Despite the sterling defensive performance and Andy Carroll’s tour-de-force at the Stadium of Light, it’s been a tough week for West Ham bloggers as the reaction to the 2-1 win over Hull City continues to reverberate.

The main problem seems to be that, far from being entrenched in their respective positions, there’s a case for saying everyone is doing the right thing in their own way.

Supporters for example, are fully entitled to show their anger and frustration; it’s often forgotten by the board,  players and media, that the fans are the only ones who actually pay to see the fare on offer.

In real terms, they pay the very wages of the people they want to show their dissatisfaction with, and if they want to abuse the manager for the colour of his tie then they have every right.

Conversely though, it’s hard to disagree with the incredulity of Sam Allardyce at having his team jeered off – afterall the Hammers had won even if it had been a frustrating evening’s viewing.

There’s also a sense that Sam’s thinking has already been done for him, and his tactics and attitude are well known to everyone and set in stone. In fact, I think Sam has shown some frustration in the way his team has played at times this season and –although he will publicly back his players – I expect he would have strong words with the team behind locked doors.

I fully expect to see West Ham’s ponderous midfield and inability to get full-backs  forward quickly, to be fully addressed over the summer.

It’s also inevitable that Karren Brady would offer her support to the manager, the board made the decision a couple of seasons back to invest in Sam Allardyce and they knew full well what they were getting.

The move to Stratford looms large in this thinking and, from a business perspective as well as a playing one, I find it hard to disagree. I think the ‘cupped ear’ gesticulation was wrong though and I hope we won’t see a repeat of that.

My angle on this? Well, this might sound perverse but I’m just amused by the process of booing.

The joyous explosion of cheering when something has gone well seems an almost natural reaction – like laughing when someone tickles you.

Showing your displeasure by booing though seems an altogether different thing.  Like imitating the sound of a cow or blowing a raspberry,  there is something deliriously childish about it.

Apparently the practice derives from ancient Greece suggesting Sam is really suffering; Accused of 19th Century football  by  Jose Mourinho, it seems the manager  is now coming in for some 6th Century BC abuse too!