Keep Stars And Drop Flops - James

By Gary Spate
June 16 2003

DAVID James has told West Ham officials that there is too much dead wood at the club and if they are to bounce straight back up to the Premiership, they need to be shipped out.

The Hammers have decided to release a string of players following their relegation to Division One as they try to even out their finances.

A number of big names such as Trevor Sinclair, Joe Cole, Jermain Defoe and David James have been subject of transfer speculation.

David James, however, has said that the key players must stay at Upton Park if the club wants to bounce straight back to the Premiership.

"There is speculation on players going but some players are not necessarily needed at the club in the First Division anyway," said James.

"By that, I mean they are not going to perform anyway and if that (selling players) brings in more revenue, then so be it. That is a decision for the club.

"If we keep people like Joe Cole - and if I get a chance then I'll chat to him - tjem we have a great chance of going back up.

"You take out the element that aren't going to help West Ham in the First Division, and unfortunately there are a couple of players at the club who possibly wouldn't do that, and we've got a great chance of going straight back up."