Post by Macmoish on Jan 29, 2011 8:56:04 GMT
Telegraph/Julian Bennetts
West Ham United co-owner David Gold insists club never considered sacking manager Avram Grant
David Gold has insisted West Ham never considered sacking Avram Grant as manager this month.
The Israeli’s future was the subject of intense speculation two weeks ago, with reports suggesting that Martin O’Neill had been lined up to replace him.
But the former Aston Villa manager reportedly turned West Ham down, shortly before the club released a statement backing Grant on Jan 18.
And Gold, the club’s joint owner, is adamant that he was never in any doubt that West Ham had the right man in charge, despite being bottom of the table for most of the season.
He even claims Grant’s position was not discussed at a board meeting shortly before the rumours about O’Neill’s impending appointment began.
“We have a major board meeting every two or three months and Avram’s name did not come up in that meeting, and I think that speaks volumes. He is our man.
Gold admits that the club still hope to bring in Tottenham striker Robbie Keane before the 11pm transfer deadline on Monday.
He dismissed rumours, though, that Scott Parker would head the other way in a swap deal, insisting that no players will leave West Ham.
He added: “Is Robbie Keane a possible signing? Yes. All players that are available from top-quality clubs, we are looking at those players, and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and quality players rarely are. We see him as a potential acquisition.
“But nobody can leave. I’m careful when I say ‘never’ but we would fight off any club pursuing our players.”
New signing Demba Ba will miss West Ham’s FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday because he is not fully fit. But Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna return from suspension.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/8289501/West-Ham-United-co-owner-David-Gold-insists-club-never-considered-sacking-manager-Avram-Grant.html
West Ham United co-owner David Gold insists club never considered sacking manager Avram Grant
David Gold has insisted West Ham never considered sacking Avram Grant as manager this month.
The Israeli’s future was the subject of intense speculation two weeks ago, with reports suggesting that Martin O’Neill had been lined up to replace him.
But the former Aston Villa manager reportedly turned West Ham down, shortly before the club released a statement backing Grant on Jan 18.
And Gold, the club’s joint owner, is adamant that he was never in any doubt that West Ham had the right man in charge, despite being bottom of the table for most of the season.
He even claims Grant’s position was not discussed at a board meeting shortly before the rumours about O’Neill’s impending appointment began.
“We have a major board meeting every two or three months and Avram’s name did not come up in that meeting, and I think that speaks volumes. He is our man.
Gold admits that the club still hope to bring in Tottenham striker Robbie Keane before the 11pm transfer deadline on Monday.
He dismissed rumours, though, that Scott Parker would head the other way in a swap deal, insisting that no players will leave West Ham.
He added: “Is Robbie Keane a possible signing? Yes. All players that are available from top-quality clubs, we are looking at those players, and Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and quality players rarely are. We see him as a potential acquisition.
“But nobody can leave. I’m careful when I say ‘never’ but we would fight off any club pursuing our players.”
New signing Demba Ba will miss West Ham’s FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday because he is not fully fit. But Frederic Piquionne and Victor Obinna return from suspension.
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/8289501/West-Ham-United-co-owner-David-Gold-insists-club-never-considered-sacking-manager-Avram-Grant.html
