Fans of West Ham United have been left speculating after comments from Tony Cottee on the club’s 21-year-old midfielder Declan Rice emerged.
When talking on the We Are West Ham Podcast, as cited by The Sun, the Hammers legend stated that “to win a cup or play in Europe” are the only ways to keep the Englishman at the London Stadium (via @whufc_news), which had fans talking.
Cottee: “There's only two ways to keep Declan – to win a cup or play in Europe. The problem is, your career goes so quickly and Dec needs to see the club making progress, he doesn't want to be fighting relegation every year. West Ham need a good cup run and to be in the top 10.” pic.twitter.com/cLAgqsSFiY
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) May 5, 2020
He’ll be sold. Quickest way for the board to recoup whatever they lose through the current situation.
— Kris Johnson (@kjohno10) May 6, 2020
Yikes.
— Calum ???? (@CalumRobson) May 5, 2020
Well in that case he’s off then. We won’t be doing neither.
— Mr R (@Happyhammer68) May 6, 2020
Will Declan Rice still be a West Ham player at the beginning of next season?Yes, he'll stay until then
No, he'll leave us soon
|
The former West Ham player also suggested that what the Irons should do is “at least double his wages” to keep him at the London Stadium for a prolonged period of time (via the Sun).
After Cottee’s comments were relayed to fans on social media (via @whufc_news), though, fans continued to air their opinions on the matter.
Current owners have us as a selling club no real interest in challenging for Europe or top 6 Declan is one of the few assets we have ??
— Keith (@CridlandKeith) May 6, 2020
I agree with everything @TonyCottee9 said.. we were promised maximum level from the board they produce minimum.. just hope we can keep hold of Dec for a little longer
— ?Bateson? (@carlosbateson86) May 6, 2020
This has been the case for almost every decent player since I’ve been supporting West Ham.
We’ve always needed to step up to keep them but have always fallen short.
“Like my dreams they fade and die”— @gsbout (@gsbout2) May 6, 2020
We will never achieve either (other than the odd freak season) under these owners.
— James Gunn (@jamesgunn_) May 5, 2020
What do we think?
As can be seen in the responses from these West Ham supporters, there are two kinds of response, one being fans who agree with Cottee and the other those that believe the club has no hope of keeping Rice.
With the 21-year-old having been the fourth-best performer for the club in the Premier League so far this season with a 6.95/10 average rating (per WhoScored), it is clear to see why fans are keen for Rice to stay with the Hammers.