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The Truth About Redknapp And West Ham At Last

24 October, 2007 - 20:45 — Neville Nixon
Years ago this writer found out about the departure of Harry Redknapp as manager of West Ham through the live feed on this website. 'H's departure was shrouded in mystery at the time, but ahead of next weekend's clash against his current club Portsmouth, we can reveal the truth behind his sudden sacking. The information we have recently uncovered was as a result of files becoming available that were being transfered from hard copy to digital archive. Following the sale of Harry's pride, Rio Ferdinand, to Leeds for £18 Million, 'Arry sat down with the then Chairman Terry Brown to discuss how they would best use the transfer money. Things went badly from the off when 'Tell suggested that he had turned a blind eye to some of 'Arry's previous transfer dealings, this was in response to his manager saying that he wanted to spend the newly received monies on new players. Chairman Brown then stated that new players coming in would have their salaries factored in to their transfer fees as part of a total deal, hence the arrivals of Titi Camara, Rigobert Song and a certain Scott Minto, all of these players were represented by friends or colleagues of 'Arry and joined Hammers with 'certain' fiscal arrangements that helped towards financing a certain manager's ludicrous neo-venetian ornate staircase in his home close to the South Coast. It takes a wrong 'un to spot a wrong deed and TB was quick to spot what his erstwhile manager was up to, the deal on the table was simple. 'H' was offered 'mutual consent' on condition that he kept his mouth shut and TB kept the bucks from the Rio transfer and used them to finance the next stage of the Boleyn redevelopment Of course Hammers were relegated and the new stand stood as an icon of ambition unfullfilled. It takes one to know one goes the old expression, take a look at the glint in 'Arry's eye as he tries to plot the down fall of the club he grew up with and loved, the stuff between him and Brown wasn't just business, it was personal, and even though TB has long gone don't expect any forgiveness from the man who once claimed to bleed claret and blue but has reveled in every defeat he has managed to inflict on his former club . - Ed

Comments

26 October, 2007 - 19:48 — Denbighammer

I'm shocked as to people on

I'm shocked as to people on here's attitude towards this posting and the facts within it. The article is relevant to ALL West Ham fans and shows what an utter shambles the club was during what was supposedly something of a 'Golden Period' for the club (maybe not in terms of achievement, but in entertainment terms). I can't believe people still paint Harry as some kind of 'Loveable Rogue'. He quite clearly stole the clubs cash...OUR cash. Instead of spending money on decent players we were stuck with rubbish like Camara, Song and Minto. We achieved a fair bit, granted, but imagine what we could have done if OUR MONEY had been spent properly instead of lining the pockets of a CORRUPT MANAGER. Just cos' something didn't happen yesterday, doesn't mean it is any less relevant to us as West Ham supporters ffs!
26 October, 2007 - 19:52 — WestHamTiliDie
WestHamTiliDie's picture

Den, Curbishley has spent

Den, Curbishley has spent loads of OUR MONEY on crap and we ain't achieving, whats his excuse?
26 October, 2007 - 21:37 — Denbighammer

It has to be better than

It has to be better than spending it on a big house and a flash car for himself doesn't it. Harry ripped us off. Fact.
26 October, 2007 - 19:35 — bugsee

off topic i know but i went

off topic i know but i went to a dlva auction this evening and the car registration number WE57 HAM sold for £45k.
26 October, 2007 - 16:55 — AussieJohn

I would agree with a few of

I would agree with a few of you that this site has become a bit pants of late. I have not logged on much as it is very boring it seems when there is no transfer window or carlos tevez affair to bang on about. It is a shame coz I have always been an avid reader. But as they say content is king. No content no good chat to have...
26 October, 2007 - 19:40 — wombat

hey hey hey , not long now 9

hey hey hey , not long now 9 weeks and the transfer window opens and we can sign other six or seven newcastle players and guess won't gudjohsen maybe on his way , but then again in feb we may still be saying lets wait till summer , will shorey finally sign . the thing is don't worry about that this is a good season okay will do need a extra striker with ashton and bellamy been the main 2 , 1 out and we are in trouble , bobby rumours about fulham for 4 million but how true , carlton personally not upto it needs a year in the championship on loan and then decide , really glad though we didn't spend 16 million on a striker , unlucky .. it will be good to see harry back , lets give him a warm welcome back , then wipe the smile of his and james face com on you irons
26 October, 2007 - 13:22 — dicanio

Hello lads, for the game

Hello lads, for the game against tottenham i bought tickets for the east stand upper row. i would like to know from you if the east stand is a nice stand to watch the game from and to sing some songs
26 October, 2007 - 13:32 — Jellied Ee1

