He said: “Danny comes to West Ham United with a lot of experience for a player of his age.

“At just 25-years-old he is already a key player for the Welsh national team and has shown a lot of maturity in his performances.

“Pace and agility will be his major assets as Danny makes the transition to the Premier League. He has already shown at international level that he has what it takes to perform at the highest level.”

Alan Pardew was ALSO delighted to secure the 21-year-old’s james collins signature.

Pards said: “James is an excellent prospect. He is probably lacking experience as he joins the Club, but do not underestimate his potential.

“At 21 he has already played for the Welsh national side, and with the signing of James and Danny we now have five of the best young centre-backs in the country.”

FACTFILE
Danny Gabbidon

Born: Cwmbran, Wales
Date of Birth: 8th August 1979
Height: 5ft 10ins
Position: Central Defender
Previous Clubs: West Brom, Cardiff City
International: 17 Full Wales Caps

FACTFILE
James Collins

Born: Newport, Wales
Date of Birth: 23rd August 1983
Height: 6ft 2ins
Position: Defender
Previous Clubs: Cardiff City
International: 5 Full Wales Caps

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.”

The Barking-born star is no stranger to Upton Park.

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

by Anthony Clements

More news...

Manage Your Sunday League Team and Win Great Prizes!