Tony Gale says that he is surprised that Trevor Sinclair has asked
for a transfer - but backs him to continue giving all his efforts
to West Ham on the pitch.
"It comes a bit of a shock," says Tony.
"Trevor has been quoted as saying he would like to further his England career but I would think the only way he will do that is if someone does something to David Beckham!
"I have been advocating Trevor coming into the England squad for quite some time.
"But unfortunately the right hand side is booked up with David Beckham, and it will be for quite some time now, unless he is wanted to play on the inside.
"Trevor has fulfilled his England ambition getting into the squad with West Ham, and I think the only way he can further his career is to go to Liverpool, Leeds, Arsenal or Manchester United.
"If it isn't one of those you might think his reasons for wanting to move are purely financial, that he thinks he has reached the stage in his career where one last move is beneficial for him.
"Sunderland? Don Hutchison came to us because he thought we were the better footballing side.
"It's a difficult one to understand for me."
The club have not announced whether or not they will accept the transfer request, but if Trevor does leave Tony feels the England boss might not see so much of him!
He says:
"Sven-Goran Eriksson has got a lot to look at coming to West Ham with Michael and Joe, Trevor of course, and Jermain in the U21s.
"And David James will be in the England squad challenging for the no.1 spot when he gets fit again."
If his request is accepted, Tony thinks it would take a huge amount of money to get him away from Upton Park.
"Obviously Glenn would have a figure of around £10m in mind that he would want to get for Trevor," he says.
"He would be difficult to replace as well - Dyer would cost £20m.
"Whoever we get might not be the finished article or as good as Trevor, so that little area might be weakened.
"There are a few positions that maybe need strengthening; but isn't it Sod's Law that just when you think you are getting it right someone wants away."
One thing Tony is sure of is that Trevor's commitment will be unwavering when he plays.
"I don't think he is half hearted player; he is a super lad and a super player, down to earth, and while he is at West Ham the desire will be there.
"I don't think Glenn will leave him out and I am sure he will give his all."
It is a debt he feels Trevor, whose contract runs until June 2005, owes West Ham.
"The club has backed him all the way and while loyalty is a thing of the past you would think that a player who had been injured would at least want to give it this season," he says.
Tony feels Glenn is getting close to sorting things out on the field, and adds:
"It wasn't right against Everton but I don't think the home form is going to be a problem, it's just our away form."
"It comes a bit of a shock," says Tony.
"Trevor has been quoted as saying he would like to further his England career but I would think the only way he will do that is if someone does something to David Beckham!
"I have been advocating Trevor coming into the England squad for quite some time.
"But unfortunately the right hand side is booked up with David Beckham, and it will be for quite some time now, unless he is wanted to play on the inside.
"Trevor has fulfilled his England ambition getting into the squad with West Ham, and I think the only way he can further his career is to go to Liverpool, Leeds, Arsenal or Manchester United.
"If it isn't one of those you might think his reasons for wanting to move are purely financial, that he thinks he has reached the stage in his career where one last move is beneficial for him.
"Sunderland? Don Hutchison came to us because he thought we were the better footballing side.
"It's a difficult one to understand for me."
The club have not announced whether or not they will accept the transfer request, but if Trevor does leave Tony feels the England boss might not see so much of him!
He says:
"Sven-Goran Eriksson has got a lot to look at coming to West Ham with Michael and Joe, Trevor of course, and Jermain in the U21s.
"And David James will be in the England squad challenging for the no.1 spot when he gets fit again."
If his request is accepted, Tony thinks it would take a huge amount of money to get him away from Upton Park.
"Obviously Glenn would have a figure of around £10m in mind that he would want to get for Trevor," he says.
"He would be difficult to replace as well - Dyer would cost £20m.
"Whoever we get might not be the finished article or as good as Trevor, so that little area might be weakened.
"There are a few positions that maybe need strengthening; but isn't it Sod's Law that just when you think you are getting it right someone wants away."
One thing Tony is sure of is that Trevor's commitment will be unwavering when he plays.
"I don't think he is half hearted player; he is a super lad and a super player, down to earth, and while he is at West Ham the desire will be there.
"I don't think Glenn will leave him out and I am sure he will give his all."
It is a debt he feels Trevor, whose contract runs until June 2005, owes West Ham.
"The club has backed him all the way and while loyalty is a thing of the past you would think that a player who had been injured would at least want to give it this season," he says.
Tony feels Glenn is getting close to sorting things out on the field, and adds:
"It wasn't right against Everton but I don't think the home form is going to be a problem, it's just our away form."