Konchesky's Delight At Red Card Ruling

PAUL Konchesky has revealed his delight at the FA Disciplinary Commission's decision to rescind the red card he received in the 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

The FA Disciplinary Commission upheld West Ham United's appeal against the 55th minute sending off of Konchesky after the Hammers full-back had made a challenge on Jermaine Jenas.

Konchesky is now clear to play in West Ham United's home match against Bolton Wanderers this Saturday and the 24-year-old full-back is looking forward to getting back into action for the Hammers.

"I'm obviously delighted that the sending off has been rescinded," said Paul. "At the time I knew that I had played the ball and there was no way I ever believed that I'd be sent off.

"I didn't think it was a good decision, but thankfully the team did a terrific job to hold on for a point.

"Going to Newcastle is never easy and it was a great result for us to come away with a point after going down to 10 men. The lads really had to fight hard and they did well to hold Newcastle off for the 35 minutes that we were a man down. 

"I'm just glad that I won't have to serve a suspension and now, if I'm selected, I'll be able to get back out there against Bolton at Upton Park on Saturday.

"There was a tremendous atmosphere in the last home game against Blackburn and the lads really responded to that. I'm sure the feeling in the Stadium will be just as good on Saturday and hopefully we can come away with another good result."

Paul, nicknamed Konch by his team-mates, has been impressed with the start Hammers have made to the season. Four points from their opening two games is an impressive return for any promoted team, and the former Charlton and Spurs player believes the start to the campaign is vital for Alan Pardew's men.

"It's been a strong start for sure," agreed Paul. "We played really well in the second-half to get the win over Blackburn and then taking a point away from St James' Park is never a bad result.

"We're looking strong as a squad and the most important thing about the start we've made is that we're playing well and performing together as a unit very effectively.

"A good start breeds confidence and after the Blackburn game you could really sense the affect it had on the team. There was belief in the squad before, but there's nothing like a win on the opening day to give the squad a boost.

"I've been impressed with the defence, particularly Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon who both had excellent games at Newcastle and the work-rate of every member of the squad, both in training and matches, has been really high.

"There's a lot of determination around the squad at the moment. The spirit is high in the camp at the moment and we've shown that when there's a good feeling around the Club the team plays well.

"Our aim now is just to keep this good start we've made going and hopefully we can do that with a good display on Saturday."

FACT: Paul has only ever been sent off once before in his career in Premier League football. It came for Charlton against Chelsea on the opening day of the 2002/03 season. The defender even scored before receiving his marching orders!