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Dick comes out fighting	Posted by David Snowball at Sunday, January 06, 2008
With tempers still raised following the abysmal FA Cup defeat to Mansfield, Albion chairman Dick Knight faced the wrath of fans on Southern Counties Radio's post-match 'phone-in. Interestingly, Knight went on the front foot from the outset and made it plain he wasn't prepared to take any sh** from callers. He promised to take a look at the admission prices, but more or less said they wouldn't be able to do much until next season for fear of upsetting season ticket holders who have already stumped up a certain level of dosh. The most interesting revelation from the chairman was that he was at "an advanced stage of negotiations" which could see FIVE new players join the club. One caller couldn't contain his scepticism of this claim and Knight refused to carry on that particular exchange. Only one name was mentioned - that was the Ipswich left back Matt Richards, who Knight seemed confident of tempting back following his successful loan spell. Albion have certainly missed him - they've lost 3 of the 4 games since he returned to Portman Road and have played 3 different players in that spot. Knight's explanation of the Bas Savage situation seemed fair enough and most reasonably-minded listeners would have applauded his stance in refusing to make Savage the highest paid player at the club. As for George O'Callaghan, the Irishman's post-Millwall outburst about the delay over contract negotiations was viewed as "out of order" although funnily enough I thought we lived in a democracy where people were allowed freedom of speech. It is fair to assume O'Callaghan won't be coming back which is a great shame in view of what he brought to the team. Certainly the side today, without him and the injured Hammond, looked feeble in the centre of midfield. I like Paul Reid but he doesn't impose himself on that area of the pitch in the same way as either Hammond or O'Callaghan. Or indeed as Bertin did last season. The contractual situation around Hammond seems to be typical of the Albion. Surely it should have been sorted by now - or are the club looking to cash in on him now, before he becomes a free agent in the summer? That must be a possibility and, now we've lost the chance of a lucrative 4th round money-spinning tie, it could be the only way for the club to generate some funds. Hammond has his detractors, but I could see him doing a job for a top Division 1 team, or a lower-half Championship side. By Nick Turrell Labels: News 08-09, Nick Turrell