Welcome To Gudjon Thordarson

Crewe have confirmed that former Stoke boss Gudjon Thordarson will be the new manager of the Alex.

Fans have fully expected the Icelandic’s appointment for the past few days, giving us time to come to terms with the decision.

Many fans, including myself, were hoping, and maybe expecting, a more glamorous name but in the end it came down to Thordarson and John Ward, two names few fans expected/wanted to be considered.

The appointment comes with a few sneers from opposition fans but surprisingly the best response has been from Stoke fans, who still have an affinity with Thordarson after he won promotion with the Potters into the Championship in 2002.

Needless to say, Thordarson now has a massive task on his hands to save the club from relegation to League Two but recent form has shown it’s far from beyond us. With the January transfer window opening next week, Thordarson’s is perfectly timed for him to splash the cash that Chairman John Bowler has promised.

Anything but relegation in May will win every Alex fan over, something Thordarson is aware of. Speaking to CreweAlex.net:

‘From my previous time in England I know what this division is about and how competitive it is. It doesn’t matter what division you are in England it is always competitive and I know the standard that is required to be successful.

‘We have a relegation battle on our hands and we will have to produce over the next few months.

‘It will be a challenge but one I’m looking forward to.’

Thordarson will officially begin his new job on December 30th after watching Friday’s match against Oldham and Sunday’s match at Hartlepool.

Chairamn John Bowler spoke to crewealex.net after the news of Thordarson’s appointment broke and Bowler says he’s the right man for the job:

‘Gudjon has great experience and has managed at a level higher than this. We all know him from his time at Stoke and he did a good job at Barnsley. He has also managed the Icelandic national side and being very successful in his homeland’s club football also.

‘Gudjon has always enjoyed working with young players and this allows us to embark on a new era for the club without dramatically altering the strategy that has kept us in good stead for so many years.’

Vital Crewe would like to welcome Thordarson to the club. Here’s to a better 2009!