"The Press have used words that I never uttered - not once did I say I was glad to see the back of Jermain," explains Alan.
"I never said that he was a 'sulker' and wouldn't play for us; I've always said that Jermain is an exceptional talent and I wanted him to help us get back to the Premiership.
"No one at West Ham United wanted to see Jermain leave and he was offered a new contract on several occasions.
"I and the Board did everything in our power to keep Jermain at the Club.
"What I did say was that if a player wants to leave a club there's not much you can do about keeping him against his wishes.
"In the end I and the Board had to do the best deal possible for West Ham United - and, make no mistake, this is a good deal for all concerned.
"I'm sure Bobby Zamora will be a big success at Upton Park and soon prove a favourite with the fans - after all, he's one of them, having supported the Hammers all his life.
"We also wish Jermain every success at Spurs and hope he's on the plane to Portugal with England in the summer."