Benayoun Reveals More On Bolton Snub

By Mark Heys
October 7 2005

West Ham United midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce tried to dissuade him from making a move to Upton Park.

Benayoun told the Israeli news that Allardyce had forewarned him not to move to East London as the Hammers where a safe bet for Premiership relegation and would offer little in the way of regular football.

The 25-year old eventually moved to the capital to join Alan Pardew's side as opposed to making the move to Bolton as he felt that the Londoners where a much more welcoming club.

"I'll tell you what the difference is between West Ham and Bolton. When West Ham thought I was signing for Bolton, Alan Pardew called me and said, 'I wish you all the best at Bolton. If we can still change something, we are always good on our offer and we will welcome you'.

"I told him I hadn't signed for Bolton, and when I told Allardyce I was going to sign for West Ham, he said, 'You are joining the number one contenders for relegation. West Ham will not play real football and you won't get any playing minutes. You will not advance. They will get relegated'.

"That was the main reason for my decision."

This recent blast is likely to be frowned upon by both clubs as they are to face one another in an upcoming Carling Cup tie to be held at the Reebok Stadium at the end of this month.