There was no more passionate and committed performer in any shirt -with the exception of Billy Bonds – than Stuart Pearce.
Anybody who saw ‘Psycho’ play quickly realised his fierce competitive spirit, never dying passion and refusal to accept anything on anyone’s terms than his own, was the stuff of legends.
He made 50 appearances in the Hammers shirt after arriving from Newcastle, making his debut in August 1999 in a 1–0 home win against Tottenham Hotspur. His first goal came on 21 October 2000 in a 2–1 home defeat to Arsenal. He was 38 years old!
He became Hammer of the Year and remains one of the least laid back men in the game. If there was any doubt at all, West Ham United’s under-performing squad looks set for the most almighty kick up the ‘arris.
As an example of his fearsome qualities former England team-mate Matt le Tissier described him in his book Taking le Tiss his scariest opponent. There probably aren’t many of the same era who would disagree!
I hope these are the reasons he is at the club rather than Moyes making a PR appointment because of a past conecton with the club.
If that’s not the case then it’s impossible to think of any other former defender more capable of trying to kick a West Ham defensive set up responsible for conceding more goals than any other – 23 – into shape.
We have seen the ‘softly softly’ approach from the last manager and his team – it didn’t work.
Now comes ‘Psycho’ as part of a Moyes team which will make the big stick look like a feather duster and that is just about the best news any of us could have received today.
It begins …go to work big fella!
It would be nice to imagine that all our defensive woes could be resolved just by bringing in a menacing shouty-man. But I suspect that Pearce will need to bring some other qualities to bear to tighten up our back 3, 4 or 5.
They need a lot more discipline and tactical awareness – knowing how high to hold their line, being able to move up together to spring off-sides, ensuring sufficient cover is in place before diving in etc. As much as I enjoy seeing the passion that goes with throwing a body on the line in a last gasp attempt to block a shot I’d rather see a defence disciplined enough not to need to resort to such desperate acts.
It doesn’t matter how big your stick is if you aren’t allowed to hit anyone with it!
He is part of a team and I don’t think any of us would be naive enough to believe that is his only quality. I didn’t think it necessary to list the others given his record as a highly organised defender with all the necessary coaching badges The last line is confusing unless you know something about Moyes that others don’t. Please let me know and we can blog it.
“Please let me know and we can blog it.”
I hope you’re joking and that you wouldn’t blog something on the basis of some random’s observations in a comments section? In any event, you were the one that decided to use the ‘big stick’ metaphor – what ‘big stick’ do you think Pearce brings with him?
It didn’t read as a random observation,more as a fact. I think most of us understand that a big stick in Pearce’s case translates into no nonsense approach. However, I used the big stick metaphor in translation to the Moyes ‘team’- for accuracy’s sake. I concede some may see his appointment as a West Ham PR gesture given his connection with the club and will write that in. Thanks for your contribution.
And Julian Dicks was a shrinking violet?
That proves that being a committed player doesn’t automatically mean you are a good coach.
Let’s wait and see! COYI
Julian Dicks was employed as a coach who taught players how to cross – his words
Wow is that what happened to Cresswell
Would we not have made all the same comment about Dicks?
Pearce is an experienced coach, as well as an exceptional defender. He is no numbskull. He will wave a big stick, and knock a few people into shape.
The poor basic defending of some of our imports has been hopeless. If they don’t shape up under Pearce then it will be time for them to leave. About time too. All this krap about defenders not having to defend anymore, as long as they can dribble the ball, has been disastrous.
It’s back to basics, and not before time.
Also Pearce will love working with Declan Rice as a 1st. team regular.
Oh and that includes defensive midfield too.
+1
Hopefully he will coach Cresswell back to the level that got him recognised for England and a hammer of the year candidate. I miss that Cresswell 🙂
I’m sure he will.
Moyes was not my first choice, but at least he will bring back some realism and put feet back on this planet. It all starts with defense, defensive midfield, and individual defensive abilities. Only when that is right can we move forward again. One of Bilic’s problems was a stipulation from the fans, via the board to play expansive football. No wonder the defensive side faded away. Even with 2 great defenders in charge we lost the art of defending.
Me too BC his crosses use to be great & if Dicks was just coaching crossing what happened.
We get our FBs creating more be great seen Cressie coming back some his looked better
How do you coach pace ? Forget the big stick , a cattle prod would be needed for some lol!
Moyes will need to buy in Jan , defenders and midfield ! Let’s see what they can do in 8-10 weeks ! I’m optimistic but not convinced they can do much with our defence and a few in m/f
Defencively ! Hope they can ?