Big Sam-Hammers Nemesis Or Club's Saviour?

News that Sam Allardyce will most likely become Leeds United's next manager will come as no surprise to some whereas he is the obvious choice to others as the club look to rescue what looks like an inevitably sinking ship. Realistically, Leeds have the hardest run in of ALL the relegation threatened clubs, but he is known for his defensive organisational abilities and will most definitely stop the flood of goals the club has been shipping on an industrial scale.

The fact that Hammers host Leeds for their final game of the season at the still as yet unnamed Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Park will have or have not an ironic twist in the tale of this season's final outcome. Allardyce's brand of football is pragmatic, boring but effective, so don't be surprised if he manages to get a result if he is in charge for the game.

Even if Leeds do get three points from their game with the Irons their plight is still more than precarious if you look at their other remaining fixtures, the likely hood of them surviving is NOT in their hands, they will still rely on other teams 'doing them a favour'.

The atmosphere inLondon will be reminiscent of the old days to fans of a certain age, the fierce rivalry between West Ham and Leeds was fought as much off the pitch as it was on it during football's dark days of hooliganism of the seventies, culminating in the death of a Hammers supporter allegedly caused by the notorious Leeds inter city firm, that were only rivalled by West Ham's own ICF!

If Hammers get even a point it will surely send Leeds down, a win would certainly ensure Hammers own survival and even a defeat wouldn't mean the end of the World but it would mean having to get at least a point away to Leicester City on the final day, NOT a prospect Hammers fans will be looking forward to.

Of course there are other games to throw into the mix, but this one could send Leeds down and see Hammers stay up, so there was a lot riding on the fixture before the Big Sam story broke. However before Leeds fans 'rejoice' at Javier Gracia's removal they should be mindful that Allardyce's tactical Nous will be fully challenged in the two fixtures prior to the Hammers game, away to City and home to Newcastle...good luck their Sam!

Realistically three more points will see Hammers safely through the relegation minefield. where they come from is anybody's guess but the club is better suited for survival than Southampton, Everton, Forest and Leeds, on paper at least, but football isn't played on paper is it? - Ed