Stan Collymore blasts West Ham United fans over Jesse Lingard transfer saga
Stan Collymore has blasted West Ham fans for their reaction to Jesse Lingard signing for Nottingham Forest, telling them to “stop crying”.
Lingard disappointed Hammers fans by opting to sign for the newly promoted club ahead of the Irons last week, ending a long running transfer saga surrounding his future.
But after reaction from many that claimed Lingard was simply chasing the money by signing for Forest, Collymore defended his former club in his Mirror column [July 27] and said he didn’t understand the bitterness around the deal.
“West Ham fans should stop crying that Jesse Lingard snubbed them and went to Nottingham Forest,” he said.
“Were my eyebrows raised by the move? Yes. Was it partly because of the money? Yes.
“But Forest are a massive club, a great club. They have two stars above that tree on the shirt that will make a difference in getting players over the line.
“So I don’t understand the noise, spite and bitterness from pundits and people with a West Ham allegiance about Lingard’s decision.”
Fair game
If Lingard wants to move to Forest for a wad of cash then that’s absolutely his prerogative, but West Ham fans are entitled to be unhappy about it.
Lingard has constantly sent messages on his social media hinting about a return and if reports are to be believed, he wanted the club to raise their offer to join them.
In the end the club opted against it and chose to pursue other options, and Lingard went elsewhere but fans believe he lacks ambition by choosing a team that will be battling relegation rather than competing in Europe.
He knows he would have been first choice at the London Stadium too and would have had a bigger platform to get back into the England squad, which is his ultimate goal from this move.
Ultimately he’s able to do what he wants, but fans can respond in any way too (so long as they don’t go crazy) and Collymore should just keep his opinions on this matter to himself.