West Ham look to have escaped the relegation trouble that they were embroiled in when Slaven Bilic was sacked and a win over Stoke on Monday night would surely confirm their safety for another season.

Should they survive, this summer presents a conundrum for everyone connected with the club. On the minds of fans, players and supporters will be one dilemma; stability or ambition?

Another season or two with David Moyes at the helm, consolidating the solid if unspectacular work that the Scotsman has done during his short time in East London? Or, casting aside the former Sunderland boss and looking towards under another new manager, looking to build a young, progressive team with designs on the top ten?

The move to the London Stadium was supposed to make the loftier ambitions among those of a claret and blue persuasion a reality but there is surely a risk of trying to run before the club can walk.

Meanwhile, in the Europa League, Dimitri Payet - valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt - was giving Irons fans a reminder of the last time they attempted to build an aspirational team, under Bilic.

The Frenchman shone for Marseille against RB Leipzig, with a goal and an assist in the 5-2 victory that took the club into the last four of the Europa League.

On top of that, he was as majestic as he was in the Premier League; three key passes, three dribbles and four crosses show a man who was everywhere and at the heart of everything good that the hosts did.

Of course, we all know how his time in East London ended and for that reason, there are a lot of Hammers who can’t forgive him and wouldn’t take him back.

But he is a reminder of how good West Ham can be when the club dares to dream and is pulling in the same direction.

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