Hammers fans will love Scott Parker's first interview as head coach
Scott Parker has already been announced as West Ham United's new head coach. The club has even announced that he will take charge of the team tonight against Cardiff City. This is a quick turnaround for Parker, but he will be assisted by existing West Ham employees, including his former teammate, Mark Noble.
Parker will get West Ham fans onside, as he is a former captain of the club. Between 2007 and 2011, Parker played for the Hammers with passion and was a real leader of the side. In 129 games for West Ham, the midfielder scored 12 goals with 10 assists. He won the FWA Player of the Year award in the 2010/11 season, when the Hammers were relegated.
The last time West Ham were in the Championship, Parker briefly played for the club. However, he then moved to Tottenham Hotspur to keep his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2012. Most Hammers fans have forgiven him for moving to Spurs due to his service to the East London side. Those who have not, will need to get behind him now, as he is the new manager.
In Parker's first interview with West Ham's official website as head coach, he has expressed his connection with the Hammers' fans. "There was a warmth, a love, a feeling that I probably didn’t have anywhere else. There was something which stood out constantly and that was the relationship that I built up with the fanbase here. That rapport and respect, that I felt instantly", said Parker.
Scott Parker knows what it takes to be promoted from the Championship
He is not just being brought in because he is a former player. Parker has achieved three promotions from the Championship with Fulham, AFC Bournemouth, and Burnley. He therefore knows what is expected of him at West Ham this season: "From my first calls with Karim [Virani] and Daniel [Křetínský], it was clear they have a shared vision and desire to return the Club to the Premier League as quickly as possible. I share that ambition and I’m very confident we can achieve it."
Taking on Cardiff on the day he is announced as manager of the club is throwing Parker in at the deep end. However, there are a few changes that he could implement to turn West Ham's fortunes around quickly. One could be playing Alphonse Areola instead of Mads Hermansen. Areola was Parker's goalkeeper at Fulham, and many fans want to see Hermansen replaced.
Parker could also bring in some top players who have been frozen out. Edson Alvarez and Soungoutou Magassa have barely been involved since failing to secure moves away from the club over the summer. It will be a fresh start under Parker, and getting these two involved could be a masterstroke.
In hindsight, Parker should have taken over from Nuno Espirito Santo at the end of last season. However, Parker probably needed a break after being relegated with Burnley. Some fans will be concerned about his ability to keep teams in the Premier League. However, West Ham will need to get there first.
