Slaven Bilic believes “great manager” Manuel Pellegrini has made exactly the right decision over Grady Diangana’s future.
And that is probably tinged with a touch of relief after weeks of speculation over the young Hammer’s future for the remainder of the season.
Pellegrini put the saga to bed by announcing he would be remaining in Bilic’s care as the Baggies sail along at the top of the Championship.
It’s a decision too that has gone down well by and large on the Hammers forums with the majority of fans believing it is an ideal set up for both clubs and the player.
It has the advantage too of Grady learning his trade under a man who truly believes that the West Ham Way is the only way to play the game.
Grady is doing it all in a big way for the midland outfit right now but he will eventually return to West Ham a better player, ideally equipped to find his role within the Hammers set up.
And Bilic made it clear that he believes Grady is on exactly the right path when asked if he believed the Irons boss had made the right decision.
He said: “Of course. Pellegrini is a great manager. He’s done everything, but I really think that for us, for West Ham and for Grady, it’ll best for him to stay and to grow up as a player.
“Grady is nowhere near the finished article. He’s a young player who is enjoying it. It’s his first season where he’s an important part of the team that is fighting for something.
“I’m not only talking about the pressure and everything, it’s also off the pitch. It’s great for him. He’s on a great path, he’s enjoying every game.
“He’s raising his game, he’s growing and it would be for me not good for him and also for West Ham long term – and for us, of course – to stop that process.”
The 21 year old will feature against Hull City today after supplying another eye catching display in the win at Stoke City on Monday – despite the heavy challenge from Potters defender Cameron Carter-Vickers that earned Albion a penalty.
“He’s alright,” Bilic added. “It was not deliberate, but it was a reckless challenge. He was lucky, basically, that his foot was off the ground. “It was very dangerous, but he’s okay.”
