David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the Hammers WILL take part in the early Europa Cup stages if they gain a spot via the Fair Play League.
There is no obligation to do so and and a club may refuse to take part. And given it means a return to training a month early plus extensive travelling and little financial return it had been thought the Irons board may decide to give it a miss.
But DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “It has to be given great consideration for the sake of the fans. They want a taste of Europe and if we can provide it via the Fair Play League I think we will do so.
“Yes, it does mean an early return, much travelling and there’s no real financial return involved early on but if we have a chance of reaching the later stages of the Europa League I think we will probably vote to take it. I think the fans would expect that.
“Obviously we will need to protect players like Andy Carroll who have been injured but I think we can put out teams capable of winning those early games.”
Co chairman David Sullivan is also in favour of taking part.
Three spots are given to federations that finish above a certain level in Uefa’s Fair Play table. The top three federations automatically receive a Fair Play entry if their rating is at least 8.0. The berth goes to the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country’s top league that has not already qualified for Europe.
The Hammers are currently on top of the Premier league Fair Play Table with an average of 8.3.
My view is the David’s are baiting Allardyce here.Watch the booking count ride sharply.For the bet friendly out there a home red card on Saturday(probably Nolan as payback) will be good odds.
4 booked this week,if this goes on every week we won’t be top any way,
This is the problem with trying to defend playing with 1 forward,
Much better attacking then you are unlikely to foul and get booked,
But then according to BFS that is attacking football
BFS OUT NOW ( if we are going to start early the new manager needs to be here early )
We won’t need Carroll early or latter if we don’t play sky all under the Fat one .