Hammers complete signing of Lee Bowyer

West Ham United today completed the signing of Lee Bowyer from Newcastle United.

The 29-year-old midfielder has arrived at Upton Park in a deal that will see Newcastle receive a share of any future sell-on fee.

It is the second time that Lee has joined the Club - he made 11 appearances in a six-month spell at Upton Park after leaving Leeds United in January 2003.

Hammers boss Alan Pardew says: "I am delighted to have a player of Lee's calibre on board.

"In some quarters, it will be regarded as a controversial signing because Lee has had disciplinary problems in the past, both on and off the pitch, and he did not play well during his last spell at Upton Park.

"But he has matured as a player and as a person. My scouts tell me he was Newcastle's best player in the last three months of the season.

"He is one of the most talented midfield players in the country but he has won nothing. I am convinced that is now going to change.

"I want players who are hungry for success. I think Lee is coming into a completely different West Ham scenario to the last time and I think our fans will see the real Lee Bowyer this time round.

"I played with Lee at Charlton and I know the outstanding ability he has. Up to now he hasn't achieved what he should have achieved. He still has time and I am hoping that he will realise his full potential at West Ham.

"The best years are still to come for him."

Pards adds: "It is well known that he was carrying an ankle injury the last time he played for West Ham, but the lad and his family have always been Hammers fans and he wanted to help the club - who were then bottom of the league - out of their predicament.

"He has taken a pay cut to join West Ham, and that says it all to me. He wants to play in the claret and blue because this is where he is from and he can see where this club is going.

"All those incidents that Lee has been involved with down the years have taught him lessons and everyone deserves another chance. I will not tolerate any other incidents, he now needs to have a clean bill of health.

"We had a fantastic disciplinary record last season - one sending-off all year speaks for itself. Lee needs to understand they are the standards we have set and I expect him to abide by them."

Exclusive reaction from Lee Bowyer to follow shortly…