Rob Shepherd called it correctly last Thursday when telling the two Daves the obvious candidate was right under their noses in Slaven Bilic.
Here’s what Shep had to say.
I would love to see Claret and Hugh’s fans choice Jurgen Klopp or my own preference Frank de Boer installed as the new West Ham manager.
But if neither want it then give the job to Slaven Bilic …NOW
The word in Spain is that current favourite , Seville manager Unai Emery who has spoken to West Ham this week is also wanted by Napoli but could well be offered a new deal to stay in Spain. And Sevilla have qualified for the Champions League.One is starting to sense that some managers on the move out there and indeed their agents are seeing West Ham as the perfect partner …….to boost their profile and bidding power with current or courting clubs.
I have a suspicion the Rafa Benitez camp merely toyed with the Hammers to either up his salary at Napoli or help speed up his strange appointment by Real Madrid which was confirmed yesterday.
Manager of Real Madrid or West Ham ? Benitez who was born in the Spanish capital and cut his managerial teeth with their B team has had a long term ambition ,strategy even, to take over at the Bernebau.
Yes, I accept it shows ambition that the Hammers are aiming high as they seek the right manager to guide the club to the Promised Land of a new life at the Olympic Stadium and all that could go with it.
Understandably there is a nervousness about making the wrong call and the team after the dour but dependable Sam Allardyce regime ,spiralling out of the Premier League.
There are those who will still argue that Big Sam is just the sort of “safe hands” West Ham need for next season’s transition. But that fails to recognise the desperate demise in the second half of last season.
But the longer it takes to replace Allardyce the more those who would have stuck with him would seem to have a case.
There was logic in the pursuit of Benitez given his CV although he is manager whose spending habits in the transfer market would have quickly been at odds with the budget available at West Ham.
But the current dalliance with Emery would seem a big risk.
Yes he has regarded as an innovative coach and has taken Sevilla to back to back Europa Cup successes. But a team who are always safe in La Liga have made that competition their priority
And just a three years ago he had a brief miserable time with Spartak Moscow.
I have no doubt though Emery is a talented coach and tactician but he does not have a good command of English and the Hammers need a manger to hit the ground running not feel his way into a new job and culture.
Look how it didn’t work for Juande Ramos when he left Sevilla for Spurs.
So if the club aren’t prepared to go for one of the best bright English candidates, Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, then the time has come to make a move for a man who has the CV and big character West Ham need …..Bilic.
True he has not managed in the Premier League…neither has Emery … but he does know the culture of the English game having played with the Hammers and Everton. I am certain he has more about him than Roberto di Matteo whose name is suddenly being mooted.
With Bilic there would be an immediate bond with the fans and I would suggest that if he wanted help and insight into the current English scene then he should lure Rio Ferdinand back to the club as one of his aides.
Ferdinand is interested in getting into coaching. He has a good football brain. He is well connected in the game and has an obvious affinity with the Hammers.
Bilic having quit Besiktas is available and could take up the job tomorrow. Having just announced his playing retirement so could Ferdinand.
But if West Ham dither …if they keep shopping around ….Bilic may start to feel distinctly a choice by default and not even pick up the phone.
Then who would West Ham turn to ?
Well written Hugh,
We got there in the end and most on this site had the patience to wait and not wet there selves,
Which shows another strength in our fans,we have waited along time for a chance for the good times to return and I for one can see the light at the end of the tunnel,
I hope Slaven brings all West Ham people on board Rio,Pottsy for starters Disksy also
Now for the transfer lottery and I hope Slaven has some hidden gems from Turkey and Croatia,
COYI
Rob Sheppard got it spot did he?? I,ve been saying it was billic ever since alldyce went! Look at my comments on disqus!.
Glad you got your man Tony personaly I wanted Biesla but am more than happy with Bilic,
Let’s hope we move on now with the hippo just a bad dream,