Forum | Non-Football Related

Stewart Downing has joined his boyhood club Middlesbrough on a four year deal for a fee believed to be £5.5 Million, rising to as much as £8 Million should the Championship team attain promotion to the Barclays Premier League. Not a bad bit of business for both clubs, Downing is 31 years old next week, so to have recouped their initial outlay and remove a large earner of the books, Hammers seem to have done rather well. However Downing was one of West Ham's best players last season, particularly when used at the tip of the diamond formation, indeed Slaven Billic has stated that he did not want Downing to move, but understood the player's desire to return to his 'spiritual' home.
Middlesbrough have acquired a player at his peak, who will inspire his team mates, he will obviously be made captain by Aitor Karanka and should grace the Riverside for the rest of his playing career. How he gets on with the rough and tumble of the Championship is a matter of some conjecture, but he gave his all for West Ham, and deserves praise for putting up with some atrocious managerial formation decisions. All West Ham fans will wish him well, and if he helps get Middlesbrough promoted he will have added a couple of million pounds in to the transfer kitty! -Ed

Raheem Sterling's transfer from Liverpool to Manchester City will net QPR around £9 Million as a result of the 20% sell on fee that was negotiated at the time of his transfer from the west London club to Anfield. This massive cash bonus will enable QPR to maintain their stance over Austin's £15 Million valuation, not good news for those clubs, including West Ham, who were hoping to take advantage of QPR's relegation and financial plight. Apparently hammers, David Sullivan in particular, were really interested in trying to do a deal for the in demand striker, but this latest development will see 'other options' pursued. West Ham simply cannot afford to be involved in any bidding war, especially as the seller now holds all the aces! -Ed