PREMIER LEAGUE: West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has suggested his side are victims of overachieving last season after being booed off the Upton Park pitch following the win over Hull.

A 2-1 victory crucial in the Hammers’ fight to stay in the top-flight was met with jeers by the home support, leaving Allardyce bemused ahead of another vital fixture tonight at Sunderland.

The Hammers boss believes expectations were raised this term by a strong campaign last season in their first after promotion from the Championship.

Allardyce said: “I thought we overachieved last year finishing 10th. No doubt about that.

“We had a fantastic season. Over-achievement always brings a greater expectation. That’s why we have suffered at times this season, particularly at home.

“Last year we were immense. We only lost four games at home last year in the entire season. That was to Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool.

“This year at home has been much tougher. (But) we have put it right recently with four home wins from the last five games.”

Asked where the Hammers should finish, Allardyce said: “We should finish no lower than 12th or 13th. That’s about our top level.

“It would be the same as last season. We are building steadily and slowly.”

Allardyce would always favour substance over style and called for supporters to consider the impact of the jeering on his players.

“We can call play very well and lose and nobody in the Premier League will end up keeping their job,” he said.

“This is a winning game and winning industry. Life depends on winning effectively.

“Sometimes they (supporters) don’t realise the effect they have on the players.

“We couldn’t play football in empty stadiums, we can only play with an atmosphere.

“You only get the best out of players when the atmosphere is good. We have to create the atmosphere by giving them something to cheer about, we know that, but there are occasions when we do need their help.

“We do need them to lift the players. I still don’t think they realise that anywhere in football how important that is.”