Sunderland’s decision to ensure that chief scout – and Hammers head of Recruitment-in waiting, Tony Henry- serves out a six month notice period is normal, understandable… but intensely irritating to all Hammers!

ClaretandHugh revealed yesterday that Henry would be unable to take up his new Upton Park role until November after resigning from Sunderland.

We can understand that the long wait will be hell for Henry but he’s a top face in the game and it’s well worth us all sweating it out!

As is the case in any competitive business where deals are being done and some are in the pipeline, the firm – or in this case – club concerned has the right to protect its interests under a six month notice period.

Should the employee resign as is the case here the club send the employee  on to what is known as ‘gardening leave’ where he or she does nothing  whilst picking up full pay for six months.

Work cannot be carried out on behalf of any other club and it would become pretty obvious if that were to happen anyway as club bosses would know exactly what was being worked on at the point of the employee’s departure.’

Henry will therefore be unable to ‘deal’ on behalf of West Ham until November but will have a big start on the rest in the January transfer window as he no doubt keeps a careful eye on things.

He’s a much sought after individual and the Hammers have done well to get him.