Sam Allardyce has defended his side's style of play after West Ham fans criticised the manager's tactics.
Hammers boss responds to criticism of tactics
Sam Allardyce has defended his side's style of play after West Ham fans criticised the manager's tactics.
Hammers supporters have been quick to voice their displeasure this season with what they have seen as some less than attractive football played by their side.
They were in full voice at Peterborough earlier this week with some heard to sing "we're West Ham, we play on the floor" during the Irons' 2-0 win at London Road.
When asked about a perceived 'West Ham way' of playing by
Sky Sports News' Gary Cotterill, Allardyce responded: "It sounds like not winning."
He continued: "There has never been a 'West Ham way' shown to me, not by anyone who has worked at the club. I've spoken to a lot of people at the club and no one can tell me what it is, so it is a bit of a delusion."
Sick
Victory over second-placed Reading in a massive game at Upton Park on Saturday will lift the Hammers back into the Championship's top two with only six games remaining.
Before the club's biggest game of the season, the Irons manager has called for fans to back his side's bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.
"Come and enjoy yourself - that is what it is all about," he told
The Mirror. "If you don't want to come and enjoy yourself, I am not sure why you want to come at all, really.
"We are in a winning environment. This club has not been in a winning environment for donkey's years. Last time they got up [to the Premier League] by scraping up in sixth spot by the play-offs.
"I can understand if you are losing and at the bottom of the league and not playing well. I can't understand it if you are playing the opposition off the park.
"I am a little bit sick of defending myself because it is something I shouldn't have to do."
Opinions
The Hammers entertain the Royals on the back of a solid unbeaten run but Allardyce admits his side need to be winning more games at Upton Park.
"We're not winning as many as we like at home. But we've just equalled a club record for most away wins and we're likely to beat it. We're performing away from home and if we get the winning streak back at home then we'll be OK.
"There's nothing to be negative about. We've not won some of the games but that happens in football. If we'd lost five on the trot then fair enough but we've only drawn five on the trot.
"No matter how well you're doing not everyone will be behind you. The game is about opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs. You've got to accept theirs and keep on doing what you know is right."
