Chris signed in the nick of time to be registered for the weekend - some reports of his having already signed early on Friday proving somewhat precipitous - and, revealing how the move came about, he says:
"I just got a phone call early yesterday morning about the possibility of coming here on loan and I readily accepted - so here I am.
"I am very happy to be here, all the boys are very welcoming, and I look forward to it.
"I think the boss wanted me to train yesterday but I wasn't allowed to sign any of the papers until today so I travelled up to Sheffield, trained with the boys, and signed late afternoon.
"At least I am up here, mingling, and getting to know everyone which is important because a number of players have been added to the squad as well as myself - so hopefully it will be exciting times and we can push up the table."
It could conceivably be a back four comprising three players signed in just two days, following the arrivals of Malky Mackay and Calum Davenport, and Chris says:
"I believe so, with Calum and Malky signing; there are a number of players that could make up the back four so obviously we need to bed in, and the games are coming in thick and fast.
"If we get the chance to play it is important we add something to West Ham."
Chris, who played 17 times in the Premiership for Charlton last season, has found it hard to break into the first team at the Valley thus far this campaign, and he admits:
"It is frustrating for any player when you are training all week and there is no game at the end of it.
"It becomes a bit dispiriting so I was very happy to get the chance to maybe play here - but I have to earn the right to because Rufus is there at left back and as far as I am aware I don't just come in.
"But hopefully it will be a good month which will lead to further things.
"If it all works out correctly I am sure I would lengthen my stay; obviously it is a chance for me to show what I can do and if I get in the team and do well it may lead to an extended loan or even something permanent.
"But that is way, way ahead; I have just been here for one day."
His more immediate aim is simply getting into the West Ham side and he adds:
"I know it is a good club, a big one with a lot of support, and there are a lot of games coming up.
"I have seen in just one session there is a lot of quality here and I see no reason why we can't push up and get to where we want to be."
He is friendly with fellow left back Rufus Brevett and adds:
"It is a bit strange because I have known him for a number of years and we got talking straight away which was nice for me because I want to settle in and the more help I get, as well as the other boys, it can only ensure the togetherness of the squad on the long road that lies ahead of us."
Chris has promised not to repeat his antics after the last day of Charlton's last season, when, celebrating a win over Southampton that lifted the Addicks to seventh, he donned a mascot's furry head.
He smiles:
"We will leave that one well alone!"