Sir Trevor Brooking believes that the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini can signal a fresh start and a bright future for West Ham United.
The legendary Hammers midfielder, who is part of the I’m Forever campaign for the Club’s new 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away kits, is confident that the Chilean’s experience – both in the Premier League and across European football – will be of great benefit and is backing the former Manchester City boss to lead his new team forward in the right direction.
I hope that Manuel is able to be judged on what he does over the course of the three years. Stability and progression are what is needed and we are all confident he can deliver that
Sir Trevor Brooking
Speaking exclusively to whufc.com, Sir Trevor said: “There has been a very positive reaction to Manuel coming in. I think it’s an opportunity to put a tough few months behind us and look forward with optimism.
“The first two years at London Stadium have brought a number of difficult challenges, which is the case for any club making a move to a new stadium, and the third year should really be the point where we can put that behind us and look forward.
“It is now a clean break and a fresh start with the new manager, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact he can make. His previous experience of the Premier League is also a big positive. He’s not coming into a league – or the challenges within it – that he doesn’t know.
“He has good knowledge, he did well in Spain, and he will have good awareness and contacts when it comes to identifying potential new players.”
With the summer transfer window always bringing great excitement and anticipation throughout the Premier League, Sir Trevor admits that much focus will be placed on Pellegrini’s recruitment of new players over the next couple of months, but urges patience and time when it comes to judging the new manager’s ability to bring success to London Stadium.
“Four or five new signings have been mentioned, and I think that is what most fans will be hoping for,” he says. “It’s not always easy to conjure up that number, though, and we’ve got to be sensible, patient, and give the manager the backing and the time to make the additions he needs.
“They have got to be the right signings longer term. Manuel has got a three-year contract, and we must give him the opportunity to make progression over that period of time.
“He doesn’t need the pressure of being expected to transform things overnight. It is extremely tough to break into the top six. Hopefully next season we can establish ourselves in that second tier just outside the top six, get the supporters enjoying the football that they are watching, and make steps that take us forward.
“I hope that Manuel is able to be judged on what he does over the course of the three years. Stability and progression are what is needed and we are all confident he can deliver that.”