[Driver X]

Furious Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn was left devastated last night after being denied a move to London rivals West Ham.

Full-back Winters' switch across the capital appeared to be signed and sealed after he agreed terms on a two-year deal with Hammers boss Harry Redknapp.

But greedy Arsenal threw a spanner in the works at the 11th hour by demanding £500,000 after previously agreeing to reward his 13 years of loyalty with a free transfer.

Winterburn, 36, believed he had a gentleman's agreement with Arsenal over his future.

Although he still has a year to run on his contract, the left-back was promised he could leave if he was not getting regular first-team football.

And after secret talks with Redknapp, a lucrative contract was agreed.

But Arsenal have reneged on their promise and are refusing to let him go unless the Hammers cough up £500,000.

Winterburn has been left shattered by Arsenal's demand after a decade at Highbury and playing more than 600 games.

An Arsenal insider admitted: "Nigel is fuming at the way he has been treated.

"He has served the club loyally for 13 years only to be dealt a blow like this.

"He has been a major part of a great Arsenal side that has won virtually every honour in the English game and now they hit him with this."

Winterburn's agent Steve Kutner confirmed: "Yes, it's true Arsenal have gone back on their agreement.

"Nigel is devastated - he would love to go to West Ham."

 

[Loose Moose]

why????
its not as if arsenal needs the money right?
why not let winterburn do wat he likes, hes been so loyal to arsenal for all these years

------------------
LOOSE MOOSE

 

[nasty nick]

i understand he's angry,he has been a arsenal player for so long and nopw the "youngster" silvinho is playing in the first lineup.
he might be better for the moment but winterburn may have about 2 years left in his career,so i think he should play instaid..

 

[subculture]

well, well well... poor chap! Arsenal should have let him go for free, i mean, come one, 15 damn years of serving is an achievement! i doubt Silvinho would last 15 years at the club..
In other words, Arsenal are a greedy bastard and somebody should kick wenger's ass!
There is this story about him againts English players, is it true? no wonder, then.

 

[nasty nick]

wenger shold go,he is just an arrogant coach who hates english players and only wanna invade london with his damn foreigners.
arsenal is not a team,just a colony
and i don't like it.........

 

[SignoriRules]

Is this Vengers or Hill-Woods decision, cos either one don´t know the meaning of the words loyal service, or else have they walked around with closed eyes for the past 13 years.

Besides that, I would have loved to see good old Winterburn with my hardhitting Hammers