A key West Ham man has no issues with new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui after a big change is revealed behind the scenes.
Whenever a new manager takes over at a club there are always going to be noses put out of joint.
Indeed David Moyes even had his nose put out of joint by West Ham technical director Tim Steidten merely making contingency plans for his potential departure.
After four-and-a-half years of the same voice, West Ham needed a change.
Whether Julen Lopetegui is the right man remains to be seen.
But one thing is for certain, the Spaniard is certainly going to do things his way in a bid to prove he is.
Prior to Lopetegui’s official unveiling, the Hammers announced that eight members of first team staff were leaving the club.
One of those was much-loved coach Kevin Nolan.
Many supporters had been urging the club to keep Nolan on in some capacity as part of Lopetegui’s new setup. But it feel on deaf ears.
And Nolan has since revealed he wanted to stay only to be snubbed by Lopetegui.
Lopetegui makes sweeping West Ham changes
Highly-rated coach John Heitinga also departed after one season. It has since emerged Lopetegui actually offered him the chance to remain as part of his new-look Hammers staff but the Dutchman rejected the offer.
That could well be because Heitinga is in the running for the Leicester job having also been under serious consideration for Ipswich had Kieran McKenna left.
Many West Ham fans felt it was important to keep a connection between the fans and management team.
Somebody who knows what supporters want and expect and a bridge between the players and new head coach.
Only goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero was retained by his fellow Spaniard in the new first team structure.
There has been some mystery over Mark Robson, who was elevated to the first team by Moyes last term.
Hammers News reported that Robson was expected to drop back down to a role in the academy.
But West Ham had not provided any official confirmation of that. And that sparked some rumours former West Ham star Robson may leave the club.
Further speculation claimed Lopetegui had put noses out of joint by making sweeping changes and bringing in his own team of staff without considering retaining the likes of Nolan and Robson.
Robson has no issues with Lopetegui after big change
But a key West Ham man has no issues with new boss Lopetegui after the big change.
Yesterday after talks behind the scenes, the Hammers finally announced what is happening with Robson.
It has been confirmed that he will indeed drop back down to the academy.
He has returned to his position as Academy Under-21s Lead Coach, replacing Steve Potts.
“Following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui as men’s Head Coach last month, Robson will revert to the role of guiding the development of the Club’s young professionals, having stepped up last September to assist former manager David Moyes with the first team,” the club said in a statement.
“A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Upton Park-born Robson is one of the most highly-respected development coaches in English football, having previously spent more than four years at the Football Association as a National Specialist Coach, working closely with the best young players to progress through the national team pathway into Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.”
Some might see that as a demotion for such a highly-regarded and qualified coach.
Especially one who is crucial to the fabric of West Ham with his background at the club.
It might be seen as a move which undervalues Robson.
But the man himself insists he has absolutely no issues with the changes by Lopetegui. In fact he is happy to get back doing what he loves most, bringing on young talent.
‘Back doing what I love best’
“I enjoyed my time with the first team last season, and I was grateful for the opportunity,” Robson said.
“It gave me a chance to work closely with some top international players and enjoy some new experiences, including the challenge of European club competition.
“However, I am really looking forward to being involved with the Under-21s again. Working with young players is something that I obviously have a lot of experience in, and a great passion for. I love coaching and the challenge of helping players to improve, and I am excited about the prospect of developing players who will be the future of West Ham United…
“West Ham is my Club, and I know how much it means to our supporters to see homegrown players coming through the ranks to make an impact at senior level. It is a big part of our identity and heritage, and I am very proud to have that responsibility.”
Sporting director Mark Noble made it clear it was vitally important to keep Robson at West Ham.
“We are delighted that Mark will be returning to lead the Under-21 squad,” Noble added.
“His record in coaching and developing young players speaks for itself. He also has a great knowledge and understanding of the Club, and the importance we place on our Academy.”