Brown: why I sold Defoe

Hammers chairman Terry Brown has spoken out in the wake of an avalanche of criticism from Hammers fans after West Ham sold Jermain Defoe to Tottenham for £7m earlier today.

Brown - speaking in a press release released on whufc.co.uk tonight (Monday) - revealed: "Jermain has only played 22 matches out of a possible 34 for us this season, mainly due to suspension. We have offered him a new contract on several occasions which he has turned down.

"Coupled with the fact that he has only one more year on his contract after this season, we felt it was in the best interests of the club to maximise the potential transfer income which would only have declined had we let this opportunity pass."

"Manager Alan Pardew is rebuilding the West Ham United team with young players who want to play for the club and we are now seeing a positive response to this not only from within the club but from the fans as well.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Bobby, an exciting young player who has always supported and wanted to play for West Ham United."