Pelle and Lyall have the barnets for the job

By CandH blogger Allen Cummings

So what makes a good manager? Is it his coaching ability; his tactical awareness; his eye for a player; his man management skills?

Well all of those, of course but in West Ham’s case maybe you could add; his hairstyle!

Because for those who have been around a little while, it won’t have gone unnoticed that Manuel Pellegrini’s magnificent head of hair is very similar to that of arguably our best manager of recent times, the late, great John Lyall.

Both Lyall, during his time with us, and now Pellegrini, enjoyed very full barnets.

Somehow that appearance eludes to an aura of respect and authority, a demeanour which on the face of it seems more suited to a place in the boardroom rather than the training pitch.

But appearances can be deceiving. Lyall was never happier than when he was in a track suit, football boots and working close up with the players. Pellegrini appears to relish the same hands-on approach.

 Manuel, just as Lyall was, is a deep thinker and student of the game. His footballing emphasis is based very much on attack, a desire to go forward, play on the front foot whenever you can, put your opponent under pressure from the off.

John Lyall’s team of the 80’s were a joy to watch. Entertaining with a capital ‘E’. We’re beginning to see that style of play once again under Pellegrini. It’s what many of us have been crying out for. A side to lift our spirits and get us off our seats playing the West Ham Way.

John Lyall’s team of 86 dared us to believe. Manuel Pellegrini’s current team are beginning to have the same effect. Probably it’s a bit simplistic to suggest it’s all down to the hair.

On the other hand it could be a case of ‘hair we go!”