'Scapegoat' Reo-Coker slams Hammers
Reo-Coker was left disillusioned with life at Upton Park
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Friday, 06, Jul 2007 11:34
Nigel Reo-Coker has issued a parting shot at former club West Ham after signing for Aston Villa.
The England under-21 captain has been keen to escape from what has been a difficult few months at Upton Park, during which he has been subjected to abuse from the terraces.
When asked if he felt he had been made a scapegoat for the club's poor form, Reo-Coker replied: "If I am being honest, yes I do believe that.
"Whether people want to say I'm being obnoxious or arrogant or just being bitter that's my own personal belief. I think I was hung out to dry."
West Ham survived relegation from the Premiership on the final day of last season after a mid-season slump in form and many fans and pundits blamed captain Reo-Coker for not setting the right example to the rest of the players by appearing petulant and lazy.
But the midfielder claims this was not the case and slammed his former club for not supporting him.
"It was an experience which has hardened me but I don't think it was an experience anyone should be forced to go through, like I was, at the age of 22," he continued.
"But it has made me a stronger character, it's made me more determined and I will now channel that in the right way."
After handing in a transfer request towards the end of last season, Reo-Coker has finally got his wish in leaving Upton Park.
He now links up with Villa manager Martin O'Neill, who Reo-Coker claims he was very keen to work with when he heard of the Birmingham club's interest.
"I really wanted to play for Martin O'Neill. His record speaks for itself and as soon as I found out about his interest this was the club I wanted to come to," he added.