Teletext has quotes of Bernard saying he has agreed terms and is signing a contract with the club.

Ok good news but you have to ask yourself WHY!?

He is a top class player who'd get into most premiership sides. It is just unfortunate for him that our main summer signing was left footed.

Anyway, my point is that why would he sign after being left on the bench all season.

Perhaps BR already knows he's selling Robert and has told Bernard this? Giving Bernard a lot better chance of playing next year.

Otherwise why would he sign?

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Answers

Europe, League, Worthington and FA Cup:- potentially a lot more games next season. Good money in the hand, West Ham aren't noted for their pay cheques.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

I agree Softie, he is still young and certainly not guaranteed a place at West Ham. He sees that we have a hell of a lot more potential than West Ham ever will and has a few French players here to keep him company.

The fact that we are virtually guaranteed some sort of European football next season also helps, as squad rotation is a neccesity.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Jim, if he was 26 and in his peak then I could understand him not signing because of not being played regularly, but he has played a fair few matches and is still very young.

It would be almost arrogant not to sign.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Not to mention him playing left back last night for the Resorves vs 'pool................and doing a decent job too.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

getting CL experience at such a young age, will look very good on your CV for a long time to come

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Like Aaron Hughes, making his debut at the Camp Nou.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

I'd assume Paul is right, Bernard has come to his senses & thought about the level he will be at next season. I'd like to see him at left back with Distin in the middle but can understand Bobby's reluctance to play an attacking full back behind Robert & opting for an out & out stopper.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

I think the Bernard / Robert partnership on the wing has a lot of potential. Solano never used to come back and defend at all, then he suddenly did. I don't know whether it's about finding the right partner or just simply telling him to get back, but when Hughes and Solano play well we are great on the right.

Robert and Bernard should be able to do the same. We know Robert can be physical as he is second only to Shearer in our team for shielding the ball and holding up play (IMHO). If he can transfer this to off the ball play when we're chasing possession then we could be devestating on the left and right. The fact that Bernard can cross well bodes well for when he come forward. I think Robert has all the attributes to be a true great for us. Laziness is a bad trait, but one that can be extinguished. Raw talent and pace are two things you can't teach anybody.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

If this is true it is very welcome news. I hope he gets rewarded with a couple of extended run outs before the end of this season which should start at Pride Park this weekend

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

Great news IMO. He's always looked up to the task when I've seen him and it's good that he seems to be improving at LB. OK, he's not Laurent Robert. SO WHAT?! We can't continue with, effectively, an 11 man squad. I'd love to see a bit of intelligent rotation next year and I think Bernard could do very well as a part of that.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

SteveT at the moment Laurent Robert is no Laurent Robert either!

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2002

If nothing else, it'll pressurise Robert's place on the left wing. Which is something we've been lacking in a host of positions - strength in depth and understudies / junior players putting pressure on the manager for a place in the side.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2002

in fact Robert has been tracking back so much recently i'll have to call him Robert Laurent!

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2002