Baggies play safe as Hammers gain access to Europe

West Brom kept their heads above the drop zone last season as West Ham did even better to finish seventh in the standings which meant a place in the Europa League. Tony Pulis conjured up another relegation escape, yet the Baggies fans expected more. Although West Brom were not beaten on their travels until October, they still hovered one spot above the relegation trapdoor. But then, back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Stoke, either side of New Year, lifted Pulis's team to within nine points of the top four. That form allowed the side to focus on the FA Cup but a disappointing defeat to Reading in the fifth round marked the lowest point of West Brom's campaign as long-serving player Chris Brunt was even struck by a coin thrown by one of the club's own fans. At West Ham, the appointment of Slaven Bilic as manager kept the fans on the edge of their seats on many an occasion as the Hammers prepare to start life at their new home – the Olympic Stadium. Bilic worked tirelessly. Indeed, to win away at Arsenal, Man. City and Liverpool was great. The Hammers played with flair and the club is now united behind boss Bilic. Dimitri Payet had an outstanding season and so did Manuel...

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