Bentley eyes 'perfect relationship'

David Bentley believes he and West Ham United could have 'the perfect relationship' after joining the club on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The England midfielder, who turned 27 last Saturday, is hoping to kick-start his career after three frustrating seasons at White Hart Lane.

Still in the prime of his career, Bentley told West Ham TV that he sees the Boleyn Ground as the perfect place to regain the form that made him one of the country's most coveted footballers.

"West Ham is a good club and is a club where the manager wanted me," said the club's new No8. "We have good players and it is in London which will keep my family happy. Hopefully I can come here and do well.

"I knew about the move over quite a period of time and when my agent told me that West Ham were interested, it was a move that was definitely of interest to me.

"I spoke to Sam - I won't say what he said but it was a good conversation. Hopefully I can come here and be positive and do well."

Like fellow summer signings Kevin Nolan, Matt Taylor, John Carew and Joey O'Brien, Bentley said he had no hesitation in dropping into the npower Championship to play his football.

The Peterborough-born player, who will be fit for selection in West Ham's next npower Championship fixture at home to Portsmouth on 10 September, is determined to make up for lost time by shining in a claret and blue shirt.

"Every player wants to play in the Premier League but sometimes you have to make that step and hopefully it'll be the right step for my career.

"I've had a few low points over the last few years and hopefully I can rebuild as West Ham are trying do to - hopefully it can be the perfect relationship.

"I'm trying to rebuild my career like West Ham are trying to rebuild themselves as a football club, so hopefully we can go hand-in-hand."

Should he do well, Bentley said he would have no qualms about turning his season-long loan into a permanent move to east London.

"Of course I would definitely consider staying here. If they consider keeping me, then I'd definitely consider it.

"We'll have to see how my time here is going to pan out, but the main priority is to get promoted and that's what I've come here to do and help the club to do.

"After that, we'll see, but I'd definitely consider it."

* To watch an extended interview with David Bentley including footage of a great goal in training this morning, log on or subscribe to West Ham TV now.