Better Late...

Chris Powell reveals that he has nearly joined West Ham in the past - and would be more than happy to become a permanent Hammer if the opportunity came up.

"Let's hope I can lend my experience and know-how to the squad and if I am only here for a month I would want to help them out.

"If I am here longer, great; I am very happy to be here and to have the chance to play," he says.

"It is a club I like and always have liked; there are some quality players here and I really think as the season wears on and once I get to know how everyone works and plays it will be really good.

"I was linked with West Ham when I was at Southend and even at times when I was at Charlton; Harry was going to take me one year and Glenn Roeder as well but it never worked out - better late than never, maybe!"

So why didn't it happen?

"It was just a bit of red tape," he says.

"I don't think I was allowed to come by Charlton, and then when I was out of contract - I think it was the summer West Ham sold a number of players such as Joe Cole - I had to make my mind up a few weeks before so I re-signed at Charlton.

"I hope that I am part of a good season this year and we can go straight back up - I feel comfortable here, which is a key part of it.

"I already feel as if I have been here a number of weeks rather than a few days and I hope I am part of more wins - I definitely would like to be here longer than a month."

Chris' debut was against Rotherham on Tuesday, and, assessing his first game, he says:

"Coming to a new club you always want to do well and I think as a defender you want to make sure you are part of a good performance, especially at the back, and we were solid enough as well as creating a few chances.

"I got a few crosses in and had a bit of a crazy shot and I was pleased with how it went.

"If we can follow up the Rotherham game by beating Ipswich it will be a fantastic week.

"We are well on the way with six points and it will be a big test for us - but I think it is a test we can come through.

"The boys have been very good, as have the manager and the staff, and the fans have made me feel very welcome as well."