West Ham Statement: Big Sam Still The Man

Currently second from bottom in the Premier League West Ham United have made it to the Semi Final of the Capital One Cup where they face Manchester City over two legs. Despite the League position the West Ham fans should be excited about the Semi Final but instead have focused on their managers decision to play a weakened side this past weekend in the FA Cup, resulting in a 5-0 defeat to lower opposition.



Now there is no suggestion that West Ham will actually be able to beat Manchester City over the two legs but the fact is when you are in that particular position in the League and a Cup Semi Final a few days later, why would you risk your strongest side in another cup?

Win or lose against Manchester City there is only ever going to be one more game added to your schedule, a Cup Final. That should not distract from the pursuit of Premier League survival. Sunday 2nd March would be the only addition. FA Cup progression would mean another game in January, a very busy month.

I do feel a bit for Big Sam. In the preseason with all the signings made I do not think anyone would expect them to be in this position, and would even likely say they had quite a good squad. Andy Carroll the star striker has been out all season. Can you imagine Liverpool without Luis Suarez all season or City without Sergio Aguero for half the season? Let's look at Arsenal come the end of the season now Theo Walcott is going to be out and see where they are.

So my argument is this, if you were to fire Big Sam, you will still have the injury list and West Ham will still be in the relegation zone. What manager would be available best suited to be up for this kind of fight? MY answer is West Ham already have the ideal candidate for this situation. They have been very unlucky with injuries but stick with him and he will see you right.

Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979.