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Overall League Record:
P:269 W:94 D:71 L:104 F:324 A:353
Surprise announcement as the replacement for Harry Redknapp after originally ruling himself out of the running for the job. After Alan Curbishley and Steve McClaren - the first two choices of the Hammers board - ruled themselves out of the running, lifelong Hammers fan Roeder was handed the chance to prove himself at Premiership level. His managerial experience included only brief spells at Gillingham and Watford, but it was his fast-growing reputation as one of the country’s brightest young coaches that persuaded the Upton Park board to place him in the hotseat. After leaving Watford in 1996, he became part of Glenn Hoddle’s coaching staff with the England national team and travelled to the 1998 World Cup finals. Indeed, Hoddle was reportedly keen to take Glenn to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as part of his shake-up at White Hart Lane. Having spent two years at Upton Park prior to his appointment, in the role of Reserve Team Coach, Glenn already enjoys a good working relationship with all the players, especially youngsters such as Joe Cole and Michael Carrick, whose progress he has helped to develop during his time at the club. Born and bred in the West Ham United catchment area of Essex, Glenn grew up as a Hammers fan and used to regularly watch from the Chicken Run as a young lad. He began his playing career at east London neighbours Leyton Orient, before moving across the capital to Queens Park Rangers in 1976 for a fee of £250,000, on the recommendation of John Hollins. Under the tutelage of Terry Venables at Loftus Road, he developed into a stylish, ball-playing centre-half and played in the 1982 FA Cup Final against Spurs. A year later, he moved north to Newcastle United for a fee of £150,000. He spent six years at St James’ Park, before enjoying a short spell with Watford. He then spent a brief period back at Orient, before taking over as Player-Manager at Gillingham. Although his appointment was met with mixed reaction from many Hammers fans who expected a more ‘high profile’ name.
Player profiles "WEST HAM UNITED WHO's WHO" by Tony Hogg & Tony McDonald
No.698 Grant McCANN ... (2001 - 2004)
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Appearances:
Belfast, Northern Ireland 14/04/1980
Trainee
July 1996
MIDDLESBROUGH - Sub 89 mins
Riverside Stadium 19th May 2001
CHELTENHAM TOWN Loan / Permanent January 2003
£50,000
0/4 (gls 0)
Versatile left-footed midfielder who made his first team debut for the Hammers as a substitute in the final minute of the final match against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Glenn Roeder's solitary match as 'Caretaker' Manager 19th May 2001. The Northern Ireland Under-21 international had impressed with his loan spells at Notts County and then Cheltenham Town. His last first team action came in the horrific 1-7 defeat at Blackburn Rovers October 2001, when he came on as a half-time substitute and cruelly sliced a clearance into his own net to gift Rovers their fourth goal. However, things took a turn for the better later in the season, when he made his full international debut for Northern Ireland. Served his Academy apprenticeship at Cheltenham on loan in October 2002, which was made permanent 28th January 2003 when he signed for £50,000
No.699 Laurent COURTOIS ... (2001 - 2003)
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Lyon, France 11/09/1978
TOULOUSE (France)
August 2001
Free Transfer
LIVERPOOL - Sub 79 mins
Anfield 18th August 2001
ISTRES (France) January 2003
Free Transfer
5/2 (gls 0) Cup: 0/1 (gls 0)
Glenn Roeder secured the signing of Laurent Courtois on a free transfer from French club Toulouse, who were relegated a division after financial irregularities. He was recommended by Frederic Kanoute who played with him at Youth level while in France. Previously played for Lyon and AC Ajaccio. Laurent made his Hammers debut on the 18th August 2001coming on as a 79th minute substitute in the 1-2 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield on the opening day of the 2001-02 campaign. Made a full Premiership debut in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at Upton Park 23rd September 2001. The excellent form of midfielders Trevor Sinclair, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick meant that opportunities were limited for the former French under-21 international.
