Deane And Lee Released By Hammers

Veteran striker Brian Deane and former England midfielder Robert Lee are among six senior players been given free transfers by West Ham United.

Deane was signed by Alan Pardew on a free transfer from Leicester City and made his Hammers debut in the 1-1 draw away at Coventry City on 1st November 2003.  He went on to make 12 full and 20 substitute appearances, scoring seven goals.

Robert Lee joined the Club on a free transfer from Derby County in August 2003 and missed most of the season through injury. He made 14 senior and five substitute appearances for the Club.

The other players released are Republic of Ireland defender/midfielder Shaun Byrne, midfielder Daryl McMahon, goalkeeper David Forde and defender Wayne Quinn.

Right-winger Sebastien Carole, who joined the Hammers on loan for the season in February has returned to Champions League finalists Monaco.

Bryne, a product of the Club¹s Youth Academy, only made three senior substitute appearances, but was a regular for the Reserves in recent seasons. Republic of Ireland youth international McMahon, also worked his way up through the youth ranks at West Ham United.

Although a regular in the Reserve side, Daryl did not make his senior debut for the Club. Quinn, who joined the Club on a free transfer from Newcastle United as cover for the injured Rufus Brevett, made 26 (1 sub) League and Cup appearances for the Hammers.

Irish-born goalkeeper, David Forde, joined the Club from Barry Town in February 2002 for £50,000. Despite regular appearances for the Reserves, Forde never made his full Hammers debut.

Among the Youth Academy players released are striker Marce Collington, defender Liam Parrington and midfielder Ian Tucker.

Meanwhile, young goalkeeper George Sealey, and defenders Phil Lumsden and Brent Tattam have not been offered contracts.

Other Youth Academy graduates, Graeme Carrick, Richard Garcia, Darren Blewitt, Tommy Laws, Greg Pearson and Elliott Ward will sign new contracts for the Hammers in July.