At some point in the last few months, Nigel Reo-Coker went from West Ham captain and hero to villain of all villains. Many supporters felt his Premiership performances lacked the same quality since his head was turned by interest from ‘Big Clubs‘ like Arsenal, that his poor attitude meant he was no longer a worthy captain, and that he was a negative influence in the dressing room.
And, apparently, Reo-Coker is well aware of all of it,
“Alan’s departure was a massive shock to everyone.
“Alan is a really great bloke and I can’t believe it has happened now.
“We had no idea he was going to get sacked. Half the team had left training when Pardew came out to tell everyone he was leaving.
“I called him later for a private chat and he thanked me for being a great captain. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t feel the same way.
“I’ve really been getting it in the neck. I’ve had so much flak but no one knows what it is like behind the scenes and what has really been going on with the team.
“Now Pardew has gone it’s only going to get worse for me, with people pointing the finger.â€
It’s unlikely that such a cry for sympathy is going to get Reo-Coker anywhere, especially with quotes like “he thanked me for being a great captain”. More than likely he’s just getting his excuses in line for a quick departure from West Ham, which isn’t exactly going to make him anymore friends in the stands between now and January.