Gateshead 09/05/1971
SUNDERLAND
August 2001
£5 million
DERBY COUNTY - Pride Park 8th September 2001
Millwall - August 2005
Free Transfer
36/18 (5 gls) Cup: 5/2 (0 gls)
Hutch re-signed for the Hammers for a then club record transfer fee of £5 million in August 2001. He had previously broken the club's record transfer fee - £1.5 million - when he signed for his spell at the club in August 1994. Hutchinson sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2002. When he finally regained full fitness, he found himself out of favour, having missed most of the 2003-04 season through injury, and was unable to force his way back into the first team in the 2004-05 season. Hutchison joined Millwall in August 2005 after being released at the start of the 2005-06. He spent barely three months at the New Den, before joining first Coventry City then Luton Town.
Born:
Australian youth academy
September 1997
READING - Sub 84 mins Madejski Stadium 11th September 2001
COLCHESTER UNITED - September 2004
Undisclosed
4/12 (0 gls) Cup: 0/6 (0 gls)
Attack-minded midfielder who was the last remaining legacy of the club’s Australian youth academy that was founded in the mid-‘90s. Richard arrived at Upton Park in 1997 and enjoyed a prolific strike rate at youth level and was a key member of the record-breaking 1999 FA Youth Cup winning side. At the beginning of the 2000-01 season, embarked on a loan period at East London neighbours Leyton Orient, where he caught the eye with some impressive performances. However, his spell at Brisbane Road was cut short when he suffered a serious knee ligament injury. After his rehabilitation he was rewarded for his efforts by making his first team debut against Reading as a 84th minute substitute in the Worthington Cup (A) in a game which finished 0-0 but the Hammers losing out 5-6 on penalties 11th September 2001. Made his full Premiership debut against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium which also finished in defeat 0-1 9th February 2002. After the Hammers were relegated to the First Division in 2003, Garcia featured a few more times for the first team before moving on to Colchester United in September 2004. Went on to record 82 appearances and scoring 16 goals. Later played for Hull City.
No.701 Tomas REPKA ... (2001 - 2006)
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Slavicin Zlin, Czech Republic 02/01/1974
FIORENTINA (Italy)
September 2001
£5.5 millioin
MIDDLESBROUGH
Upton Park 15th September 2001
SPARTA PRAGUE (Czech Republic) January 2006
Free Transfer
170 (gls 0) Cup: 17/1 (gls 0)
Czech international defender who endured a nightmare start to his Hammers career when he was sent off on his debut for the club against Middlesbrough on 15th September 2001 and then suffered the same fate in only his third outing - the humiliating 7-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers on 14th October. The former Fiorentina star had completed his move from the cash-strapped Italian club just 24 hours earlier for a club record fee of £5.5m – eclipsing the previous record of £5m paid for Don Hutchison just weeks before. Tomas had originally been reluctant to leave Florence, where he and his family were happily settled but, with the Serie A giants eager to ease their crippling debt by cashing in on their most valuable defender, he was finally persuaded to put pen to paper at Upton Park after being tracked by Glenn Roeder for more than a month. One helpful factor in the transfer was the presence of goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko, who assured his fellow countryman that a move to East London would be in his best interests. Tomas originally started his career at the same club that Miklosko left to join West Ham – Banik Ostrava in the Czech Republic, before moving to the country’s biggest club, Sparta Prague. He moved to Fiorentina in the summer of 1998 and earned a reputation as one of the league’s most solid and consistent defenders, helping the Florence club into the Champions’ League. Tomas has 46 full caps for the Czech Republic to his name and played for his country at France 98 and Euro 2000. After relegation at the end of the 2002-03 season, the appointment of Alan Pardew as manager saw Repka move to right back. In the summer of 2005, after the club had regained their Premiership status, he was re-signed by Pardew on a two-year contract, albeit on reduced terms, but left the club on 23 January 2006 to return to the Czech Republic with Sparta Prague to be with his family. He played his final game for them on the previous night against Fulham in what was an emotional swansong for the Czech hardman. To chants of Super-Tom from the West Ham faithful, he left the field in tears.
