• Premier League

Parker upset by West Ham reception

ESPN staff
February 27, 2013
Scott Parker spent four years at West Ham before moving to Tottenham © PA Photos
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Scott Parker has admitted he was surprised and disappointed by the boos which greeted him from the West Ham fans on his return to Upton Park on Monday.

Parker joined London rivals Tottenham in a £6 million deal last season after four years at West Ham, where he was named 'Hammer of the Year' three times.

In his final campaign in East London, Parker was named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for his full-blooded approach to keeping West Ham in the Premier League, though he could not prevent the club from going down.

In Parker's first appearance at Upton Park since his departure, he was roundly booed by the home faithful, with the midfielder taken aback by the jeers.

"I didn't expect the West Ham fans to boo me and obviously it was a little bit upsetting," Parker said. "I don't know why. I don't know if it's because I went to their local rivals.

"I'm not sure, but I just would have liked to think that maybe I would have got a better reception after what I did in my time here. I loved Upton Park, the fans, and I loved the club.

"I had four fantastic years here and it will always be a club with a massive place in my heart. I was looking forward to coming back and I couldn't wait to go out there and play so I was disappointed."

Parker conceded a penalty against the Hammers but that did not stop Spurs from emerging with the three points after a last-minute wonder-strike from Gareth Bale secured a 3-2 win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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