FOR THE first time in many a year, West Ham finally appear to have hit on a formula for their management structure that suits all parties. Watching the ‘Koppen’ interview I was struck by how much has changed since the bad old BS days when ‘trusted’ agents reportedly foisted players on unwilling managers.
Throughout the Sullivan era (he being the common factor), managers were mostly buying their own players whilst Sullivan was getting his own pet agent peddling players to him direct – who the manager then chose to ignore. Confusion reigned. Millions was wasted. Even in the ‘modern’ era, Sullivan managed to appoint a manager and technical director working against each other. Tim Steidten blowing the cash, both Moyes then Lopetegui banning him from the dressing room as ‘disruptive’.
Bad old days with coach and technical director in a never ending tug of war
At one time it seemed there were at least three different people choosing their own transfer targets with absolutely no cohesive strategy. Chaos, of course, was the result which ultimately led to relegation.
In hindsight, is it any wonder that the squad resembled a repeatedly smashed vase, hastily super glued back together again and again, with the cracks only too evident upon even cursory inspection?
By comparison, today’s management structure seems both sensible and hugely effective. With Nuno’s infamous fall-out at his previous club Nottingham Forest leading to his walking out, appointing an individual to handle recruitment in his stead was always going to be potentially combustible.
The new West Ham board seem to have managed the transition from ‘broken’ to smooth running machine within a couple of months, more than Sullivan managed in his whole tenure.
Koppen’s interview reveals the clear lines of responsibility now in place to let Nuno do his job whilst the recruiter find the players he’s tasked to capture. Seems simple, doesn’t it. But it’s taken hundreds of millions wasted and the demise of both managers and technical directors before West Ham seem to have finally arrived at a place from which the club can be re-launched upwards.
No credit taken, but of course, the main architect of this ‘new’ system sits quietly behind the scenes as the largest shareholder, letting his appointed experts get on and do their jobs.
Simples.
This is the new West Ham. And it seems to work. Finally.
David Sullivan tried his best with the capital at his disposal. Unfortunately he was badly advised when it came to trusting managers.
It seems, at the moment, that the board has gone back to basics and are using a reality check for today’s situation. The future can be robust and bright only if the present forms the foundation on which we can build.
We are getting there. No analysis of days gone by. Enjoy the progress. Let’s all enjoy the ride.
COYI
If there’s one thing that Kretinski is it’s professional. Competent people work for him. He may or may not be other things but that alone will impact quickly.
Probably NES learnt a thing or two from his time at Forest which ended badly. He also seems to have learnt from his experience at Wolves in a good way, knowing what is required in an attritional Championship – a different matter.
From a recruitment perspective he seemingly does not have a final, ultimate say (which is good because under pressure managers will seek quick results) while Koppen has the ability to work effectively with him so NES still has plenty of say I guess. He might even feel a little less pressure, with less direct responsibility for recruitment? More a question of teamwork which must be integral to football management I imagine.
Obviously, there is enormous potential at WHU, so if club are gradually putting the pieces together it seems to be an intelligent way of progressing because then there are waypoints when you can re-assess.
I’m still baffled how David Sullivan has become a billionaire despite being so incompetent.
What made it worse was his egocentrism and narcissism despite being absolutely dreadful as a football club owner.
He relegated us twice, and I’ve forgotten how many times he did with Birmingham as well.
Baroness Botox is just the same; a so-called brilliant businesswoman who’s never owned a business.
Thank French Connection UK that they now have no authority at the club.