Reo-Coker asks for Transfer

West Ham club captain Nigel Reo-Coker has finally handed in a transfer request. Surprisingly, despite the rumours that Nigel Reo-Coker was unhappy at not being allowed to move to Arsenal at the beginning of last season and the rumours that he was therefore going to leave at the end of the season, his 'advisor' Tony Finnigan has tried to blame West Ham for the player's departure,

"I am surprised that a 22-year-old Londoner who is captain of his club is being allowed to leave. As I said on Sky Sports in January, Nigel would get his head down and work to keep West Ham in the Premiership.

And that is exactly what he did with 100 per cent commitment. At the end of the day he never felt wanted but I am sure he will have a bright future elsewhere."

It is a shame that the club are losing a young talented English player but despite Finnigan's protestations there have been times this season when Reo-Coker has not appeared committed to the club.

However in Nigel's defence there may be some truth in the claim that the club were not prepared to give him the assurances he wanted. At the recent fans forum it was clear that West Ham saw Lucas Neill as the leader of the squad and probably next season's captain. In fact Neill appeared more like the club captain towards the end of last season and Nigel Reo-Coker may have been unhappy at what he considered a demotion of his role within the squad.