Poll Reveals Declan Is Not For Sale At Any Price

In our recent poll as to whether the club should sell Declan Rice for £80 Million, an overwhelming 70 plus % of over 1,000 who voted elected to select No at any price. Perhaps a few years ago it would have been pointless to run such a poll because the player would already be on their way out of the door!

The club's determination to hold on to their best assets is beginning to change the way 'outsiders' view the club, ever since Terry Brown authorised the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Leeds United for what was a world record £18 Million for a defender, West Ham has been seen as a selling club. The unfortunate sales of Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson following relegation merely compounded the situation.

Currently very few players want to leave the club, in fact there are many pleading to be given the opportunity to shine for Manuel Pellegrini and the 'grim reaper' of recruitment Mario Husillos. A dim viewing by the 'Huse' means farewell to the club, sooner or later which has had a 'galvanising' effect on the players, some even say it has helped them gain that 'extra yard' that top teams breed in to their players.

Fans shouldn't be that surprised by the turn around in West Ham United's recruitment and the club's desire to hold on to their best players, after all it is exactly why Pelegrini and Husillos were brought to the club, from the off Pellegrini's mantra has always been "West Ham United is a big club". Not selling Rice merely confirms the plan that has been put in place, that is not to say the club won't sell players, but it will be on terms dictated by the Irons, every player has his price however it appears that West Ham have finally been invited to the 'top table', an invitation only granted to those clubs who have resolve in the transfer market and don't just instantly capitulate when good offers come in.

Next season will be the second part of Pellegrini's three year plan which hopefully will set the club up for a European place, the season after that he wants the Champions league, an achievement that was tantalisingly close under Slaven Billic's first season. In Pelle fans must trust, he is a proper manager and doesn't feel uncomfortable mixing it with the big boys, so long as he is given the financial backing there is no reason why West Ham United shouldn't be right up there competing for major honours, Arsenal are a busted flush as are Manchester United, Hammers could profit while both of these Premier League dinosaurs go through the rebuilding process they desperately need.

Onward and upwards - Ed