Hammers make first signing

West Ham have signed 33 year old Abdoulaye faye on a free transfer, after his contract expired at Stoke City.  Faye is excited to be at Upton Park, stating

""I am very happy to be here at West Ham – this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here. For me to come here was no problem, I had other clubs offers, but I was happy to come here.

"People may ask why as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them and giving my all on the pitch."

Faye has worked with Allardyce previously at Bolton and Newcastle, and it does look like big Sam commands some loyalty from players he works with, with Kevin Nolan still apparently interested in joining.  We've signed a Premier league defender and although his age and injury niggles are a little concern, he's a good solid defender and we welcome him to Upton Park.

More news on the official site