West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has been pictured deep in conversation with the club’s owners.
Pellegrini is under pressure for the first time since the start of his reign. Back then he had just overseen four straight Premier League defeats.
It is the poor attitude and rank inconsistency of his side since which has held West Ham back.
Injuries too have played a major role.
Hammers fans losing patience
But Hammers fans lost patience with their team and Pellegrini after the dismal 2-0 defeat to Everton last time out.
Supporters have grown fed up of watching the side crumble everytime they have the chance to move up to seventh place. While it is hardly the most exciting accolade to aim for, it could yet be rewarded with a place in Europe.
And that would represent a successful season for West Ham after the travails of recent campaigns. Particularly after the club spent £100million last summer.
Fans have also been angered by reports that Pellegrini will be given a paltry £25million to spend this summer.
Mistrust of owners remains
For many it vindicates their belief last summer was a one-off rather than the dawn of the ambitious new era promised by Sullivan and Gold on leaving Upton Park for the London Stadium.
The duo must be given the benefit of the doubt until the summer of course.
And there was a rare sight this week when Pellegrini was pictured with both Sullivan and Gold for the first time since his appointment last June.
The trio were pictured deep in conversation as West Ham officially opened their revamped Academy centre at Chadwell Heath.
Pellegrini pictured with Sullivan AND Gold for first time
Fans will be hoping the Chilean was making it clear to the duo he needs a lot more to spend come the summer.
Cynics would suggest West Ham’s terrible form could actually work in his favour.
It proves the East Londoners need a lot more quality and squad depth if they are to truly progress.
Whether the owners have the means or the desire to do that remains to be seen.
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