Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham squad that they must learn how to handle their nerves if they are to prevail in the play-offs.
Nolan confident Hammers will win promotion, one way or another
Sam Allardyce has warned his West Ham squad that they must learn how to handle their nerves if they are to prevail in the play-offs.
The Hammers boss appears to have conceded defeat in his side's efforts to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League, with it unlikely that a five-point gap can be bridged in two games.
Reading have already booked their place back in the big time and Southampton, who tackle Middlesbrough on Saturday, look set to join them.
Allardyce appreciates that West Ham are destined to miss out on a top-two finish in the Championship, and for that reason he is already planning for a play-off push.
He knows how tricky that promotion path can be and has informed his players that they must prepare themselves for the most intense of pressure.
Allardyce said: "If we are to go up automatically we will need someone to do us a favour.
"If not, it's about preparing yourself properly for a game the players will never experience anything like in their life.
"There is nothing to compare to it. And you've got to handle the pressure that comes with it."
Momentum
Kevin Nolan is confident the Hammers can handle the heat should they be forced into the play-offs, with it his opinion that Allardyce's men will be turning out in the top flight next season.
He said: "Hopefully Southampton lose two, we win two and we go up.
"If not, we have to make sure we win our next two to keep our momentum going into the play-offs. You never say never, but that's how it goes.
"I am confident that if we are in the play-offs, we will go up that way. You have to be confident with the squad we have.
"We want to give the fans what they deserve and that is getting back into the Premier League. Hopefully we can do that on 28th April and if not, 19th May."
