To say that Baggies fans were underwhelmed by the appointment of Alan Irvine as manager would be an understatement. There was no support for him from fans on social media and that was also evident from Central TV interviews at The Hawthorns after a Father’s Day event there yesterday. One young fan summed it up when he said, ‘I know absolutely nothing about him, but I think he’s rubbish.’
To say that Baggies fans were underwhelmed by the appointment of Alan Irvine as manager would be an understatement. There was no support for him from fans on social media and that was also evident from Central TV interviews at The Hawthorns after a Father’s Day event there yesterday. One young fan summed it up when he said, ‘I know absolutely nothing about him, but I think he’s rubbish.’
The former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood had been set to be the new coach but talks broke down, not over his terms, but over those for two coaches he wanted to bring with him. Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace is known for running a tight ship and being a keen supporter of Financial Fair Play, but is he taking prudence too far?
Peace is trying to take his share ownership of West Bromwich Albion up from 67 per cent in his quest to get to the magic 75 per cent mark. Peace wants three-quarter ownership of Albion because of the control in legal terms that will bring. The club’s chairman is aiming to buy 770 shares and has offered £3,000 to shareholders for each share during June.
At the heart of fans’ frustrations is the belief that Alan Irvine’s appointment represents a lack of long-term ambition; a continued reluctance to spend money; and the insistence of the board to work only with managers who will accept their vision without question or debate.