16 May 2026 18:43:48
Alonso all but officially announced, 4 year deal.
Offers real hope to feel optimistic for the future. Additions are definitely needed, but I think the core of our squad is very well set up for the way he wants to play. This about as optimistic as I could feel about the club after this past season.
Hopefully West Ham can pull a result out of the bag tomorrow (shuddered a bit then) and we can stick Spurs up against it on Tuesday. Then we have next season to look forward to - and another Conference League win for the kids.
16 May 2026 19:42:50
Can I also say, I hope this hire is a sign that the owners have accepted that their project wasn't working, and it needed change. It's not that easy for people like them to admit when they're wrong, especially in the face of such public scrutiny. Credit where credit is due for this appointment.
Let's hope it puts us in a place where everyone associated with the club can move onwards and upwards together. Whatever the motivations, it's in the interests of both fans and owners for the team to be successful on the pitch.
16 May 2026 21:10:32
Giving him the title of manager instead of head coach is further evidence of a huge shift from the owners.
16 May 2026 21:28:47
He is not my first choice, but I also can't say I'm upset with his appointment.
I am very pleased that the decision makers have acted swiftly. It also looks as if Alonso will have an important say in player signings. I think that is a change that most fans will welcome.
I hope he is our manager for the next ten years.
16 May 2026 21:56:35
If this is true about Alonso, I am very happy. It indicates a change of approach by the owners. It will also help us attract top players to the club. Who knows how it will work out, but at least I will go into next season with some hope.
16 May 2026 22:38:10
Have to say I'm pleased by the appointment. Detractors will point to RM, but he had a 70% win rate when he was sacked. Also don't think he'll be wedded to 3 at the back, so I think we'll see a mixture or 4/3 at the back depending on the game. Just need a good summer of recruitment to get off to a good start.
16 May 2026 22:58:22
Think it's a massive statement getting him onboard. What he achieved at Leverkusen was simply unbelievable. I hope he is allowed to manage the team the way he wants, and gets the players in we need.
16 May 2026 23:08:19
Fuser, his Madrid spell is no reflection on his ability as a coach. A team of divas. Some of the players have come out and have supported him. That they have re-appointed Mourinho speaks volumes. We don't have that level of issues in our squad, but some of them lack mentality and need to go.
17 May 2026 00:50:47
Agree, J! The fact the ownership has shown a willingness to change the model, however small, is a hugely positive sign. This year has turned a lot more supporters against them, who had otherwise shown patience for the "project".
In saying that, if Xabi has more control over recruitment, I expect some people are up for being sacked.