News reports this morning announced that West Ham United had rejected a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for their midfielder, Scott Parker. The talismanic figure who was the only player to emerge with any credit after the disappointment of West Ham’s last season has reportedly attracted the interest of Aston Villa too as they source a potential replacement for James Milner. West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan was quick to reaffirm his pledge to keep Parker on the club’s official website regardless of the money offered. Owners of football clubs rarely come more vociferous and self-promoting than the duo of David Gold and David Sullivan. Whilst their unequivocal comments leave little room for interpretation there has frequently been a discrepancy between their words and actions. On this occasion they cannot renege on their promise as it would surely tarnish their reputation and credibility amongst West Ham fans forever.
Back in April when assessing the club’s plans for the summer transfer window, David Sullivan stated that he would contemplate offers for any player except Scott Parker. Dubbed ‘Mr West Ham’ by Sullivan, Parker’s committed and passionate performances effectively placed him outside of any potential transfer bids. These comments coupled with the covert bid for West Brom midfielder, Graham Dorrans impaired the owners’ relationship with Gianfranco Zola irrevocably. The amiable Italian objected to the notion that other players at the club including Mark Noble and Carlton Cole had effectively been put up for sale. Cynics may argue that these comments from Sullivan were a populist move from an owner itching to reveal his credentials as a life-long Hammers fan.
However for West Ham fans there is little disagreement over the importance of the man they call, ‘Super Scott Parker.’ He has been voted Hammer of the Season for the previous two years and has won many plaudits for his commitment and determination. Parker has a work-rate that few can match and throws himself about the pitch with real gusto. His style and last ditch challenges have invariably attracted the attention of referees, resulting in a few suspensions for his impressive tally of yellow cards. However it is this style of play which has made him a fan favourite at the Boleyn. His commanding presence allows him, on his day, to control the midfield and neutralise most attacking threats. He is an inspiration to those around him which led umpteen newspaper reporters to mistakenly label him as club captain last season. Parker is predominantly seen as a rugged, no nonsense midfielder but he has recently improved his attacking play which first got him noticed at Charlton. When those around him seemed incapable of going forward it was Parker who varied his passing, made driving runs from deep and won countless free kicks in promising areas. He also brought a few spectacular goals to the table last season including the winner in the club’s critical clash with Wigan.
The promise from Sullivan will give some reassurance to West Ham fans but the co-owners have not always honoured their innumerable guarantees. Shortly after West Ham’s top flight safety was all but numerically assured David Gold said that Zola deserved another season having done all that was asked of him. Within a week the former Chelsea forward was sacked. Sullivan’s plea for all players and staff at the club to accept a 25% pay cut was ill-timed, reckless and unsurprisingly never materialised. There has not always been a correlation between their words and actions and many Birmingham City fans would agree with that. A player of Parker’s calibre will inevitably attract attention from rival clubs. The owners now have the task of ensuring the player does not become unsettled and possibly tying him down with an improved contract. A difficult task but one, through their own words, they have committed themselves to.
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