MD Paul Aldridge has given his reaction to comments from Paolo Di
Canio's agent Moreno Roggi after the latter expressed
'concern' about his client's future at the club.
The comments are based on Moreno's view that talks should be taking place to extend Paolo's deal, but Paul says:
"I am very surprised to read these comments from Paolo's agent so soon after a new contract was agreed.
"The fact of the matter is, discussions were ongoing last season about a new deal, and finalised at the end of it.
"He signed a contract in the summer, the best that has been offered to a West Ham player, and it still has 18 months to run."
Explaining the lead up to Roggi's comments, amongst which he is reported to have said 'we await offers from other clubs and from West Ham', Paul adds:
"I spoke to Moreno's son Mattel on Wednesday, as he had asked to come to the Chelsea game.
"I was showing him round the new Dr. Martens stand, we had a coffee together, and spoke about a number of things.
"He asked if we would be interested in extending Paolo's contract, and my initial reaction was that it would be inappropriate at this stage without speaking to Glenn and the board.
"Paolo himself has not mentioned anything to either Glenn or myself, and that remains the case."
Roggi is also reported as admitting the player is 'very happy' at the club, a view confirmed by Paolo as recently as Wednesday night after the win over Chelsea.
As for Glenn Roeder, busy preparing his side for Sunday's game with Ipswich, he adds:
"Paolo has not mentioned anything to me about this matter and I would not like to comment further until I have had discussions with Paul."
The comments are based on Moreno's view that talks should be taking place to extend Paolo's deal, but Paul says:
"I am very surprised to read these comments from Paolo's agent so soon after a new contract was agreed.
"The fact of the matter is, discussions were ongoing last season about a new deal, and finalised at the end of it.
"He signed a contract in the summer, the best that has been offered to a West Ham player, and it still has 18 months to run."
Explaining the lead up to Roggi's comments, amongst which he is reported to have said 'we await offers from other clubs and from West Ham', Paul adds:
"I spoke to Moreno's son Mattel on Wednesday, as he had asked to come to the Chelsea game.
"I was showing him round the new Dr. Martens stand, we had a coffee together, and spoke about a number of things.
"He asked if we would be interested in extending Paolo's contract, and my initial reaction was that it would be inappropriate at this stage without speaking to Glenn and the board.
"Paolo himself has not mentioned anything to either Glenn or myself, and that remains the case."
Roggi is also reported as admitting the player is 'very happy' at the club, a view confirmed by Paolo as recently as Wednesday night after the win over Chelsea.
As for Glenn Roeder, busy preparing his side for Sunday's game with Ipswich, he adds:
"Paolo has not mentioned anything to me about this matter and I would not like to comment further until I have had discussions with Paul."