Dyer Bemused and Concerned

Have you ever known solicitors to issue a statement so quickly? In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Daily Mail ran a story about a bust up between Dyer and Grant. By 11.30, on a SATURDAY MORNING, Dyer's solicitor has issued a statement denying the reports. Even John Terry's solicitor wasn't THAT quick on the draw!

Thankfully, I used words like "seemingly" in my account, and with a legal heavyweight raising his gloves so early, I'm not going to leave my chin too unprotected just in case. But tell me, why the prompt response? If there's no truth in the rumour, why not wait until Avram has finished praying and allow the manager to nail the rumour?

Dyer probably has a solicitor "on call" 24 hours a day, just as he has a team of paramedics following his every step. In the Keiron Dyer Control Centre, there are minders watching CCTV footage of his every move, issuing alerts at regular intervals. "Dyer approaching the kerb. Red alert medical team for potential ankle turn. He's stepping off the kerb, he's stepping off the kerb, all paramedics to the area immediately!" followed by, "Dyer and pals approaching woman. Red alert legal team, red alert legal team, Code Roasting. Code Roasting."

The statement from Graham Shear of BLP Solicitors reads:

"Kieron Dyer read with concern and bemusement reports on Saturday morning in several newspapers that he supposedly had a "row" or "bust-up" with West Ham manager Avram Grant."

"Kieron confirmed that this is untrue and that there has been no dispute of any nature with Avram Grant about Kieron's selection to play against Stoke today or about any other topic.

"Kieron is uncertain why he was not selected for the squad and, whilst he does have a thigh injury, if he had been selected, he would have willingly joined the squad on the trip to Stoke today."

Odd that Kieron has no idea why he wasn't selected. Of course, if Sullivan and Gold are going to use this as an excuse to sack him, it is important for Dyer to establish that he is still fit enough to play, in the hope of finding another mug team to pay him for sitting on his arse all winter. The statement is carefully worded of course. There has been no "row" or "bust up" with Avram Grant. That leaves open the possibility that Dyer told another member of the management team where to stick his place on the substitutes' bench. Not that I am suggesting that he has, of course. I'm just exploring the wording of the statement!

How much did that solicitor's statement cost? I know Dyer is earning a packet every week but would he really turn to an expensive lawyer so quickly if there was no truth in the rumour? I'm only asking a question of course!