Just one look at the West Ham team sheet on Saturday and it was clear to see that they are struggling in the defensive department. Matt Taylor's selection at right back, when he is left footed, sums up just how stretched they are. Allardyce bemoaned the injury crisis in the post-match press conference, admitting that it is tough when the back-four picked to face Newcastle had never played together. The Hammers are currently missing Guy Demel, James Tomkins, Winston Reid and George McCartney. The four of them would arguably make up Allardyce's first choice defensive line-up. Reid in particular is a painful absence. The centre-back was one of the side's best performers last season, attracting interest from clubs throughout the Premier League. Without him at the heart of the defence the Hammers lack the required defensive solidity to survive in a relegation scrap. If West Ham want to stay up they need to get their first choice back-four out of the treatment room and onto the pitch. If the injury crisis does not improve than Allardyce may well be forced into the market. He has already signed Roger Johnson this window, but he could have to act again.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
