Paul Merson suggested that Chris Wilder should be in contention to take over from Manuel Pellegrini or Unai Emery at West Ham or Arsenal if either of the managers are relieved of their respective positions, when writing his column for the Daily Star.
Pellegrini’s Hammers side have been well below par this season. And they currently sit in 16th spot in the table.
Emery’s Gunners have been equally disappointing, and they currently occupy sixth place in the table.
Rumours have been circulating suggesting that Pellegrini could be axed by the West Ham board (The Sun).
Emery also finds himself under pressure, and could be sacked by Arsenal if results do not improve (Daily Star).
And when writing his column for the Daily Star, Merson suggested that Wilder should be in contention to take over the Hammers or the Gunners, should Pellegrini or Emery be moved on:
“We should all be talking about him right now but we’re not. Maybe his name’s too English? But look at what he’s achieved. Managers like Unai Emery and Manuel Pellegrini are under pressure, and okay you never know for sure if a manager can make such a big step up. But Chris Wilder has got to be in the conversation the next time a big job comes up. He deserves it.”
Good fit for the Hammers or the Gunners?
Wilder has done a magnificent job at Sheffield United on a limited budget.
The Blades are currently flying high in fifth spot in the table.
Whether he could do a job at a so-called bigger club, however, working alongside big egos is another matter entirely.
Much will depend on whether Pellegrini and Emery start producing, but if either are axed, West Ham and Arsenal could surely do a lot worse than Wilder.
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