OPINION
West Ham have confirmed that Manuel Pellegrini will replace David Moyes as manager at the London Stadium this summer, and the club may be on the verge of a new dawn under the Chilean.
As reported on the club’s official website, the 64-year-old joins on a three-year contract from Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.
Hammers chairman David Sullivan is quoted as saying: “Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad.”
One of the main issues at the London Stadium in recent years has been the meddling influence of Sullivan himself, with many at the club unhappy with the control he has over transfers.
However, according to the Mirror, Pellegrini has been handed full control over signings at West Ham, with Sullivan giving up his involvement in that side of business.
While the appointment of Pellegrini is in itself a massive step forward for the Hammers, with his experience and winning mentality to take the club to another level, it is this revelation that may truly herald in a new dawn.
Sullivan’s influence has been known to cause issues with several past managers, with Moyes in particular reported to be pushing for the chairman to take a back seat in proceedings.
Handing Pellegrini full control over incomings will allow the Chilean to streamline this squad to his liking and give them the best chance possible of creating a winning environment at the London Stadium.
The 64-year-old has over 20 years of management experience, and he will know what it takes to create a team that can challenge at the top of the Premier League. Sullivan does not.
We will truly know whether this reported change at the club becomes reality in the coming weeks, but if it does, then seriously exciting times may lay ahead for the Irons.
