By Matthew Jones
June 29 2002

Olivier Bernard has to wait for a third day to see if he will be allowed to make his proposed move to Upton Park. But he says their decision doesn't matter, "I won't play for Newcastle ever again!" Olivier Bernard has to wait for a third day to see if he will be allowed to make his proposed move to Upton Park. But he says their decision doesn't matter, "I won't play for Newcastle ever again!"

BERNARD "I'M GOING TO WEST HAM REGARDLESS WHAT THE TRIBUNAL COME UP WITH!"

The argument continues today, as the the Magpies go head-to-head against the Hammers for the right to Olivier Bernard's future. It first started with West Ham's approach to sign the player. Newcastle claim it was illegal, just as Kevin Keegan's move for Sylvain Distin at the end of last season. Both issues are being looked at, but at the end of the day we are the suckers in both issues.

The fact both these Frenchmen WANTED to leave asks questions perhaps we should know the answers to.

As we said yesterday, Bernard could nip the whole thing in the bud by simply saying "I want to stay at Newcastle", but he shocked us all last night by saying he will never play for the club again!

OLIVIER BERNARD: "Whatever happens I do not want to play for Newcastle United and would find it very difficult to go back.

"I was disappointed at the lack of first-team opportunities at St James' Park and that is why I turned down the offer of a new contract. The Premier League tribunal will make their decision on Friday as to whether I can complete my move to West Ham.

"I am confident that common sense will prevail and I will be able to play for the club in the new season.

"I am really looking forward to playing for the Hammers and I am confident of doing a good job for them."