#360Fans: West Ham want Jurgen Klopp & Slaven Bilic

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  • In the frame: Jurgen Klopp, Slaven Bilic & Rafa Benítez are in West Ham's sights.

    Tony Sutton​, of the Dubai Hammers’ Supporters C​lub,​ examines the potential candidates to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager.

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    The announcement that Sam Allardyce would leave West Ham straight after the final game of the season came as no surprise to the Dubai Hammers Supporters Club, or any other West Ham fan for that matter.

    The majority of West Ham fans agree that Allardyce was the perfect appointment for the club four seasons ago and that he has delivered everything asked of him.

    The now former Hammers boss has also been out to visit the Dubai Hammers on a number of occasions and given up a lot of his own time to help arrange events such as private Q&A sessions with fans and a chance to watch the team train. It certainly hasn't been pretty to watch at times with Allardyce in charge but it has been safe and effective with many memorable highlights along the way. 

    Changing the manager certainly poses a risk and history shows that picking the right man for the job is going to be essential but it became clear to all that it had to happen. West Ham fans expect a certain type of personality and character in charge of their team and due to the split in public opinion caused by Allardyce over style verses sustenance, they now need a manager who can unite the club and appear to strive for both.

    Here​ are some of the men who West Ham fans would like to see at the helm…

    JURGEN KLOPP, Free agent

    Jurgen Klopp is in demand but the German may have higher amitions than West Ham.

    Klopp leaves Borussia Dortmund this week as one of the game’s top-rated managers right now so should obviously be the first target. However, there is sure to be something more attractive out there for him, with Liverpool looking like a more realistic destination.

    Likelihood of Klopp: 2/10

    RAFA BENITEZ, Napoli ​(​for now​)

    Rafa Benitez is a Premier League veteran but will most likely head for La Liga.

    Benitez has the experience in the Premier League as well as Europe so was understood to be a firm favourite at West Ham and was also thought to have had an interest in the role. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking this week has opened up a somewhat more appealing option for Rafa at Real Madrid.

    Likelihood of Benitez: 1/10 – possibly as high as 8/10 until recent events at the Bernabeu.

    DAVID MOYES, Real Sociedad

    David Moyes is the most practical choice but may be too similar to Sam Allardyce.

    Another target with a Spanish connection is former Manchester United and Everton manager Moyes. He would seem to be the safest and most sensible option due to his Premier League and European experience although he is enjoying his time at Real Sociedad and released a statement this week saying he will stay there. Moyes would also divide opinion with a small number of Hammers fans keen to avoid ‘another Allardyce’.

    Likelihood of Moyes: 5/10

    UNAI EMERY, Sevilla

    Unai Emery is successful in La Liga, but will that translate to the Premier League?

    Also in La Liga is possibly the most intriguing option, former Valencia and current Sevilla manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard has guided Sevilla to successive top-five finishes as well as back to back Europa League final appearances so certainly has the pedigree but may see West Ham as a side step at best with clubs such as AC Milan said to be interested in him. He will also have the chance to manage Sevilla in the Champions League next season if they can win the Europa League final on Thursday night, an opportunity that he would not pass up easily.

    Likelihood of Emery: 4/10

    MARCELO BIELSA, Marseille

    Marcelo Bielsa's high-tempo approach would please West ham fans.

    Marseille manager Bielsa is known for his intense style of play and high-tempo approach to the game  – although this would certainly please the West Ham faithful, it brings with it a big risk of burn out. The Argentine has a reputation for outstanding but unsustainable impacts and always seems to move on fairly swiftly so maybe not an ideal long-term investment for the Hammers.

    Likelihood of Bielsa: 7/10

    SLAVEN BILIC, Free agent

    Former West Ham player Slaven Bilic is the fan's favourite for the position.

    Slaven Bilic is the name most heavily linked to the position. It has now been confirmed that the Besiktas coach will be leaving the Turkish club and in his brief spell as a player for West Ham, Bilic was highly regarded so there is an obvious link. There is no question that Bilic can reunite the fan base at the Boleyn Ground but many will question his managerial capability and experience.

    Likelihood of Bilic: 9/10

    PAOLO DI CANIO OR JULIAN DICKS

    Paolo Di Canio and Julian Dicks are West Ham legends.

    Former players and long-time fan favourites Di Canio and Dicks have both openly stated they would love to manage West Ham one day and both achieved legendary status in their playing days. They have to be two of the most popular Hammers ever to be linked to the role, although it is safe to say they are not being considered by the owners.

    Likelihood of Di Canio or Dicks: 1/10

    The Dubai Hammers are an Official Supporters Club recognised by West Ham and have grown to more than 120 members in three years since forming. The Dubai Hammers meet to watch games at Nelsons, in the Media Rotana hotel. 

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