"I have been reminded that it is a year since I had the honour of taking over at West Ham; at times it has felt longer!
"On reflection, though, I am glad to have gone through the first 12 months," he says.
Looking back on his first year in charge, he says:
"When I arrived I saw players in the squad that led me to believe promotion could be achieved in the first year, but the problems we encountered made it more difficult than I first thought it would be.
"One problem I had to deal with was the negativity that comes with relegation.
"Most fans said the same thing - 'how could a club go down with the quality of players we had?' It was a question I couldn't answer.
"I feel our fans are beginning to realise that a negative atmosphere at the ground can damage the team; the task in hand is tough enough without people not being totally behind the side.
"A case in point is last season when Stoke came to Upton Park; they played deep, denied us space, and waited for fans to turn on the team.
"After the match I spoke with Tony Pulis, and he admitted that is what they had set out to do from the off.
"The financial implications of relegation can be seen by other clubs that have gone down and this is the final year of the parachute payments - so it is vital that West Ham gets back into the Premiership.
"In the past months I have worked hard with the board to address the financial implications - as well as getting us a squad that I believe can win the Championship.
"The squad is stronger, and, unlike last year, when the transfer window re-opens in January we will not have to sell.
"There have, of course, been highs and lows, and amongst the highs are the playoff semi-final and the build-up to the final; the excitement generated by the supporters for weeks beforehand is something I will treasure wherever my career takes me.
"I would say the biggest disappointment has been not going on a long winning run and we have lost games we should win, such as at Coventry and Nottingham Forest this season.
"I have made mistakes but, looking on the positive side, that has made me a better manager - and person.
"The experience of these first 12 months at West Ham has taught me a lot."
Alan quickly noticed that teams raise their game against West Ham, and he adds:
"There have only been a handful of games when the opposition has not been highly motivated - we have to remember that we are a big draw and we have to be doubly focused in every game."
Alan is pleased with the team he has got around him and adds:
"I feel we have as good a backroom staff as any in the division and the squad is the best in the division - we just haven't proved that yet."