Jim White has moved to ease anger directed towards West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan by explaining their reasons for selling Grady Diangana.
The £18million departure of the 22-year-old to West Brom, who starred in the Championship as the Baggies won promotion back to the top-flight last season, has caused a huge furore amongst the Hammers support, who feel they have lost a hugely talented academy product from their ranks.
His exit even led to criticism from club captain Mark Noble, who tweeted his displeasure after his departure was announced.
Noble, who made his West Ham debut in 2004, tweeted: “As captain of this football club I’m gutted, angry and sad that Grady has left, great kid with a great future!!!!!”
“A source close to the owners last night were in touch with me,” White said. “In their defence, the source tells me there are eight or so players who can play on the wing, including Grady Diangana.
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“Grady Diangana was the only one they have an offer for and the manager is desperate to strengthen the defence.
“The owners were not willing sellers but they felt they had no alternative here.
“All the money generated by the club remains in the club – the owners don’t receive a penny. The owners are said to be continually unhappy that a minority of fans say they continually lie.
“The source that was speaking to me last night say that Gold and Sullivan were quite indignant about that accusation.
“They accept they have made mistakes but you don’t achieve anything in life if you don’t make mistakes along the way.”
Diangana was instrumental for West Brom as they secured their return to the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals and adding seven assists.
And talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino believes his sale highlighted the big problems behind the scenes at the London Stadium.
He said: “When a captain of a football club comes out and says how disappointed and angry he is…
“He’s a pivotal figure at that club, and that’s telling you there’s going to be problems further down the line.
“Player transfers are difficult because there’s no guarantee on anybody. West Ham had Reece Oxford who went to go and play in Germany, he was seen as a star and they decided to let him go elsewhere, and now this lad is going to West Brom. He might become a star but he might not…”
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