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David Gold shares his love for player who turned his back on West Ham for Spurs

West Ham co chairman David Gold (Reuters)
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West Ham United co-owner David Gold has shared his love of a former player who turned his back on the club for bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham co chairman David GoldWest Ham co-owner David Gold

The Hammers co-owner is a keen user of social networking site Twitter and he was at it again this week as he posted a happy birthday message to three-time Hammer of the Year Scott Parker.

But Gold was not content with just wishing his former midfield general a happy birthday, he followed it up with a picture of the player in his West Ham days and insisting he is one of the club’s all-time greats.

West Ham's Scott ParkerScott Parker was a three-time Hammer of the Year

“Scott Matthew Parker (born 13 October 1980) was 36 years old yesterday and was one of West Ham’s great,” Gold posted on Twitter.

“A belated Happy birthday Scott.”

Picture Supplied by Action ImagesParker left West Ham for rivals Spurs

Parker somewhat divides opinion among West Ham fans.

Most true Hammers fully respect and appreciate what the tough tackling former England star did during his time at the club.

But there are a faction who find it hard to stomach that he forced through a move to hated rivals Spurs following relegation under the hapless Avram Grant.

Ledley King Guest XI's Scott Parker in action against Tottenham Hotspur's SandroParker in action for Tottenham

In fairness to Parker he left everything on the pitch each time he turned out for West Ham as his hat-trick of Hammer of the Year awards will testify.

The prestigious honour is not handed out lightly by the club’s fans and is a true indicator of what the supporters think of a player.

If anyone had earned the right to remain in the Premier League when West Ham were relegated in 2011 it was Parker.

Gold clearly respects him for that although some supporters may find his tweet somewhat over the top.