Yes mate, the East Stand has

Yes mate, the East Stand has a good atmosphere - particularly if you are in the small numbers as that is adjacent to the away fans - I was in this area last season for the Tottenham match and even though we lost it was the best game I went to at UP...this year I'll be across the way in the Dr Martins but oh well...
26 October, 2007 - 17:54 — REVUpminster

"Entertainment" at this end

"Entertainment" at this end of the East Stand includes listening to some chap in the lower tier giving his own unique advice to the players at the top of his voice.
26 October, 2007 - 13:13 — Themanfromdelmonte

Harry may well have been a

Harry may well have been a bit dodgy but was underrated for his use of psychology. I remember an incident with Matty Holmes who was struggling for form but came good and scored a brilliant goal against Blackburn. Harry cleverly substituted him 5 minutes from time and was first to start the applause which ended up as a standing ovation and a huge confidence boost for the player. Somehow I can't see Curbs doing anything as clever as that. He does not even shake the hand or pat players on the back he substitutes, choosing to look the other way!
26 October, 2007 - 07:53 — Dicks is the man

Concerning the rumours about

Concerning the rumours about Pardew's exit...I can confirm the real reason behind his departure was that his body had actually been taken over by an alien life form...this was what led to the sudden loss of tactical wit as well as his undying love for Harewood.
26 October, 2007 - 15:39 — Irons Germany

Wasn't it the truth about

Wasn't it the truth about Pards' and Marlene's lovechild Nigel that finally put the blight on his tenure at the Boleyn?
26 October, 2007 - 00:00 — asheshammer

Hammers Get Fired Up

Hammers Get Fired Up OK everybody, here's a battle song for the Portsmouth match, sung to "the hills of Greenmore" (sorry I couldn't format the returns so I put in // ) // // // // On a fine autumn's evening our horns they did blow, // To the green fields round Portsmouth where the Hammers did go, // For to meet the bold sportsmen from around Portsmouth town, // None loved that sport better than the boys from Boleyn. // // // // // And when we arrived they were all warming up, // So we took to the green field and never gave up. // We did not wait long when someone did sing, // "I'm forever blowing bubbles," the voices did ring. // // // // // When we got near to halftime, then Portsmouth did come // But our men never yielded one inch where they'd run. // They kept well packed when defending the goal, // For the Hammers had set out for Portsmouth to kill. // // // // // With our strikers abreast of the Fratton Park goal, // And the sweet charming music it rang through our souls, // Straight for the six yard box to try them once more, // Came Bellars, and Cole and Luis Boa Morte. // // // // // With the hunger for glory they soon made a run, // We sprang to our feet to bid them, "Go on!" // Our music it ceased, but a cry we could hear, // Saying "Come On You Irons," vict'ry is near. // // // // // Last night as I drank quite content in the pub, // It was little I thought of the sport or the club, // But when going home at the clear break of day, // I could hear the loud horns the Hammers did play. // // // // // And now that It's Sunday me sport it is done, // No more through the green fields of Portsmouth I'll run, // Nor drink in the pub on a cold Portsmouth night, // I'll go home to the East End when it's breaking daylight. //
26 October, 2007 - 08:48 — Deanos Bald Patch

If you can get 5000 fans to

If you can get 5000 fans to learn and sing that I'll eat my own face. I don't even know how The Hills of Greenmore goes.
26 October, 2007 - 10:23 — asheshammer

Thanks DBP,

Thanks DBP, It was just a laugh, really. "Hills of Greenmore" is a traditional ballad, and I sometimes think everybody in England knows all the traditional songs. Here in Australia, you could never get 5000 fans to sing I'm forever blowing bubbles. The most we can manage (given a limited cranial capacity) is "Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie, Oi Oi Oi" -- Just go and encourage the team to beat Pompey, OK?
26 October, 2007 - 13:05 — Danno

Easy does it there ashes.

Easy does it there ashes. There's a loyal following of Aussie Irons fans in east london and only some of us have a limited cranial capacity. I believe 'Aussie' is the correct spelling. Danno
26 October, 2007 - 20:02 — asheshammer

OK Danno.

