Allardyce keen on Anelka reunion

 

Mark Bryans
Monday 19 November 2012 06:00 EST
Comments
Nicolas Anelka joined Shanghai Shenhua from
Chelsea in January
Nicolas Anelka joined Shanghai Shenhua from Chelsea in January (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sam Allardyce, the West Ham United manager, admits he would be interested in a January move for Nicolas Anelka.

The 33-year-old is currently playing in China for Shanghai Shenhua, but has been linked with a move back to the Premier League.

Allardyce, whose side host Stoke City tonight, signed Anelka for Bolton in 2006 and would like to work with the France striker again.

"It could interest me, of course it could," he said. "It would be of interest if that is a possibility financially for us and he wanted to come.

"I have had no conversations with Nicolas' agent or anything like that at this time."

Anelka signed for Bolton from Turkish side Fenerbahçe, and his form earned him a big move to Chelsea a year and a half later.

Allardyce, who has yet to see loan signing Andy Carroll score for the Hammers, believes Anelka transformed his Bolton side.

He said: "His professionalism and dedication was why he was such a good player and we never had problems at Bolton at the time he was with us. He was the difference – he was the reason we went into the top end, the top four, rather than the top eight."

Over the years, much has been made of Anelka's demeanour, but Allardyce reckons the perception is off the mark and hopes he could be tempted back to London.

Asked whether he ever had a problem with Anelka's questionable temperament Allardyce said: "He never was like that in his entire time I had him.

"I think he has always been dedicated but he got sidetracked by certain situations through his younger days but he learned from that, his experience across Europe.

Odds: West Ham Evens Draw 9-4 Stoke 3-1

Kick-off Tonight, 8pm (Sky Sports 1)

Referee Chris Foy (St Helens)

Team news James Collins and Guy Demel are pushing for recalls for West Ham. Stoke await news on Glenn Whelan; Dean Whitehead is banned and Rory Delap and Marc Wilson are out.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in