West Ham United are in a tricky spell at the moment, with the Hammers’ defeat against Hull City at the weekend being their fourth consecutive loss in the Premier League.
Naturally, that has led to speculation surrounding Slaven Bilic’s position at West Ham and the situation of the Croatian boss doesn’t look too peachy; as he’s set to enter the final 12 months of his deal this summer and is yet to receive an offer for an extension.
The papers have been flooded with reports suggesting the Hammers are eyeing new managers to lead their side next season, with the likes of Rafael Benitez and David Wagner all being linked with the position at the London Stadium.
However, West Ham board member Karen Brady held no prisoners when addressing the speculation in her weekly diary for The Sun, simply telling those writing the reports on the Hammers seeking a new manager to shut up.
“I have a two-word answer to people who are listing candidates for Slaven Bilic’s job — SHUT UP!”
“We like our manager and we rate him, so we are planning to keep him at West Ham. Those poison-penned pundits who say they know, don’t. Our board have never been wanton sackers.”
“When we part company with a manager, it is for what we believe are good reasons. Yes, we have had some defensive problems, but I’m sure he’ll deal with those.”
“Our move to the London Stadium was always going to be testing for the players. And if Slaven is the boss we believe him to be, he’ll soon bring back the exciting style he brought to West Ham when we appointed him at the start of last season.”
Whilst West Ham’s form is admittedly poor and the debut season at the London Stadium hasn’t been one to remember, moving away from Bilic could prove to be a costly move- particularly if the top-class replacements they eye do not pan out.
Benitez is unlikely to leave Newcastle United this summer, as the Magpies are on-course for a return to the Premier League, whilst Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner is also unlikely to be on the move if the Yorkshire outfit secure promotion to the top-flight.
West Ham return to action on Wednesday night against Arsenal, before clashes against Premier League strugglers Swansea City and Sunderland.