Arnie’s silent pledge of Hammers loyalty

By CandH’s Allen Cummings

Marko Arnautovic and the word “silence” don’t usually go too well together!

But on Wednesday night he made a point of saying nothing in order to assure everyone that he was going absolutely nowhere next season!

Amid continuing speculation about whether or not he will still be a West Ham United player at the start of next season he took part in a silent auction at the Players’ Awards season to make a point.

Following the ‘China’ fiasco there has been a  school of thought that despite signing an extension to his contract, Arnautovic would still be on his way out this summer.

But in a typically unorthodox ‘pledge’ of loyalty, he took to his feet to ensure that he got his message across to everybody.

Up for bids was a guaranteed place in an official West Ham team photo to be taken prior to the start of next season.

The entire audience were asked to stand, and as the bidding price was increased, bidders dropped out by retaking their seats.

When the auctioneer reached a figure of £2600 nine ‘bidders’ plus Arnie remained on their feet – and at that point all were proclaimed joint winners with their places assured.