Why Neill joined Hammers
By David Lewis
Sunday Telegraph
January 21, 2007
AUSTRALIA star Lucas Neill last night revealed why he chose to pledge his future to battling West Ham and not pedigree club Liverpool - and insisted it wasn't about money.
After finally concluding a complex switch from Blackburn Rovers to the Hammers for a transfer fee of $3.7 million, Neill, speaking exclusively with The Sunday Telegraph, said he was motivated by ambition not greed.
The versatile defender has signed a 2 1/2-year contract worth an estimated $150,000 a week - $70,000 more than Liverpool were prepared to pay.
But he declared: "It wasn't about cash - that didn't come into it. It was about being wanted. West Ham were knocking down the door to get me.
"Liverpool made a take-it-or-leave-it offer and didn't even come in for me until 15 days after the transfer window opened (at the beginning of the month).
"People who have raised their eyebrows at me for making this decision are in for a surprise because West Ham have a shopping list of players which almost blew me away.
"People have said I put money before medals and how could I make a sideways move like this and not go to a club like Liverpool, who are always in the hunt for trophies and have so much prestige.
"It was an extremely hard decision but I know it's the right one.
"West Ham moved heaven and earth to sign me, while Liverpool gave me the impression that I might not even get a game if I went there.
"I supported them as a kid and I know people are going to give me stick for not choosing them."
Bowled over by the charisma, desire and deep pockets of the London club's mega-rich owner Eggert Magnusson, Neill explained: "It took me all of two minutes to be convinced I wasn't making a mistake when Mr Magnusson told me about his plans for the club."
Magnusson, whose fortune was built on a biscuit empire, gave Neill a three-minute speech in which he outlined his desire to turn West Ham - third from bottom of the Premiership and fighting for its life - into the next Chelsea.
Neill, who will make his debut in the FA Cup tie against Watford next weekend, said: "What he said almost knocked me off my feet. He told me I'm the first of many new signings earmarked for the club.
"I can be part of something big here. West Ham are very well supported. They just happen to be at the wrong end of the table at the moment. But I hope to play my part in helping remedy that.
"They were two minutes away from winning the FA Cup final last season and have not suddenly become a bad team."
Neill has a get-out clause built into his deal should the Hammers drop.
"It's a calculated gamble," he said. "It won't be a glamorous three months but once we secure safety, people won't question my motives any more.
"I believe I will have the last laugh. People will soon be talking about West Ham in a very different way."
Neill, whose reputation soared after a stellar World Cup, has a proven track record for altruism - including setting up a scholarship scheme for Australian kids.
The talent tree is already bearing fruit.
Manly 15-year-old Chris Payne has been invited back for a second stint at Blackburn after Neill paid for him to travel to England for a trial at Ewood Park.
Neill might be gone but his largesse looks set to live on at the club where he says he spent five great years.
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