talkSPORT reporter slams Jesse Lingard over disrespect of West Ham United fans
Jesse Lingard does not need an extra £30,000-a-week and should be going to West Ham, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
After the late arrival of Nottingham Forest on the scene with a higher offer for the free agent attacker, and the Hammers’ refusal to up their own bid, it appears the 29-year-old is on his way to the City Ground.
The former Manchester United man has been an Irons target since the end of the 2020/21 season when he had a fruitful loan spell in east London, but Crook believes the club’s fans have been messed around and have had enough of him.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Wednesday, in a clip posted to the station’s Twitter account, Crook said: “For Jesse Lingard, I’m not convinced this is the best move he could make.”
After pointing out the success he had previously, under a manager who used him well, and the bonds he has with Hammers players Crook went on: “I think it’s a no-brainer for Jesse Lingard to go back to West Ham.
“If you’re talking about 30 grand-a-week difference, listen, he’s a multi-millionaire anyway. He doesn’t need the extra 30 grand-a-week.”
He then compared the standing of the two sides, putting Forest in a “relegation battle” while the Irons have European football.
In another clip posted to talkSPORT’s Twitter he continued on the ex-England international, saying: “I think it’s turned into a bit of a soap opera, and I don’t think some of his behaviour is befitting of a footballer who’s nearly 30 years of age.”
Citing the player’s recent social media output he added: “I think West Ham fans feel a bit disrespected by his conduct.
“We’re saying all this, he might yet change his mind and go and play for West Ham. It doesn’t look likely and actually the West Ham fans that I’ve spoken to this morning are just sick to the back teeth of him.”
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Considering how long this has gone on for and how obvious a move it seemed to be throughout it is no surprise that now it looks like not happening supporters will be upset.
Moyes will no doubt be as upset as anyone, having chased him longer than many coaches would have done, which ultimately looks to have been a mistake.
After last summer, then January, and so far this summer, it has become increasingly clear that if he were to still make a shock arrival at the London Stadium it was far from a priority for him.
That is his prerogative, and while it might seem clear to West Ham fans and neutrals that a return to the club would be the best opportunity for him, it is down to him to decide how much he needs to earn.
If Forest are willing to pay him what he wants then all the better for him, but if they were to be relegated in a year’s time it will look like a mistake.
It is impossible for anyone other than those who know Lingard personally to tell what his private priorities are, and money may be worth more to him than success on the pitch for a genuine reason.
But this has turned into a saga that doesn’t look like ending in the Irons’ favour so moving on as quickly as possible appears to be the only remaining option.