Sam Allardyce says he can cope with any negativity from fans, while he has set a target of 23 points from the final ten games for promotion.
West Ham boss sets target for automatic promotion
Sam Allardyce has insisted he can cope with any negativity from West Ham supporters, while he has set a target of 23 points from their final ten games of the season to secure automatic promotion.
The Hammers have slipped to third in the Championship following a run of three straight draws and some fans have made their frustration at recent performances clear.
Allardyce can understand their feelings but says he can put up with the boo-boys and remain focused on the task of trying to steer West Ham back to the Premier League.
"I have got two skins on top of my own," he said in the
Daily Mirror.
"I could put my rhino skin on if it gets half bad, and if it gets really bad I can put my elephant skin on top of that.
"That's life. It's what you have to deal with no matter where you go. At one stage, you're going to get abused.
"With playing or managing, things are going to get a bit sticky as nobody has patience now. But if you excite the fans, they'll get behind you."
Pressure
Southampton and Reading are currently three points clear of West Ham in what is looking like a three-way battle for automatic promotion, and Allardyce knows his men must enjoy a strong finish to break back into the top two.
"I think 23 points will be enough, that is the realistic target if you want automatic promotion," he said.
"It is quite simple, 90 points has been good enough these past few years. It's a big target, but one we are capable of."
West Ham entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough at Upton Park on Tuesday night and Allardyce has urged his players to keep calm.
He added: "We have been anxious in front of our own fans recently.
"It has been difficult for them to feel comfortable in their own environment. But if we don't stay calm, it could cause the nerve endings to jangle.
"Players want to win more than the fans, whatever the fans think.
"That's why we do this job. We enjoy pressure - we want to win and send the fans home happy."
