WEST HAM have rejected Sam Allardyce’s claims there was an agreement with West Brom to ban Robert Snodgrass from playing against them.
The Premier League are investigating after Baggies boss Big Sam blurted it out on TV before Tuesday’s 2-1 Hammers win.
West Ham have rejected Sam Allardyce’s claims there was an agreement between the Hammers and West Brom not to play Robert SnodgrassCredit: Reuters
The Premier League have launched a probe into Snodgrass not playingCredit: AFP
An insider said: “If there had been an agreement that Snodgrass was not allowed to play against West Ham, why did he travel to London Stadium for the game?
“What would have been the point of that if there was no way he was going to play?”
Snodgrass played a full 90 minutes for his new club against Wolves at the weekend — having managed just four minutes in total this season in the Premier League for West Ham.
The Hammers also believe they have a crucial piece of evidence that will put them in the clear over the episode, which could cost both clubs a points deductions.
Sources at the London Stadium suspect former manager Allardyce preferred not to risk Snodgrass in a second tough game in succession, having been mothballed for much of this campaign and he was just making mischief.
Prem rules prohibit clubs entering into such private agreements before permanent transfers, although it is acceptable in loan deals for players to be ineligible to face their parent clubs.
Top-flight chiefs have written to both clubs demanding answers into the precise nature of their negotiations.
Allardyce’s admission about the “agreement” caused red faces all round.
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Although it appears the deal was not actually written into the transfer documents, even a verbal agreement is legally considered to represent a contract if it is part of the ‘offer and acceptance’ of an exchange.
It is understood neither club is likely to be fined over the issue.
Meanwhile, West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted the sight of the NHS creaking under pressure and football clubs facing bankruptcy is making him think hard about demanding a fortune for a new striker.
Moyes understands that although the club will back him in the transfer market, it does not look right given the issues in the country.
The Scot, 57, said: “I’ve got to say the board have backed me great since I’ve been here.
“I’ve had anything I’ve really asked for.
“I also know I am not going to go and ask for money in a period in football where wages could not be paid and the NHS is struggling.
“We see so many difficulties outside of football.
“Do I want a top striker? I really do, to help us.
“But I’m mindful a lot of clubs are on the verge of going bust and I’ve got to make sure I do things correctly.”
The seventh-placed Hammers have won three Premier League games on the bounce.
Moyes added: “It is a good position we’re in but I want the players to prove to me we’re going to be here right until the end
“I don’t want us to be a flash in the pan.”
Sam Allardyce says he will be fully backed as West Brom’s new manager
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