OK Danno. I was including myself among the intellectually and musically challenged fans from down under! But I went too far. If you've ever attended the football (aka 'soccer') down here, you know what I mean about singing ... it 'ardly ever 'appens, as the saying goes.
25 October, 2007 - 21:46 — Strodder

I think everyone is taking

I think everyone is taking this Harry stuff just a little bit TOO seriously. Spuds lost, that's the main thing tonight.
25 October, 2007 - 22:27 — davefking
davefking's picture

Not really a question of

Not really a question of taking it too seriously. Rumours abounded at the time. Ones I heard was he was caught with his hand in the till or that he was shagging TB's missus. Either way I still dont understand the big secrecy, why Frank Lampard senior felt compelled to go with him, nor the reason we have to wait six years for the truth about Pardews sacking. As Neville says, he already knows the reason but cant tell. So I think a "leak" is due( Daily Mirror loves leaks) . Ive heard reasons like he was shagging 2 of the wags (which doesnt say much for the wags does it?) and that he had gone a bit power crazy. Big deal. Any other rumours I might have missed?
26 October, 2007 - 03:58 — WestHamTiliDie
WestHamTiliDie's picture

Frank Lampard & Harry are

Frank Lampard & Harry are very close brothers-in-law; Frank snr didn't go he was pushed, that's why young Frank is so pissed with us
25 October, 2007 - 21:04 — yesitsme

. BARKING MAD STEVE Well

. BARKING MAD STEVE
Well well well. I think I have discovered at my cost why there are so many fewer users on here than previously. I know it became a members only site but even since then the numbers have dropped considerably. Most of us know about Hotshot being banned (and generally a popular move). Well now I have too. I don't know if this is a tempory suspension or what but that doesn't really matter. I have no interest in returning here after this comment is posted. Those who know me I'm sure would agree that I am (or so I think)a reasonable man. However, my posting earlier (see below, posted by Barking Mad Steve 15:10pm)asking the Editor what his point was, has got me barred. I didnt think it was over the top. It would be nice to hear what others think. Get in quickly though and be carefull what you say. Im off to find an alternative site, maybe BBC's 606 or some such forum (probably not KUMB). Thanks to everyone for their feedback over the last year, and hopefully our paths will cross elsewhere. Bye to all those supporters who are still here and the many that have gone missing in action, either by the same means as me or through protest at our megalomaniac tyrannical editor. ciao.
P.S. Get in quick, this may not stay for long.
BARKING MAD STEVE
West Ham Till I Die
PPS Editor: an email would have been nice.
26 October, 2007 - 19:45 — Dave Bull
Dave Bull's picture

Nev i feel very strongly

Nev i feel very strongly that Barking Mad Steve should be shown some leniency please. I don't know if things have gone to far now and there is no way back for him, but i would be gratefull if there is anything or way he could be reinstated. Though sometimes outspoken he adds many valued posts and points to this site and will be missed.
27 October, 2007 - 14:26 — phill
phill's picture

just noticed the post by

just noticed the post by BMS, i too enjoyed some of his comments, and feel it a little harsh to ban a man for his feelings/posts(while i agree with some banning's) ...please reinstate Barking!
26 October, 2007 - 18:32 — WestHamTiliDie
WestHamTiliDie's picture

Nev, as a large favour to us

Nev, as a large favour to us all please have a chat with BM Steve by e-mail sort it out with him and I would graciously request you let him back, this will be a sorrier place without him, his posts have a great deal of worth, Cheers Nev
26 October, 2007 - 18:27 — EnfieldHammer
EnfieldHammer's picture

Nev,this is a forum which

Nev,this is a forum which allows all West Ham fans free speech on all things West Ham.I happen to agree with most of what Barking Mad has to say but will admit some of his remarks are questionable.So as Chief Steward on this site Nev,please re-instate the Barking Mad 1..
26 October, 2007 - 12:38 — boleyn (not verified)

I agree that Steve's ban

I agree that Steve's ban should be lifted with an explanation to the rest of us. I have used this site for a good few years now and although I only go through waves of input, I read every news article whether here in the UK or overseas. Steve's input has always been constructive and straight to the point unlike some time wasters. If he gets banned then this could lead to a downward spiral of evacuees!
26 October, 2007 - 07:33 — asheshammer

Nev, Please Reconsider.

