New signing Jonathan Spector has revealed his excitement at
moving to Upton Park and says he is determined to help Hammers
build upon the success of last season.
The 20-year-old defender became the latest young addition to Alan Pardew's squad this morning when he arrived in a £500,000 deal from Manchester United, and admits he can't wait to pull on the claret and blue shirt.
"I'm delighted to have signed for West Ham United and I'm really looking forward to playing for the Club," says Jonathan, who spent last season on loan at our London rivals Charlton Athletic.
"I see it as a great opportunity for myself to become part of a young and exciting team, and I'm excited about playing under Alan Pardew, who has done a fantastic job in his time at West Ham.
"The guys have just had a great year and hopefully I can be a part of helping the team to build on that success next season.
"I came on as a substitute at Upton Park when Charlton played there in April, and I recall being very impressed with the team, the supporters and the stadium itself," he adds.
"I'm already used to life in London, having spent the last year here, so that side of it won't be a problem for me. I'm from Chicago, so I'm used to life in a big city, and I've really enjoyed my time in London so far."
Jonathan is currently back in his hometown of Arlington Heights, a suburb of Chicago, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained playing for Charlton against Portsmouth in April.
The injury cost him the chance of a place in the USA squad at the World Cup finals this summer and, having accepted his fate without bitterness, the three-times capped international admits he is now fully focused on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2006-07 campaign with his new club.
"Of course, it was a big disappointment to miss out on the World Cup," he admits. "I'm not sure if I definitely would have made the squad but I definitely had a good chance, and it would have been a tremendous honour to represent my country in Germany.
"I'm not too down about it, though. There is nothing you can do when it's down to and injury - you just have to accept it and hope for better luck next time.
"I'm doing all the rehab I need to do while I'm back home for the summer and, although I won't be fit to play when I begin pre-season training at West Ham, my general fitness should be fine and I'll be ready to go for the start of the new season.
"Like I said, I'm just delighted to have signed and am really looking forward to becoming a part of the Club. These are exciting times for West Ham and hopefully there will be more success to come in the future."
The 20-year-old defender became the latest young addition to Alan Pardew's squad this morning when he arrived in a £500,000 deal from Manchester United, and admits he can't wait to pull on the claret and blue shirt.
"I'm delighted to have signed for West Ham United and I'm really looking forward to playing for the Club," says Jonathan, who spent last season on loan at our London rivals Charlton Athletic.
"I see it as a great opportunity for myself to become part of a young and exciting team, and I'm excited about playing under Alan Pardew, who has done a fantastic job in his time at West Ham.
"The guys have just had a great year and hopefully I can be a part of helping the team to build on that success next season.
"I came on as a substitute at Upton Park when Charlton played there in April, and I recall being very impressed with the team, the supporters and the stadium itself," he adds.
"I'm already used to life in London, having spent the last year here, so that side of it won't be a problem for me. I'm from Chicago, so I'm used to life in a big city, and I've really enjoyed my time in London so far."
Jonathan is currently back in his hometown of Arlington Heights, a suburb of Chicago, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained playing for Charlton against Portsmouth in April.
The injury cost him the chance of a place in the USA squad at the World Cup finals this summer and, having accepted his fate without bitterness, the three-times capped international admits he is now fully focused on regaining full fitness ahead of the 2006-07 campaign with his new club.
"Of course, it was a big disappointment to miss out on the World Cup," he admits. "I'm not sure if I definitely would have made the squad but I definitely had a good chance, and it would have been a tremendous honour to represent my country in Germany.
"I'm not too down about it, though. There is nothing you can do when it's down to and injury - you just have to accept it and hope for better luck next time.
"I'm doing all the rehab I need to do while I'm back home for the summer and, although I won't be fit to play when I begin pre-season training at West Ham, my general fitness should be fine and I'll be ready to go for the start of the new season.
"Like I said, I'm just delighted to have signed and am really looking forward to becoming a part of the Club. These are exciting times for West Ham and hopefully there will be more success to come in the future."