New West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has re-opened the old wounds over the Carlos Tevez affair and suggested that the Hammers made a grave error in pleading guilty and losing their compensation case against Sheffield United.

EmpicsCarlos Tevez played a major role in West Ham Utd's survival.

West Ham have been ordered to pay Sheffield United around £30 million in compensation after a successful claim in the courts regarding their relegation to the League Championship, and it's one of the big debts that the new owners have inherited.

Sullivan told Soccernet in an exclusive interview: "West Ham pleaded guilty. They shouldn't have done. They should have fought the case.

"Instead this club has to pay out, we have a well documented legal settlement and there is no way out of it, other than to offer to pay Sheffield United a lump sum, then they might accept a slight deduction. Does anyone have a spare £30m?

"And that is not where it ends. Clubs like Fulham are still suing West Ham over Tevez, and as new owners we intend to fight these issues."

Another of the debts which Sullivan first told Soccernet amounted to a staggering £110 million, relates to former manager Alan Curbishley. The club have yet to settle his compensation claim after being sacked.

Sullivan says: "The club have already lost their case with Alan, and it's a question of how much, and we shall now try to settle."

Soccernet understands that Curbishley could be owed up to £3.5 million, but West Ham United might try to settle at the lower figure of £1.25 million.

Sullivan said: "We are all hoping Alan gets himself another job, as it would mitigate his loss!"

Sullivan went on: "You have to question our sanity for taking on this club. It is a jinxed club. Even the guy from InterMarket who tried to buy it had a heart attack and died!"