West Ham in the Champions League would help English football reach 'utopia', says Stuart Pearce

Sam Long24 March 2016

Stuart Pearce believes West Ham can help English football reach 'utopia' if they qualify for the Champions League this season.

The Hammers have been in fine form in recent weeks and are currently just one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City ahead of the run-in.

Slaven Bilic's side appear to boast more momentum than their rivals and could cap their final campaign at the Boleyn Ground by claiming a place in Europe's elite club competition.

The established order in England's top tier has been unsettled this season, with Leicester leading the title race ahead of Tottenham, and Pearce is adamant his former club's charge will be difficult for their rivals to stop.

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West Ham United

"Sam Allardyce put a good structure in place and Slaven [Bilic] has come in and galvanised the fans," said the former left back.

"I don't see too much stopping West Ham to be honest. It's been a really unusual season but what a wonderful season.

"If Leicester can win the League and West Ham can get in the Champions League I think that's utopia for English football.

"It will freshen English football up," Pearce added.

"It needs freshening - everyone who's got the money buys the trophies but that goes out the window if Leicester win the League and West Ham get in the Champions League."

West Ham face a difficult run of fixtures following the conclusion of the international break and are set to take on Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Manchester United and Leicester in four games which could define their hopes of a top-four finish.

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