PB
A well-written and thoughtful article which, by and large, I agree with.
However, you and a number of other forum contributors seem to be under a misconception about West Ham. Allow me to explain.
The previous owners lied about a 3rd Party contract (unenforceable) to the PL. The new owners informed the PL, went to tribunal, were found guilty and punished. The tribunal was set up by the PL, agreed by the 20 clubs in the Division, and was unbiased. West Ham paid a record 5.5 million fine.
The 12 Million quoted as NRC's asking price is newspaper talk - I have not seen, read or heard any West Ham, or Villa official for that matter, state that is the price being asked. As you know, the newspapers (hacks) go into a feeding frenzy at this time of year and at the moment, West Ham are the current 'Whipping Boys'.
Once the Arbitration announces that Sheffield Utd were not good enough on the football field to remain in the PL, that West Ham were punished correctly and that the matter is closed - they will find some other club to trash.
I have nothing against the Villans, respect your History and like your manager - all I ask in return is that you don't fall for this McCabe instigated bollox about West Ham.
