West Ham manager Sam Allardyce sent out a warning to the club’s fans not to expect too much next season after the Londoners’ successful campaign this time around.
A victory against already-relegated Reading on Sunday would ensure a top 10 finish for the Premier League new boys but Allardyce says that doesn’t mean they will suddenly be pushing for European qualification in 12 months time.
“It’s more consolidation,” he said when asked about next season’s ambitions.
“For me, in our first season, this is like finishing in the Champions League places. To finish 10th in your first year, it’s like Everton getting in the Champions League. I think that’s the size of it. It’s not an easy task to do.
“Next year becomes difficult because the West Ham fans and everyone at the football club will expect us to get better than 10th and I am saying that’s going to be a difficult challenge.
“I am saying now that 10th is the target again, before we get into a new season thinking we should be finishing closer to Europe. If we do, it depends on how big the buys are this summer.
“I think the financial restrictions and the new restrictions on the finances will make it difficult to do that, so to finish in that particular area would be fantastic for us and it brings stability to the club.
“That’s what this club needs – it needs a long spell in the Premier League to bring stability and then look to go on from there in years three, four or five.
“Then we can look for cup finals and for a European place.
“As frustrated as fans might get, that’s what you’ve got to do as a manager because it’s then sustainable and sustainable success is what we’re all about.”
Venue Upton Park, Sunday 4pm
Tickets Here
Last season n/a
Referee Mike Dean
This season’s matches 27 Y100, R3, 3.81 cards per game
