Toon Fans Watching West Ham

Last Updated : 28-Jan-2007 by
Chairman Freddy Shepherd is holding the purse strings, and we know he has sat back waiting for a take-over to either happen or fizzle out. As it happens, many think his big demands of wanting £10m more than the club is worth, has put off interested parties.

Glenn Roeder has played down the matter, saying this weekend: "None of the players who have been transfered this window interest me". But West Ham continue to be linked with two of Roeder's targets Darren Bent and Matthew Upson.

West Ham HAVE been taken over, and Newcastle fans must be jealous to see the money being splashed about trying to save a club in a far worse situation than Newcastle. Both players have been targets for manager Alan Curbishley this month and he could finally land Bent from former club Charlton ... as Roeder has his hands tied.

The deal could cost the Upton Park club £17million.

Would we be better off with a take over, like West Ham? Obviously it depends who makes the move. And if Shepherd and the Hall family continue to over-price any deal it looks as though we are in a Catch 22 situation. No money for players, but a good yearly pay out to Freddy and Dougie.