Hammers hit back at McCartney

Claim and counter-claim over deadline day move

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 5th September 2008

George McCartney West Ham

McCartney: Transfer row

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West Ham have bit back at claims from George McCartney that they instigated his deadline day move to Sunderland.

The full-back completed his return to the Stadium of Light on Monday, with the Hammers stating they were unable to stand in his way after he handed in a written transfer request.

Comments from McCartney also appeared on the Upton Park club's official website confirming the reasons for his departure.

The Northern Ireland international has since rejected that version of events, denying he handed in a written request, and accusing the West Ham board of 'trying to cover their tracks'.

Now the East London side have responded, again insisting that their hand was forced by McCartney's express desire to move on.

Astonished

A statement on the club's official website said: "Having previously declared their interest, Sunderland approached West Ham United at the end of last week with a renewed offer to sign the player.

"Both McCartney and his agent were made aware of this development. However, as was demonstrated by the rejection of a previous bid and with the subsequent agreement of a new five-year contract, West Ham United had no intention of selling McCartney.

"Following this offer from Sunderland, McCartney handed in a signed written transfer request on Monday, 1st September, which stated 'due to private, family reasons I wish to accept the offer to move back to Sunderland AFC'.

"West Ham United are astonished by the claims made subsequently by the player that there was no written request to leave with McCartney having also repeatedly spoken of his desire to return to Sunderland to both the manager and senior club officials.

"On Sunday, 31st August, a senior club official wrote to McCartney stating 'no-one wants to sell. If you are happy to stay, great, it ends here. I thought you were unhappy and wanted to go'.

"The player then restated his desire to leave before handing in the written transfer request on Monday."