Pardew issues gambling warning

WEST HAM boss Alan Pardew has revealed he will lecture his players on the pitfalls of modern football.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll was reported this week to have sought treatment for alcohol and gambling troubles, something denied by Carroll’s father, who insists his son is suffering from “stress”.

Pardew will nevertheless seek to warn his squad to resist the temptation of gambling.

Speaking in the week when Icelander Eggert Magnusson completed his £85million takeover of the Upton Park club, the Hammers boss said: “I will talk about it.

“Gambling is something which is affecting society, not just professional footballers.

“I will ask my players to steer clear of this.’’

Pardew confirmed he is to meet former Manchester United goalkeeper Carroll in the near future, and the 29-year-old – who has not played for the first team since October 14 – is expected to return to training soon.

Pardew continued: “We all talk very seriously about football, but life comes first, and Roy needs to get his life in order.

“He is having problems, and I hope he gets to the bottom of them shortly.’’

Meanwhile, the Hammers England under-21 defender Anton Ferdinand will appear before magistrates in Redbridge today after being charged with assault and violent disorder on Wednesday following an alleged incident outside Faces nightclub in Ilford, east London, on October 2.