Post by Natty on Jul 18, 2008 10:41:28 GMT -1
Robert Green's West Ham future has been cast into doubt after he revealed his unhappiness about not been offered a new contract.
The 28-year-old was hoping to have talks over a new contract after a successful campaign last season, which saw him voted Player of the Year.
However, the club have not come forward to open talks - something which has left Green stunned and unhappy.
"No matter what the figures are in the workplace in terms of wages, you either feel a valued member of your staff or you don't," Green told The Sun.
"At the moment, I don't and clearly West Ham don't care about me.
"We've a whole host of players who have arrived on a lot of money since the takeover and, fair play, you take what you can get and I have no problem with that.
"Some of them have played, others have been injured, but I feel I have played a part and been good value.
Parity
"If you put the strongest West Ham XI out, I'd be the lowest earner by a long, long way. I do not even want to be close to the top earner at the club - I don't care about that. I would just like some parity.
"Other guys are getting rewarded but I'm not. It's been reported that one player has been offered so many millions to go away.
"He could be rewarded with a £3m pay-off while I would like to tie myself down to the club and they have turned around and said 'no thanks'.
"I am not getting in the England squad at the moment and I'm not getting European football, but I love it here, which is why I want to sign a long contract. The fans here are fantastic. Why would I want to leave?
"After asking for a long-term contract, the club turned around and said 'no' without a real explanation.
"It wouldn't have been as bad if they had said no and then given their reasons.
"The club might say 'you don't need to sign a new contract as you've got three years left'. Fine. But how highly do they value me as a player? Realistically, look at Dean (Ashton) who has signed a new contract this summer. Good luck to him. Brilliant.
"He's a great player and I have no doubts he will become an England regular.
"Obviously, West Ham value him a hell of a lot more than they value me. In fact, I feel completely under-valued.
"Generally, the situation here leaves a question mark whether the club are rewarding success and you end up questioning yourself and questioning your future
"I'm the same as anyone else. If you are as good at a job as someone else but they get three or four times more, you get a bit frustrated. If I wasn't a relatively successful player I wouldn't mind, but I think I've done well here. I don't want to play for another club.
"I was a professional at Norwich for 10 years and associated with the club for nearly 15. So I think I have proved I am loyal. I am not looking to jump ship for an extra fiver."
Green admits he has not spoken about the issue to manager Alan Curbishley.
"I have not spoken to the manager about it. He takes charge of first-team matters and does not deal with contracts, which is fair enough," he continued.
"I know there are clubs interested in me. If it turns out they value me more, then I will have to make a decision.
"It is strange because if it was the other way round, and I was holding fire after being offered a new contract from West Ham, the club would be making sure I was getting hammered by the fans. Surely, it works both ways."
The 28-year-old was hoping to have talks over a new contract after a successful campaign last season, which saw him voted Player of the Year.
However, the club have not come forward to open talks - something which has left Green stunned and unhappy.
"No matter what the figures are in the workplace in terms of wages, you either feel a valued member of your staff or you don't," Green told The Sun.
"At the moment, I don't and clearly West Ham don't care about me.
"We've a whole host of players who have arrived on a lot of money since the takeover and, fair play, you take what you can get and I have no problem with that.
"Some of them have played, others have been injured, but I feel I have played a part and been good value.
Parity
"If you put the strongest West Ham XI out, I'd be the lowest earner by a long, long way. I do not even want to be close to the top earner at the club - I don't care about that. I would just like some parity.
"Other guys are getting rewarded but I'm not. It's been reported that one player has been offered so many millions to go away.
"He could be rewarded with a £3m pay-off while I would like to tie myself down to the club and they have turned around and said 'no thanks'.
"I am not getting in the England squad at the moment and I'm not getting European football, but I love it here, which is why I want to sign a long contract. The fans here are fantastic. Why would I want to leave?
"After asking for a long-term contract, the club turned around and said 'no' without a real explanation.
"It wouldn't have been as bad if they had said no and then given their reasons.
"The club might say 'you don't need to sign a new contract as you've got three years left'. Fine. But how highly do they value me as a player? Realistically, look at Dean (Ashton) who has signed a new contract this summer. Good luck to him. Brilliant.
"He's a great player and I have no doubts he will become an England regular.
"Obviously, West Ham value him a hell of a lot more than they value me. In fact, I feel completely under-valued.
"Generally, the situation here leaves a question mark whether the club are rewarding success and you end up questioning yourself and questioning your future
"I'm the same as anyone else. If you are as good at a job as someone else but they get three or four times more, you get a bit frustrated. If I wasn't a relatively successful player I wouldn't mind, but I think I've done well here. I don't want to play for another club.
"I was a professional at Norwich for 10 years and associated with the club for nearly 15. So I think I have proved I am loyal. I am not looking to jump ship for an extra fiver."
Green admits he has not spoken about the issue to manager Alan Curbishley.
"I have not spoken to the manager about it. He takes charge of first-team matters and does not deal with contracts, which is fair enough," he continued.
"I know there are clubs interested in me. If it turns out they value me more, then I will have to make a decision.
"It is strange because if it was the other way round, and I was holding fire after being offered a new contract from West Ham, the club would be making sure I was getting hammered by the fans. Surely, it works both ways."
