Sullivan rues Ba exit

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan admits letting Demba Ba leave for Newcastle was "one of the worst mistakes" of his life.

Hammers chief admits losing striker was massive mistake

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan admits letting Demba Ba leave for Newcastle was "one of the worst mistakes" of his life. Ba joined the Hammers in January 2011 from German club Hoffenheim but he was unable to stop his new side from being relegated that season. That allowed the Senegal striker to invoke a release clause in his contract and he subsequently moved to the Magpies where he has been a revelation, scoring 16 goals so far this season. In an interview with website West Ham Till I Die, Sullivan admitted he rues the fact he could not tie down the striker to a new deal before seeing him move to Newcastle. "Demba Ba had a get out if we were relegated." said Sullivan. "In the end I offered him 45 grand a week to stay but he wouldn't take it. "It's one of those mistakes that happen, but it's probably one of the worst mistakes I have ever made in my life. "If he was with us now and his knee held up - because remember he did have a very bad knee - I think we'd be 15 points clear (at the top of the Championship), I really do."