westhamfans.org

Personal reasons are being cited as the reason for Alan Irvine's surprise departure from David Moyes's coaching staff, it must be quite a serious set of circumstances that require the manager's No2 to step down so suddenly, and on the eve of Hammers Europa League adventure.

Irvine has been a mainstay of the backroom staff who have overseen the transition of the club from failures to winners, losing him will be a massive blow, only West Ham could allow such a situation to occur! The Scot will be replaced by another of his countrymen, Billy McKinlay.

West Ham fans finally realised a European dream that had escaped them since 1999’s Intertoto Cup triumph by securing sixth place in the Premier League. Although there have been a couple of play off game defeats since then, this is the very first time Hammers have qualified for the group stage of the Europa League.

Fabian Balbuena, AKA The General, looks all set to move from West Ham on a free transfer, with plenty of clubs showing interest in the formidable centre back.