Bellion's Best

DAVID Bellion signed for West Ham United on a season-long loan deal admitting that he is relishing the chance to continue his promising development at Upton Park, and the 22-year-old French forward hopes to make a big impact on Alan Pardew's first-team this season.

"I'm delighted to sign for West Ham United," said David, who has been with Manchester United for the past two years after arriving at Old Trafford from Sunderland.

"The manager Alan Pardew has given me a great chance to play for a team that is developing very quickly and has some excellent players. The game on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers showed what a promising team West Ham have and I'm excited to be a part of that.

"I spoke with Manchester United about the move and we all agreed that coming to West Ham United would be good for my development as a player. When I heard West Ham United had an interest in me I was very happy, because the Club throughout the years has a strong history of bringing young players into the team.

"The young players are always given a chance to play at West Ham, which is what I like and I think that will help me to progress. Hopefully I can play my way into the first-team, do well for the Club and have a strong season.

"For the last two years at Manchester United I have been around the squad without playing as many games as I would have liked. My aim now is to play more first-team football at West Ham United, perform well and show the Club that I can do a job for them in the Premiership."

The Paris-born player is no stranger to the Premier League. After an exciting spell with French side Cannes David signed for Sunderland in July 2001. A promising two-year spell at the Stadium of Light prompted Manchester United to sign the rising young star for £2 million in July 2003.

With over 40 Premier League appearances to his name David brings top-flight pedigree to Alan Pardew's squad.

"Growing up in France we watched a lot of English football," he explained, "and we knew the name of West Ham United, and in particular Bobby Moore, who was a legend here and for England.

"When I was younger we watched English football sometimes and I remember loving the West Ham United colours. It sticks in my mind and putting on the shirt today I remembered that.

"Obviously coming to England has helped me to learn a lot more about the teams over here. I looked around Upton Park earlier today and was impressed by the Stadium. But also there were lots of pictures on the walls of the past teams and history, which gives you a sense of what a big club West Ham United is.

"There is a new generation of players at the Club now and I am excited at the prospect of becoming one of those players this season.

"The fans are very passionate at West Ham and hopefully I will be able to play well for their Club."

David will find one or two familiar faces around the Chadwell Heath Training Ground, not least former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll. And he knows all about a certain Anton Ferdinand and life in East London from former Hammer Rio Ferdinand.

"I've heard Rio Ferdinand speak about the Club and his brother," said David. "I've not met Anton yet, but I do know Roy Carroll well so it will be nice to have somebody that I know here.

"But part of moving clubs, even if it is only on loan, is to get to know your team-mates and bond with a new group of players. I spoke with Rio about living in London, and now I'm just looking forward to playing down here and getting to know the rest of the squad in training."

Quick, athletic and with an eye for goal, David is equally comfortable on the wing or playing as an out and out forward. And he is looking forward to establishing a role within Alan Pardew's squad.

"Pace and taking players on is one of my strengths as a player," explained David. "I have experience of playing in the Premier League, but I haven't really ever had a run of games, and that's what I'm looking for by coming to West Ham United.

"Hopefully I can play more in the first-team at West Ham, but to do that I must prove to Alan Pardew that I can improve his team. No matter where you come from, if you arrive at a new club it is up to you to prove yourself and that will be my aim over the next few months.

"The way I play suits either playing as a striker or out wide. I like to go past players and I'm comfortable on the ball. I have the belief to play wherever the manager wants me to and as an experienced manager I'm sure Alan Pardew will know where I can do the best for the team.

"You have to play for the team and the other players, not for yourself, and I have heard that there is a strong spirit at this Club."

With Hammers off to a strong start in the Premier League, David is hoping to be involved in the Hammers squad as soon as possible and is aiming for a big impact on the top-flight this season.

"My aim first of all is to make a big impact and make sure that I perform to the best of my ability," he said. "When you know that you are on loan it is important that you go out and make a really good impression on the team.

"West Ham United are newly promoted to the Premier League and everybody is saying that survival would be a good achievement. But I believe this team can surprise the Premiership."