If Michael Carrick does not sort out his future soon it could plunge West Ham into administration.
Michael Carrick - could cause problems for the Hammers Picture: NICK ANSELL
That is the stark message from manager Alan Pardew as he tries to persuade the young midfielder to commit to a new contract at Upton Park.
As things stand Carrick could walk away on a free transfer at the end of this season, a conclusion that would be lucrative for him but potentially disastrous for the club.
And Pardew is reluctant to gamble on keeping the twice-capped England international for fear of missing out on promotion this season.
"To keep him in the hope we will go up would be a major gamble," warned Pardew.
"The danger is that the banks could call us into administration if we are not sound next year.
"If we didn't make it and Michael went on a free we could have problems."
Published Wednesday August 4, 2004
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