David Moyes's 'shock' after West Ham sack Sunderland-born recruitment director in racism row

Former Sunderland boss David Moyes has revealed it was sacked director of recruitment Tony Henry who recommended West Ham sign Africans Islam Slimani and Ibrahim Amadou and that the controversial comments he allegedly made came as a "massive shock".
West Ham manager David Moyes, right, with sacked head of recruitment Tony Henry.West Ham manager David Moyes, right, with sacked head of recruitment Tony Henry.
West Ham manager David Moyes, right, with sacked head of recruitment Tony Henry.

The club sacked Henry, originally from Houghton-le-Spring, on Friday after the Daily Mail claimed he said they no longer wanted to sign African players because "they have a bad attitude" and "cause mayhem" when not selected.

West Ham said in a statement that he was dismissed "following his unacceptable comments that were widely reported" and also added: "We will not tolerate any type of discrimination."

Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.
Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.
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Before Wednesday's transfer deadline, they had attempted and failed to recruit both Algerian Slimani, who instead joined Newcastle on loan from Leicester, and the Cameroon-born Amadou from Lille.

Moyes was regardless asked about allegations that 60-year-old Henry, who briefly worked in a scouting capacity for Sunderland in 2014, claimed a directive to avoid African signings came from him.

But the manager said: "If we were signing two African players on deadline day, you would have to say it's incorrect and wrong.

"It's a massive shock, because you are well aware of the couple of players we were trying to sign on deadline day, so that's why it's a big surprise. We were very, very close to signing two players from Africa.

Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.
Tony Henry, wearing number 4, playing for Oldham at Sunderland in 1987.
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"I've known Tony and he has to get on with his stuff but all I can say is that it wasn't correct because we were trying to sign two players like that on deadline day."

Asked if Henry had recommended Slimani and Amadou, he then responded: "Yes. They were two players who were slightly available, albeit who came up late."

Moyes also approached the club's players to hold a "frank conversation" with them regarding the reports surrounding Henry.

"That conversation will remain private," the 54-year-old said. "All I can tell you is the players have worked really well. Hopefully we can move on.

"In all my time in football I've seen very little racism, and I don't see it at any club. I've no doubt that it's happening, so don't think I don't. But I've seen very, very little."