Every true blood Hammers fan bows his head in respect when the names Moore, Hurst, Peters and Ferdinand are mentioned…which makes Slaven Bilic a true blood Iron!
For his first job in terms of dressing room man management he presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page with their first team debut shirts and immediately reminded them of the club’s great players and ambassadors before telling them to go and make their “own legacy.”
In footballing terms that’s Churchillian stuff and a fine reminder of this man’s many qualities.
As the words appeared in my inbox for sub editing from ClaretandHugh’s Rob Shepherd ,who was reporting the game for us, I admit to a puff of pride.
Slaven Bilic has yet to put a foot wrong as our new boss and personally I think it’s very unlikely. The words he addressed to the young Hammers will inspire the Development Squad players to follow them.
To mention such names to young players in the same breath as the club legends tells you everything you need to now about our new manager – he may have only had a season here as a player but he’s an Iron to his backbone and is a LEADER.
His decision to take a back seat last night – as detailed by David Gold in another story on the site today – was class and unlike some before him shows he’s no glory seeker and egotist.
Everyone gets credit and opportunity in Slav’s world and last night it was Terry Westley’s turn to take centre stage. Slav made sure it happened.
However, a body language expert would have had a field day watching the Croatian in the directors’ box as he leaned forward eagle eyed and chattering non stop to Karren Brady about what was going on down on the field of play.
West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy – a real joy to be part of it all.
I wonder whether arch high Tory Karren knows that our manager is a died in the wool Socialist?
You know what, I don’t reckon it would make a jot of difference – something new, great, tolerant and massively enjoyable is happening at our beloved club!
You’re on a roll today Hugh,another great piece.
You’re right there is something about Slav that is inspiring he’s lifted the gloom and is inspiring fans,owners and players alike. Good luck to him inspiring Lady B to see the light politically though lol
Such an improvement on the last 4 years when the hippo used to say to debutants “are you finished with those chips?” “Have you heard of Mark Curtis?” And “Could you just give that a scratch I can’t quite reach it” lol
Lol,yeah hippo would have told them that tippy tappy football is bolloxs & launch it forward quickly because there is no such thing as the west ham way,lol,keep going Slav,top stuff
Hmmm…. David Gold has tweeted that he presented the young’uns with their team shirts….
…and speaking of politics, Di Canio would have out-right winged the Great Dame!
”West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy” . Lets hope that means the overated partime luxury will get her P45 too then.
4 comments and we went from beating them on the beaches to moaning with Mildew in 13
mins,
Now that’s the WestHam Way
Brilliant Hugh just keep them coming it makes these hot football free summers bearable
Rugby wouldnt be Rugby if he didnt have a pop at Brady,lol,good article.
Top stuff,let the kids know what a privilege it is to play for the irons.I got a good feeling about the way our club is heading.The anti-christ of the west ham way has naffed off,now we can move onwards & upwards 😉
Thats it Slav,rally the troops before matches.Get them headbutting walls & punching holes in the ceilings (away matches only).Love it 😀
Lol,seems like a good system to me.Dicksy can teach them the headbutting technique 😉
Slaven Churchilic,West Ham Prime Minister,President & Godfather 😉