Sam Allardyce stays on as West Ham United manager despite concerns he was facing axe

SAM Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham United next season but the club’s board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish.

SAM Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham United next season but the club’s board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.

VOTE: GOALKEEPER OF THE SEASON

Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.

Sam Allardyce had a tough season with the Hammers despite a 13th place finish.

He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan’s house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season.

Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club’s website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for “more entertainment” and a top-10 place in the top flight.

On the back of “constructive” and “lengthy and detailed” talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: “The club’s direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed.

“After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.

“The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result.”

Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March.

The former Bolton Wanderers manager said: “I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week.”