Henry's African Revelation Has Hit West Ham's Reputation Hard
Blowing Bubbles Monthly|March 2018

The scandal is the latest in a long line of things that ‘could only happen to us’

James Jones
Henry's African Revelation Has Hit West Ham's Reputation Hard

While the entire West Ham fan base was going into its biggest transfer window meltdown since the last big transfer meltdown last summer, a story capable of pushing even the most laid back fans over the edge was bubbling under the surface.

It’s Deadline Day in January, we’re all on the edge of our seats waiting for absolutely nothing to happen and we all learn that our Head of Recruitment, Tony Henry, has admitted in an email that he tries to avoid signing African players because ‘they cause mayhem’.

‘Why can’t we just be a normal football club’ was the first thought that ran through my mind when the story broke, as I’m sure it did for many other fans around the world.

If it’s not David Sullivan publically disrespecting our playing staff, or Karren Brady saying something absolutely ridiculous in her weekly newspaper column, it’s our Head of Recruitment disrespecting playing staff and saying something absolutely ridiculous all in the same breath.

In fairness, the club acted quickly to sack Henry and then David

Sullivan said in an interview that there are plans to completely revamp the club’s recruitment process from top to bottom, but there is some significant damage that may have been done already here.

Henry’s comments led to him being labelled a racist and while I understand the reasons behind those allegations, I’m not convinced that what he said was particularly racially motivated.

This story is from the March 2018 edition of Blowing Bubbles Monthly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2018 edition of Blowing Bubbles Monthly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BLOWING BUBBLES MONTHLYView All
West Ham Must Come Together Or Our Club Will Get Relegated
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

West Ham Must Come Together Or Our Club Will Get Relegated

West Ham Must Come Together Or Our Club Will Get Relegated

time-read
1 min  |
December 2017
'Bonds Led A Beardy Revolution And Was All You Want In A Leader'
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

'Bonds Led A Beardy Revolution And Was All You Want In A Leader'

Top journalist Jim Munro on Bonds, Cantona and taking the Bridge in the 1980s

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2017
Eight Superb Books That Every Irons Fan Would Enjoy Reading
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

Eight Superb Books That Every Irons Fan Would Enjoy Reading

With Christmas round the corner we highlight the perfect stocking fillers

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2017
What Will Pearce And Irvine Do To Help Us Get Out Of This Mess?
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

What Will Pearce And Irvine Do To Help Us Get Out Of This Mess?

David Moyes has brought in some familiar faces as part of his back-room team

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2017
There Are No Excuses Left After West Ham's Astonishing Month
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

There Are No Excuses Left After West Ham's Astonishing Month

SIMON OSBORN’S LAST WORD

time-read
1 min  |
March 2018
'I Judge Away Grounds By The Food And Watford Is The Best'
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

'I Judge Away Grounds By The Food And Watford Is The Best'

Football London’s West Ham writer Sam Inkersole on life following the Hammers

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2018
Should West Ham Really Give James Collins A New Contract?
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

Should West Ham Really Give James Collins A New Contract?

The 34-year-old defender’s current deal expires at the end of this season

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2018
How Many Points Do We Really Need To Avoid The Dreaded Drop?
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

How Many Points Do We Really Need To Avoid The Dreaded Drop?

Everyone talks about 40 points but West Ham could well stay up with a lot less

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2018
Hugill Is Not The Answer But All We Can Ask Is He Tries His Best...
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

Hugill Is Not The Answer But All We Can Ask Is He Tries His Best...

Fans were furious when West Ham signed the striker from Preston in January

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2018
Campaign To Keep Moore Statue In Upton Park Area Gathers Pace
Blowing Bubbles Monthly

Campaign To Keep Moore Statue In Upton Park Area Gathers Pace

Campaign To Keep Moore Statue In Upton Park Area Gathers Pace

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2018