegation team’ but the second half of the season they have been. It doesn’t matter who you are, big clubs can get relegated. If they start like they have finished the season then they’ll be in trouble. This league is ruthless.”
