WEST Ham United have signed highly-rated England international Paul
Konchesky from Charlton Athletic on a long-term deal.
Since making his League debut for Charlton in August 1997 the
24-year-old defender has blossomed into a top-class Premier League
performer.
Coveted by several of the Premiership's leading clubs, Alan
Pardew was delighted to have signed a player of proven ability at
the highest level.
Pards said: "Paul is a major signing for the Club. He is only
24, but has well over 100 Premier League games to his name, and I
feel that he can only get better from here.
"He has played for England and will bring proven Premiership
experience to the team. His great strength is going forward from
full-back and that could be a real asset to our team this season.
"Along with Danny Gabbidon and James Collins, Paul is a top
young player who will integrate well into our young squad."
Comfortable at full-back or in midfield, Konchesky made 168
appearances for Charlton and notched six goals during nine
successful years at the Valley. His stay in South London was only
broken by a three-month loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur from
September 2003.
The Barking-born star is no stranger to Upton Park, however.
Paul began his career in the Club's Youth Academy and it was at
the Boleyn Ground that he won his first England cap, when West Ham
United hosted the international clash against Australia in February
2003.
FACTFILE
Born: Barking
Date of Birth: 15th May 1981
Height: 5ft 10ins
Previous Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur
International: 1 England Full Cap