Hammers slam ‘desperate’ Blades

WEST HAM last night slammed Sheffield United’s intention to sue them for the cost of relegation as “desperate”, on the day Kieron Dyer finally completed his protracted move to the Hammers.

The Blades recently failed in their High Court bid to force a new Premier League action against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair.

However, they have now decided on a new course of action which they hope will lead to the award of considerable damages.

They have estimated the cost of their relegation at between £30million and £50million.

The Blades are suing over a breach of contract and claim to have evidence which proves West Ham “misled” the original independent panel by failing to disclose vital information relating to their arrangement with Tevez’s adviser Kia Joorabchian.

But the Hammers issued a statement which read: “We are extremely disappointed that Sheffield United have seen fit to embark on this latest desperate action.

“Not only does Sheffield United’s claim lack legal merit, but it is also based on their incorrect belief that West Ham withheld an agreement from the Premier League and the April disciplinary commission.

“Sheffield United’s latest assertions clearly demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation, and any proceedings brought by them will be vigorously defended by West Ham.

“In the meantime, West Ham and the new owners will not permit these repeated slurs to go unchallenged.”

Earlier the Blades had themselves issued a statement which read: “Sheffield United today announced that we are to issue proceedings against West Ham United in connection with the ‘Tevez Affair’.

“Sheffield United will claim substantial damages for breaches of contract by West Ham.

“Sheffield United’s basis for the claim is that West Ham acted dishonestly in obtaining the registration of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, in that they failed to reveal that those players were owned by a third party.

“The players, particularly Tevez, played a key role in West Ham’s season, giving West Ham an unfair advantage at the expense of the other Premiership teams – including Sheffield United – all of which had played by the rules.’’

Meanwhile Curbishley was pleased to finally sign Dyer after a protracted transfer and is backing him to be a hit at Upton Park if he can stay fit.

“We’re trying to build a squad here; we are short in the middle, and Kieron can play that position,” added Curbishley.

“Kieron’s got to make up for a bit of lost time, and I hope he does. We’re delighted to have him on board.”