West Ham reportedly splash out on doctor for Michail Antonio, Frank McAvennie reacts
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is baffled by the decision taken by West Ham to send a doctor out on international duty alongside Michail Antonio.
The Sun reported last week [18/10/21] that West Ham’s head of medical services, Richard Collinge, was despatched to Kingston in September to watch over Antonio during his time in Kingston with Jamaica.
The 31-year-old has a history of hamstring injuries, so Collinge was sent on an all-expenses paid trip to ensure Antonio could deal with the extra workload.
Ex-Irons attacker McAvennie was taken aback by the news, though he accepts that Antonio may be a special case due to his previous injury problems.
“It’s not just Antonio, but I’ve heard people going on holiday and taking a fitness coach,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “I mean, really? I just can’t believe that goes on.
“I know the game has changed, but come on, you work all year and you go on holiday, you deserve a break. If you don’t drink, fine, but you still deserve a break away from football.
“I just don’t get it but maybe it’s the best thing for Antonio because of his fitness problems, his hamstring issues.”
In other West Ham news, the Irons have made contact over this 16-cap centre-forward amid his contract impasse.
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