West Ham boss Alan Pardew admitted that the sale of striker David Connolly represents a gamble as he looks to build a promotion-winning squad.
Speaking for the first time since Connolly departed for Championship rivals Leicester City, he explained the thinking behind the surprise £500,000 deal.
"I have to find a way to progress this club and him departing has opened the door for Teddy Sheringham and maybe Sergei Rebrov," he said.
"I think it was worth doing, but of course there are concerns.
"Our first league game of the season is against Leicester and he could bang couple of goals in against us -- he's certainly capable of doing that.
"But I felt the bid was about right for his valuation."
Published Monday July 26, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article