Kia: there is massive potential

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Sunday, 3rd September 2006

Businessman Kia Joorabchian has spoken of his plans for West Ham United in his first major interview since it was revealed that he was involved in negotiations to purchase the club.

In a News Of The World article, published today, the London-based businessman - who is believed to be the frontman for a consortium looking to wrestle control of the Hammers from their current owners - revealed that his dream is to take the club to the very top of the domestic - and European - game.

His consortium's offer is thought to be worth in the region of £100m - with further funds to follow in order to clear the club's outstanding debts and improve the playing squad.

"I've been a huge football fan all my life," he said. "I guess I've always wanted to have a football team.

"I've been offered many deals and I wouldn't want to buy just any Premiership club. There is massive potential at West Ham.

"Why? Because the club has such passionate supporters and a fantastic history. What is so impressive is that when they have hit bad times the passion and loyalty of the fans has seen them stick by the club.

"Passion is a vital word in the success of a football club. Sometimes when I look at Chelsea, despite their recent success, I think it's all a bit cold. They talk more about the brand than the football club."

Joorabchian - whose initial attempt to purchase West Ham hit the buffers last autumn - refused to reveal exactly who is involved in his consortium, although he refuted speculation linking him with oligarch Boris Berezovsky and businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili.

The major players, he claims, come instead from the Middle East - with at least one Londoner also involved; Michael Tabor being one name that has been mentioned elsewhere in the past 48 hours.

Joorabchian was responsible for bringing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to the club last week - a move seen by many as his first step to gaining control of West Ham.

It was a deal that shocked the rest of football - but a deal, he claims, that will begin the process of turning West Ham into one of the giants of the English game.

"When you see two players like that joining West Ham then there is no doubt in my mind the club can become massive," he added. "It sends out a huge signal that West Ham can now be a buying club - not a selling club.

"It's amazing when you look at the England team and see Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Joe Cole, all of whom were at West Ham but left.

"There is no doubt that trend can be reversed - and if that is the case, the club can become really huge."

There was also good news for current manager Alan Pardew; Joorabchian was apparently happy to confirm that he feels he "can take West Ham into new territory, to challenge for the Champions League and even the title."

You can read the full News of the World article here.

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