Nev, Please Reconsider. Dear Editor: I was blessed with a bad memory, which is why I can stay a West Ham fan from one week to the next. The agony only lasts 90 minutes, and then I'm looking forward to the next match. I say this because I can't remember too well the posts from Barking Mad Steve over the last few weeks. So forgive me if I don't have a really accurate picture. I think I recall Steve getting very critical of your postings on a few occasions, and if he did, then (with all respect to Barking Mad Steve) I didn't think that was right. It takes an awful lot of work to edit the site and manage things here, and I think we all should keep that in mind. But mostly what I recall from Steve, when he was posting about matches and transfers and such, was that he is a real fan, passionate about West Ham, and with some shrewd observations. I guess what I'm saying is that we are ALL fans here. We don't always agree with each other about a match, a transfer, a manager, even an editor, but we're all in this together because of our love of West Ham. So maybe, if you're the forgiving sort, or you also have a short memory, you can see your way clear to letting Steve back on. And Steve -- we respect your opinion and your right to disagree, but I expect something you said was taken as personal, which can be hard to bear. Let's remember: the team comes first; we can always bicker down the local. WHTID, asheshammer
26 October, 2007 - 06:38 — soggydog
soggydog's picture

Nev, Please reinstate

Nev, Please reinstate Steve, or a lot of us will go elsewhere. Steve is West Ham to his boots and always posted well. If you don't like editorial criticism change your job, as free speech is what forums are about. Check your latin.... Soggy
25 October, 2007 - 22:52 — Cookedskunk
Cookedskunk's picture

It seems that because of the

It seems that because of the lull in team news we're creating our own. A bit like Spurs' chairman publicy killing off Jol despite the fans backing?
25 October, 2007 - 20:01 — REVUpminster

My take on Harry Redknapp

My take on Harry Redknapp was that he bought players to do a specific job and when they did not, he did not try to coach them but put them in the reserves and bought another player. Unable to off load the unwanted players our squad got bigger and bigger with high wage costs. This is what got him the sack and left Glen Roeder and Alan Pardew with big problems. Roeder was only allowed to spend the money from the Lampard sale and none the following season which led to our relegation. With Pardew it was noticeable that Brown would not let him buy a player unless he got rid of one or loaned a player out and our squad number remained constant at about 30.
25 October, 2007 - 18:46 — jumpjump

i cnt tell wts going on with

i cnt tell wts going on with boa mortae. i would love to see him really making an impact on the team bt i jst dont see it hapenin
25 October, 2007 - 18:12 — G S E

this is off the topic but

this is off the topic but does anyone know what's happend to zamora because i havent heard anything about him lately?
25 October, 2007 - 18:34 — WestHamTiliDie
WestHamTiliDie's picture

Could be on the move

Could be on the move http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2007/1025/zamora.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_ar...
25 October, 2007 - 16:40 — hammersfanno1 (not verified)

Hammersfanno1

Hammersfanno1 http://thegamesgonecrazy.blogspot.com As Harry's lawyer, I would be grateful if you could forward your full name and address. On the other hand, given the salary structures when 'Arry and Frank Senior were playing, how exactly did they amass their property portfolios? Shrewd businessmen obviously!
25 October, 2007 - 14:10 — Barking Mad Steve
Barking Mad Steve's picture

How appropriate that someone

How appropriate that someone mentions this site and it's downfall in the last thread. Then our 'once esteemed' editor, posts this, which, quite frankly, none of us want to hear or discuss. What exactly is your point Neville? Harry did a lot for this club, he was and still is one the the best managers in the business. Nobody can touch him in the transfer market, he still holds this club in high regard and I have never seen him gloat or "revel" over defeating us, he is entitled to be pleased, you don't win and then put on a sad face. I would expect any manager who comes here to be happy to beat his old team or any team for that matter, thats a managers job! Are you saying that if we ever play Charlton again Curbs should not revel in a victory? I hope not.
West Ham Till I Die
25 October, 2007 - 19:02 — RichBoroHammer
RichBoroHammer's picture

"Noone can touch him in the

"Noone can touch him in the transfer market"? Er Wenger maybe!!!!
25 October, 2007 - 13:34 — jumpjump

any 1 see these rumors

any 1 see these rumors linking fulham and reading for zamora. id ike to see curbs use a bit of enitiative and try for some sort of player+cash dealfor shorey oh and while we are at it flog carlton and send bak camara
25 October, 2007 - 12:39 — Samster

At the end of the day people

At the end of the day people take 'perks' whatever the job - even if it's nicking pens from the stationery cupboard, it's the same principal just a different scale. Personally I have always considered H my favourite Hammers manager, he suffered at the hands of a corrupt, selfish Chairman. I'd take H back in a shot.
25 October, 2007 - 10:28 — Boogerscaravan
Boogerscaravan's picture

Nev this sort of thing goes

Nev this sort of thing goes on at every club in the Premier League every Manager post and present has a skeleton in his closet. Some worse than "H". It's the nature of the business everyone is bent to a point, just some more than others. If they can get away with it then good for them, if they get found out then they will get the gooner - it's just life................................ walking in a Boogers wonderland
25 October, 2007 - 08:45 — Inner West Hammer

Sigh!Yawn!!!

