West Ham United Football Club

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35595

Curbs cleared by Hammers

09 Aug 2008 - 10:42:04

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West Ham United's owners have distanced themselves from reports suggesting that they were blaming boss Alan Curbishley for the signing of Freddie Ljungberg.

The 31-year-old Sweden midfielder has left Upton Park after just one year of a four-year deal, with the Hammers clearly unhappy with the whole situation.

Co-owner Asgeir Fridgeirsson reportedly told The Sun: "It's the manager and his management team who are responsible for paying out the player's salary.

"It is their judgement about how to use the money they paid to Ljungberg in a wiser way. We all have our personal opinions about Freddie and his efforts for this club."

However, a later statement from Upton Park chief executive, Scott Duxbury, read: "The signing of Fredrik Ljungberg was negotiated by former chairman Eggert Magnusson and the financial discussions relating to the transfer had nothing to do with the manager, who has never been involved in player transfer and contract negotiations.

"All financial matters are controlled by the board, with the manager playing a full role in the identification and recommendation of players.

"As stated previously, the termination of Ljungberg's contract was agreed mutually and was in the best interests of West Ham United and the player.

"This was a footballing decision based on the fact the midfielder's first-team chances would have been limited."