In somewhat tradition style for the Upton Park faithful this season, the 2015/16 campaign has certainly begun in rather unpredictable circumstances to say the very least. Such a mixture of shock delight and unforeseen frustration has now become a distinct way of life for long-term Hammers fans once again beginning the new term in more than precarious fashion.

From the opening day victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, to two back-to-back home losses against Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth respectively, West Ham’s last season at the Boleyn Ground couldn’t have really offered up much more of a jumbled up start to the league proceedings if it had tried.

However, with thoughts of that impressive away win against the Gunners well and truly buried in the past for most West Ham fans out there, Slaven Bilic now has to deal with the unmistakable atmosphere of doubt that has crept over Upton Park in light of the club’s latest defeats.

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So then, should the east-enders already be missing Big Sam Allardyce in the dug-out just three games into the 2015/16 campaign, or will Slaven Bilic ultimately steer the club to brighter pastures this term given enough time and confidence?

Well, if last weekend’s performance is to provide a sign of things to come for West Ham this year, then the Upton Park faithful will certainly have a lot to worry about in their final campaign at their spiritual home. The defensive mistakes made against Bournemouth last time out were undoubtedly shocking – especially as they were mainly perpetrated by two of last season’s most consistent performers, Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson.

Both players looked as if they had never even played at the back before considering how poor their individual performances were against the Cherries – but even though Big Sam may have somewhat enjoyed his former club’s calamitous showing on Match of the Day last Saturday – perhaps his previous influence at West Ham may still be causing the side problems going into the new season.

Slaven Bilic has been drafted in at Upton Park this term with the task of improving the team’s entertainment factor throughout the upcoming campaign. Yes, results can be considered the most important aspect of being a Premier League manager in the modern era, but Hammers fans ultimately want to see more from their team than simply aiming for the points above all else.

Because Bilic is trying to establish a much more defined footballing philosophy from his side this campaign, doing so with a squad that has largely been subscribed to the Sam Allardyce school of thought for four seasons simply won’t happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day of course, so if West Ham supporters really want to see an improved approach form their side in the next few years, they have to be willing to give Slaven Bilic enough time to implement such a transformation in ideas.

Whilst both Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell proved solid assets for Big Sam in the full-back department last term, their somewhat lacking technical ability has so far been exposed under the team’s new way of going about their business. Hammers fans need to allow Slaven Bilic the freedom to iron out such kinks within his ranks if West Ham are to prove worthy of playing in London’s Olympic Stadium next season.

However, if the current boss at Upton Park somehow wants to offer Kevin Nolan more first team opportunities at the club with the captain’s armband strapped to his side, then Slaven Bilic may as well consider packing his bags now. Under no circumstances should the 33-year-old be playing for West Ham anymore. He’s obviously a fine skipper, a strong leader and a good man by all accounts – but none of that actually matters when the player himself can no longer offer anything to the team.

Bilic’s decision to start Nolan last time out was a clear step in the wrong direction, even if the result wasn’t entirely of the former Bolton man’s own making. However, sometimes adjusting to a new squad of players takes a bit of time behind the scenes and sacrifice out on the pitch for things to eventually work out in the end.

Therefore, whilst Slaven Bilic has certainly made a few errors during the initial stages of his West Ham managerial career so far, Hammers fans would be mad to want to see the back of the stylish Croatian already this term.

After all, the fact that Sam Allardyce is no longer at the club is more than enough reason for West Ham supporters to remain positive this season!

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