West Ham United need Diafra Sakho, Cheik Kouyate and Alex Song to stay at Upton Park in January and give the African Nations Cup a swerve.And we believe that fan power can make that happen!
We want to make it crystal clear we have no problem whatsoever with players representing their country and are proud we have three in that position – but NOT in the middle of our League season!
Hammers hero Tony Cottee too believes that to have players in a position where they have to choose between the clubs that pay their wages and country at a CRITICAL time of the season is unfair and out of order.So ClaretandHugh is asking every fan who wants to get involved to let the the three know just how much we value them and want them to stay with us in January and February.
The events that led to Sakho’s recent back injury – and which saw him miss a clutch of League fixtures – is enough to send chills down the back of every Iron. Manager Sam Allardyce and club officers still aren’t over it!
We believe that for players to become injured whilst on international duty via the treatment table is entirely unacceptable but there’s a bigger and more important issue.Highly paid players – whose first responsibility and loyalties are to the clubs who pay their wages – will be disappearing for a tournament which should never be held during the season.
What sort of uproar would their be if the World Cup or European nations cup were held in the season!
The fans have a part to play should they choose to.
O TELL DIAFRA AND THE OTHER LADS HOW YOU WHENEVER YOU MEET THEM
O COME UP WITH A TERRACE CHANT TO LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WANT THEM TO STAY
O AND WRITE TO THE BOYS C/O WEST HAM UNITED, GREEN STREET E13 AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL
Cottee agreed that whilst nobody wants to stop players representing their country, the timing of the African Nations cup is just wrong.
He said: “If the fans decide that they shouldn’t go, they have my 100 per cent support.I believe the fans protests of last season have brought us to where we are this season. The fans KNOW.
“Personally, I don’t know how the competition is allowed to be played at this time.To hold international competitions in the league season is wrong.They should be confined to international allocated breaks.”
ClaretandHugh’s Leroy Rosenior however, said: “Unfortunately, clubs know when they buy African players that this competition is out there and that there could be calls on their players.
You can’t have it all ways and the decisions will need to be made by the players. It’s their call.”
What rubbish, clubs know the situation when they buy these players, we should not be making them feel guilty for representing their national teams, mid-season or not. Cottee should also know this. Don’t like it? then don’t buy the better talents from Africa at a fraction of the cost of similar Englishmen or other Europeans.
Thought C&H was beyond this sort of low level, populist. tub-thumping of The Sun’s ilk.
Perhaps its worth remembering Sakho was nowhere near the Senegal international team when bought so the “situation” may need a review!!! 🙂
You have the chance to vote – there is a poll running and all views respected.
Good gracious what a ridiculous waste of time this article is. This cup is always played at the same time so If you buy players from the African nations you know what to expect.
I think you have made your point and thanks. the poll running alongside it disagrees with you about 2-1
Of course the poll wlll see a vote in favour. Given the choice we would all rather have players with us in Jan than playing in Africa but it’s the fact that you’ve given it air time is the point that’s being made.
{Perfectly valid point Such is the personal nature of your remarks you are excluded .
Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way
Sakho you’re a selfish b’stard if you go away, oh…..
That should do it.
Think you may now may have made your point!