Man City keep Hammers recruitment pick in the dark

News that the man reported to be arriving as Director of Football at West Ham has been placed on gardening leave by Manchester City will beg two question from some Hammers fans: “What’s that and why??”

They are good questions and certainly back the report that Rob Newman is in such a position means he is certain to eventually  arrive as the new man in charge.

Gardening leave is a strategic tactic used by firms, often when their employee is planning to move to a competing business.

It ensures they can’t take  privileged information with them or learning of the club’s latest plans..

Thus whilst it’s pretty obvious he’s on his s way to the Hammers sadly it could even be a matter of months before he makes it.

And it seems certain that City will ensure that he is unavailable for this transfer window as they process their own plans.

As a result their current position is likely to be unhelpful and it could even mean Newman is not available until the winter window.

In these circumstances David Sullivan will be forced to do the deals but out of necessity not choice .

After 28 years he has tired  of the stressful business of  dealing with agents – a job which becomes harder and harder with every window.