Board to get behind Pellegrini – report

West Ham United’s board are reportedly backing manager Manuel Pellegrini to end their current slump and get back to winning ways. The Hammers’ bright start to the Premier League season, which saw them win three and draw two of their first six games, seems a distant memory as they have picked up just a couple of points from their past five matches.
Following an outstanding 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the London Stadium, the East End outfit draw 2-2 at Bournemouth and then lost at home to Crystal Palace.
A 2-0 loss away at Everton was next on the agenda before they secured a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United, with Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Newcastle United a real kick in the teeth.
The result means  West Ham have now slipped from a high of fifth in the top-flight standings to 13th, with 13 points from 11 games played.
Pressure is mounting on Chilean tactician Pellegrini, with rumours he will be axed if things do not improve.
However, reliable website Claret and Hugh is reporting that a senior club insider has told them: “We need to present a united front, the board believes in the manager, they believe in the squad and they are confident they will work hard and turn it around.”
How long that ‘united front’ lasts for is open to debate, with league games against Tottenham and Chelsea to follow the weekend’s trip to Turf Moor to play Burnley.
West Ham have become a ‘streaky’ side, capable of putting together runs of victories but lacking in consistency to make a real challenge for the top six and European football.
That must be the aim and the South American manager will hope the reports about being backed are true as it will enable him to focus on the job of putting things right.