West Ham, have just released this statement from Eggert Magnusson. Looks like hardball is being played…

“Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham United player, contracted to the Club until June 2010. “There is no agreement with West Ham United for Carlos Tevez to leave the Club and we expect him to return in time for next season’s preparations.

“No decision on his future can be reached without the agreement of West Ham United.”

So, as Talleyrand might have said, what did he mean by that? I have a great fear of a huge tug of war developing between Kia Joobwhateverhisnameis and Eggert Magnusson. If Kia J is able to enter agreements with Manchester United without so much as a by your leave to West Ham, what does that mean?

West Ham have reportedly signed Richard Wright on a free transfer as cover for Robert Green. I suggested this a few months ago and was howled down, as I recall, in the comments. They should call me ‘mystic Iain’!

In an act of shameless populism, Labour MP for Ilford Mike Gapes has put down this Early Day Motion in the House of Commons…

That this House welcomes the decision of the Premier League arbitration panel to reject the challenge by Sheffield United and Fulham to the decision to fine West Ham United rather than deduct points; notes their view that this decision was not irrational or perverse; congratulates the players of West Ham United on their magnificent great escape by winning seven of their last nine matches to end the season with 41 points; notes that Sheffield United were relegated because they lost at home to Wigan in their last match and as a result only had 38 points; welcomes the fact that matters of survival and relegation were decided on the field of play and not in the law courts; and wishes West Ham United a successful Premiership season and Sheffield United a successful Championship season in 2007-08.

I am sure we all agree with his sentiments, but EDMs stand no chance of being debated and cost the taxpayer about £300 each to print. Money well spent, I am sure!

Ha ha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha haha ha

Losers.

UPDATE: If any Sheffield United fan leaves abusive comments here, their email address will be published here for all to see. Pity I hadn’t thought of that in the previous thread.