Sometimes by dramatic shifts of the football tectonic plates, and sometimes by small, almost un-noticed behind-the- scenes changes, West Ham is evolving. The events of June shaped the boardroom hopefully for the next decade and received huge publicity as the Sullivan era was cast aside.
The new regime has since made some bold statements about covering the clubs financial mess – and showed they’ve been listening with smaller but important details like planned consultations about the club crest: Less obvious but equally welcome tweaks to back up the headlines and show this to be a football club seemingly heading in a different direction.
Such was the news yesterday that former goal keeper and unlikely cult hero David Martin has been in talks about returning to West Ham as a goal keeping coach to the u21’s, as reported by ExWHUEmployee.
“We believe that West Ham have been in talks about a former keeper returning to the club as the Under 21s goalkeeping coach,” stated Ex.
“There was some talk it could be Fabianski who recently left the club as a player. We believe however the front runner and person who will get the job is cult hero David Martin”
Cult Hero Martin in his playing days at West Ham
On its own a small, minor footnote in the club’s evolution. But continuing evidence that someone at the club has an eye for the heritage and dare one say it the soul of this football club.
David and his dad Alvin of course epitomise everything that is good about West Ham’s heritage and a nod to the past in appointing Martin as a coach – in whatever capacity – is another small brick in the foundations of a new mood at London Stadium.
A hundred such small ‘tweaks’ and we’ll have a very different football club on our hands.
Whu need a dedicated set piece coach to come in line with big six.
Love this, albeit just my sentimentality, but the Martin’s know what it is to be West Ham.
I’ve little doubt he will be an excellent coach if chosen.
I also echo what Tom says about Kevin Nolan, though I don’t see Nuno sanctioning that one.
I also wish the club would get a wriggle on with some strong signings, if only to ease my anxiety.
Many people associate our upturn in performances after January with the arrival of Paco as 1st team coach. He didn’t ‘know’ our club and certainly wasn’t a “cult hero” when he arrived.
The main requirement for any coaching appointment is that the eventual incumbent has the skills to develop the coachees in his charge. If he, or she, is good at their job they will soon ‘get’ the club.
“Cult Hero Martin in his playing days at West Ham” – well it’s not is it? Can’t make out the team, but it’s not us.
Looks like MK Dons…
This guy couldn’t catch a cold he played one game for us why is he considered for this?
Real cult hero wasnt he Martin For gods sake
It’s a shame Kevin Nolan can’t be found a coaching position. He really gets and knows what it means to be a player for this club being an ex captain as well.