It remains hard to understand why Slaven Bilic chose to send Robert Snodgrass out on loan to Aston Villa…both for the fans and player.
But the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini ensure the Scot regained any confidence he may have lost as a result of his temporary exile to the midlands.
And it didn’t take the Chilean boss long to ensure that the midfielder knew exactly how much he rated him – words backed by actions as he made well over 30 appearances for the first team last season.
Snoddy has turned round the opinions of most fans with some brilliantly determined and gutsy displays but it was clearly the Pellegrini words which fired him up to become a valuable member of the Hammers squad.
And speaking to https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/snodgrass-didnt-fair-chance-west-16597117 he has recalled the time when the boss gave him a forthright opinion on his abilities and what the future could hold for him.
He said: “He told me ‘you shouldn’t be playing in the Championship. You’re a Premier League player. You deserve a chance.
“That was all I asked for. If I never took it then I’d have myself to blame, simple as that. When things don’t go to plan, just look at yourself, that’s the best advice I can give anybody.
“Always listen and learn, it’s a process where every day is a learning day, I still am off the manager and coaching staff.
“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve always done well. I believe in myself, work hard, listen, learn.
“One thing I didn’t have was a fair crack at it which I don’t feel like I did in that first six months with West Ham. It was because the move happened quick, I didn’t have my family, my kids around, then when I was settled and clubs came in for me on loan, the club were for it and I was like ‘ let’s go’ and it was one of the best years of my life at Aston Villa.“It was all new to me, being on loan. The fans, the teammates, I had a terrific time and we were only one game away from what we wanted to achieve.
“I came back strong and mentally ready to try and show the fans what I was all about because I believe I didn’t get a fair chance before.”