Sigh!Yawn!!!
25 October, 2007 - 08:02 — icon_hammer

Balls! What has happened to

Balls! What has happened to this site? It used to publish some interesting articles but recently the quality of information has gone downhill fast. It makes me wonder if someone else is just using Neville's name. A few quick points though: 1. Since when has this been a secret? It has been pretty much common knowledge since day one that the press went to TB about the transfer dealings and TB asked Harry what had happened to the Rio money and things went from there. 2. To say Harry revels in our defeats is nonsense - of course when his side beats a rival he is happy what do you expect from the man to start crying everytime he wins and we lose? Anyone that has spoken to Harry or listened to him speak about the club will know the affection that he still holds for the club. 3. as someone else has pointed out the dates of the transfers are not accruate (basic reporting). Lastly the AP have no such thing as confidential files! Now a lawyer may have inserted a non-disclosure clause but that would not normally have a time delay release. Seriously start getting the basics right again rather than rushing stuff out just to make a story.
25 October, 2007 - 07:57 — Dicks is the man

I cant comment on Harry's

I cant comment on Harry's 'under the table' dealings etc....but will always remember him as a charasmatic and energetic West Ham manager. What I like about him is the way he can swap his players and formation around match to match or even during the match. He can play a back three, back five or five in midfield etc. He was also probably the best in the business at finding a 'down and out' player on the cheap and making him into a top player. He builds his teams with little money and gets them moulded into a team that scores goals. I think it is testament to how good a manager he is when he took over Portsmouth and brought them into the premierleague picking up cheap players along the way and then he was able to keep them up and they are now a force in the premier league attracting big name players...who would have thought a few years back that the likes of Sol Campbell, Kanu, Berger, Mendes, Johnson would end up at Portsmouth. Harry's a good man.
25 October, 2007 - 07:53 — tubsolard

How is this the 'truth'?

How is this the 'truth'? For starters, wasn't Rio sold for £18m, not £12m? The stories regarding Camara, Song, Minto etc have been rumours for a long time. I just think you're writing this for the sake of a story, pulling a rumour and presenting it as fact, which seems to happen allot on this site.
25 October, 2007 - 08:16 — Themanfromdelmonte

The Minto link is a red

The Minto link is a red herring, he was bought from Lisbon for £1m in January 1999, whilst Rio was sold in November 2000 for £18m as you quite rightly pointed out.
26 October, 2007 - 04:46 — HookendHammer.....
HookendHammer.........................'s picture

We never did get £18M from

We never did get £18M from Leeds as i understand it. Leeds paid the money to West Ham over three years towards the end of the payment terms we were so hard up we accepted a lump sum in advance payment for a reduced total price. we dropped the selling price to something like 16m . I think Mr Brown may well have had some thing to do with it . Not that i matters now all water under the bridge.
26 October, 2007 - 07:59 — Themanfromdelmonte

When Leeds sold Rio on to

When Leeds sold Rio on to Man U in July 2002 for £29.2m, they offered us a cash settlement on slightly less amount so we wouldn't have to wait on a further year of instalments. Just as well because they got into a financial mess and eventually went into administration.
26 October, 2007 - 11:46 — HookendHammer.....
HookendHammer.........................'s picture

Yes i think that sounds

Yes i think that sounds about right , we got some money and then we spunked it away.
25 October, 2007 - 07:41 — davefking
davefking's picture

Maybe I am a bit slow on the

Maybe I am a bit slow on the uptake here , I dont think Harrys dealings to furnish a new staircase or buy crappy players to fund it are a point of National Security and Ive never known the Associated Press to have any honour, confidential files or not. Can you elaborate on why the big secret?
25 October, 2007 - 07:36 — Themanfromdelmonte

Ed, I don't wish to be

Ed, I don't wish to be picky, but let me correct you on a couple of points: 1) Rio went to Leeds in November 2000 for £18m not £12m and that the press revealed about 3 or 4 years ago that Arry 's cut was a cool million for agreeing to the transfer and not spending all the proceeds hence the reason he bought a load of dross i.e: Titi Camera, Todorov, Raggy Soma, Rigobert Song & Christian Dailly for about £7.5m. 2)Scott Minto was in fact purchased from Lisbon for £1m in January 1999 out of the proceeds of John Hartson's sale to Wimbledon.
25 October, 2007 - 11:27 — TVG

Whatever happened to Soma?

Whatever happened to Soma?