A Triumph of Resilience at West Ham United
Embarking on a journey with West Ham United from 2005/6 to 2007/8, Roberto played a pivotal role in transforming the club's fortunes. Invited by both Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley, Roberto's expertise became instrumental in developing mental resilience and elevating performances during three remarkable seasons.
Season 2005/6 Crafting the Blueprint for Success
In the inaugural season, Alan Pardew brought in Roberto to strengthen the squad’s mindset. Roberto played a key role. He delivered inspiring team talks, produced motivational videos, and co-authored the West Ham United ‘Blueprint.’
This strategic document shaped the club’s philosophy and influenced Pardew’s future work. The results soon followed. West Ham hit their 40-point target by January 2006. They reached the FA Cup Final and secured UEFA Cup qualification.
Season 2006/7: Defying the Odds and Uniting for Triumph
West Ham faced relegation in the 2006/07 season. Players urged new manager Alan Curbishley—who knew Roberto from their time at Charlton—to bring him back. Curbishley agreed.
After key discussions and strategic changes, the team responded with incredible mental strength. They won seven of their final nine games. Highlights included a historic first win at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and a dramatic victory at Old Trafford against Champions Manchester United. West Ham became the only team that season to beat both Arsenal and Manchester United home and away!
Season 2007/8 Sustaining Excellence and Achieving the Unthinkable
Invited to continue his consultancy for the 2007/8 season, Roberto's influence remained pivotal. West Ham carried forward the fine form from the previous season, culminating in a 10th position finish. The season was marked by an extraordinary turnaround, with a remarkable 78% return of points compared to a mere 23% in the first 29 games. Only Manchester United matched this consistent form throughout the season.
The Three Pillars of Success: Players, Staff, and Fans
Attributing the remarkable turnaround to three key areas – players, staff, and fans – Roberto emphasised the professionalism of the players and staff. The management, led by Alan Curbishley and assistant Mervyn Day, worked relentlessly to optimise training and minimise distractions. The unwavering support from the fans, described as 'first-class' from the Tottenham game to the season's final day, played a crucial role in creating a tremendous atmosphere.
Leadership and Squad Depth:
The team's spine and leaders showcased their strong leadership qualities, including Rob Green, Anton Ferdinand, James Collins, Nigel Reo-Coker, Mark Noble, Bobby Zamora, and 'Carlitos' Tevez. The squad's depth was evident as players not regularly involved, like Teddy Sheringham and Paul Konchesky, contributed their support before and after matches.
In conclusion, Roberto's time at West Ham United is a testament to the transformative power of mental resilience, strategic guidance, and unified efforts across players, staff, and fans. The remarkable achievements and enduring impact of this period are etched in the history of West Ham United.
Andy Murray