West Ham United fans have every right to be excited for the future under Manuel Pellegrini as proved by a recent and somewhat bizarre honour.
When West Ham appointed Pellegrini in the summer it raised eyebrows given his illustrious career.
A success nearly everywhere he managed, the Chilean became the first Hammers boss to have a title on his CV when he took over from David Moyes.
Supporters were particularly excited to see Pellegrini’s attacking philosophy implemented in East London given the club’s rich history of trying to play entertaining football.
Four straight Premier League defeats to start his tenure quickly dampened that enthusiasm.
It also saw Pellegrini installed as one of the favourites to be sacked and questions raised over his suitability to a club like West Ham having grown accustomed to big squads filled with world class players during time at Manchester City and Real Madrid.
But proof West Ham fans were right to be excited has come from Spain where the Hammers boss has been honoured in a rather bizarre way.
Pellegrini managed Malaga for three seasons, leading them to their best ever league finish, into the Champions League for the first time in their history and within moments of making the semi-finals of Europe’s elite competition.
His efforts at the club have now been recognised after the Hammers manager had a roundabout named after him in Malaga.
While it may seem a bizarre honour, it goes to show just how highly Pellegrini is regarded in the club’s history.
And the Hammers boss clearly appreciated the gesture judging by his reaction on Twitter.
“Thanks a lot to Malaga for this recognition and the affection they have given me,” Pellegrini posted with a picture of him and his wife visiting the new landmark.
“I have always said that one of the best decisions of my life was to come here, where I had three unforgettable years. We look forward to seeing you at Malaga again at first next season.”
It may be bizarre but Pellegrini’s roundabout bodes well for West Ham as it is proof their new boss CAN succeed at a club outside the recognised elite and push them on to greater things.
There have been signs of that during the recent revival in victories over Everton, Macclesfield and Manchester United and the superb 0-0 draw against unbeaten Chelsea.
Even in the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brighton West Ham put on a second half showing to suggest when everything is clicking and Pellegrini has his players performing for 90 minutes, the Irons will be a genuine force.
There are exciting times ahead, this roundabout proves it.
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