Speaking recently on the U Irons podcast, Roshane Thomas revealed what Alan Irvine is like behind the scenes at West Ham United.
After a playing career in which he turned out for clubs such as Everton, Crystal Palace, Dundee United and Blackburn Rovers, following his retirement as a professional footballer, Irvine moved into coaching, being appointed as David Moyes’ assistant manager at Everton back in 2004.
The 62-year-old was then appointed Preston North End manager in 2007, before moving on to the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion, prior to returning to the role as assistant manager at both Blackburn and Norwich City, before, eventually, being reunited with David Moyes at West Ham.
And, speaking on a recent episode of the U Irons podcast, Thomas revealed what Irvine is like behind the scenes at a football club.
When discussing interviews with players who had played under Irvine, he said: “They’re still terrified. They’re still terrified of Alan Irvine. There was a former Newcastle United trainee, and he [said] if you are bad in training, oh my goodness, the hairdryer treatment you’ll get from Alan Irvine is crazy.
“I spoke to former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor, and he spoke about a pre-season tour where they’re all running around the park because Alan was big on fitness. And if your time was terrible, you had to run around again. So yeah, it’s definitely a great backroom staff we have.”
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TIF Thoughts on Roshane Thomas’ comments regarding Alan Irvine…
From Thomas’ comments, it would very much appear that Irvine is someone who you wouldn’t want to mess with.
And, considering the improvement West Ham have made since Moyes and Irvine’s reinstatement at the club on December 30 last year – with the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone upon their arrival before the pair eventually guided the side to safety, and with the team currently flying high in fifth place this season – it would seem as if Irvine’s apparent ferocity is doing the trick at West Ham.