No.702 David JAMES ... (2001 - 2004)
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Welwyn Garden City 08/01/1970
ASTON VILLA
July 2001
£3.25 million
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Upton Park 24th November 2001
MANCHESTER CITY - January 2004
£2 million
91 Cup: 11
Commanding figure who became Glenn Roeder's first major signing in the summer of 2001 when he arrived from Aston Villa for a fee of £3.25m. For James, it provided a welcome reunion with the Hammers boss, who played in front of him at Watford when the two were at opposite ends of their careers back in the early 90s. James began his career at Vicarage Road for the Hornets before a £1m move to Liverpool in July 1992. He spent seven years as first choice goalkeeper at Anfield, making a total of 277 League and Cup appearances before Aston Villa snapped him up for £1.7m in June 1999. In his first season at Villa Park, he picked up an FA Cup runners-up medal and also became a well-known figure at Upton Park after his much-publicised spat with Paolo Di Canio after the infamous Worthington Cup quarter-final between the two sides - a rift that the two have now happily put behind them. At the start of the 2000-01 season he handed in a written transfer request to Villa boss John Gregory before withdrawing it three days later. He then went on to prove himself as one of the Premiership's most consistent stoppers and was rewarded with a return to international football by England caretaker boss Peter Taylor for the friendly against Italy in November 2000. He impressed enough to keep his place for Eriksson's first match in charge against Spain in February 2001, and also came on as a second half substitute in the 4-0 win over Mexico in May. Sadly injured knee ligaments playing in England's warm-up game v Holland on 15th August, forcing him to miss the first few months of his Hammers career. David’s West Ham debut came against Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park 24th November 2001in a 0-1 defeat by the men from White Hart Lane. The Hammers were relegated to the League Championship at the end of the season, but James stayed and played 102 total matches before returning to the Premier League, signing for Manchester City on 14th January 2004 for an undisclosed fee as a replacement for the retired David Seaman. Later played for Portsmouth.
No.703 Vladimir LABANT ... (2002 - 2003)
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Zilina, Slovakia 08/06/1974
SPARTA PRAGUE (Czech Republic)
Janauary 2002
£900,000
CHELSEA - Sub 76mins
Stamford Bridge 26th January 2002
SPARTA PRAGUE (Czech Republic)
Loan / Free July 2003
7/6 (gls 0) Cup: 0/2 (gls 0)
Slovakian international defender who arrived at Upton Park in a £900,000 deal from Sparta Prague in January 2002. Encouraged by the presence of fellow countrymen Tomas Repka and Ludek Miklosko at Upton Park, Vladimir jumped at the opportunity to build a career in English football and made his debut as a 75th minute substitute in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a 1-1 draw 26th January 2002. Equally at home in a full-back or wing-back role, Labant was a dead ball specialist who could be lethal at set-pieces. Made his full Premiership debut 4 days later against Southampton at St Mary’s in a 0-2 defeat to the Saints. Made a total of 14 league and cup appearances before the end of his first season, often sharing the left-back role with Nigel Winterburn. Competition between Scott Minto and Nigel Winterburn the following campaign restricted the man with the white boots and the stylish left foot to one substitute appearance in the 0-4 defeat at Newcastle on the first day of the season. Having made just 15 outings, the out-of-favour Slovakian defender rejoins Sparta Prague on loan less than a year after his £900,000 move from the Czech Republic with a view to a permanent move which materialised in July 2003.
No.704 Edouard CISSE ... (2002 - 2003)
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Pau, France 30/03/197
PARIS ST GERMAIN (France)
August 2002
Loan
NEWCASTLE UNITED
St James' Park 19th August 2002
PARIS ST GERMAIN (France) May 2003
Return Loan
18/7 (gls 0) Cup: 3 (gls 0)
French midfielder who was snapped up on the eve of the 2002-03 campaign from Paris St German on a one-year loan period with a view to a permanent move. A former France Under-21 midfielder who played alongside Fredi Kanoute at that level. After starting his professional career with PSG in 1997, he spent the 1998-99 season on loan with Rennes but returned the following year to claim a regular first team place at the Parc de Princes and has made more than 100 appearances for the club. Like many of his fellow countryman, the lure of the Premiership was a challenge that he was keen to take up, and Hammers fans were delighted he followed the likes of Kanoute and Schemmel as successful French imports at Upton Park. Edouard had the worst possible start to his Premiership career finding himself on the wrong end of a 0-4 scoreline against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on the opening day of the 2002-03 campaign 19th August. Edouard was allowed to leave Upton Park after his loan period ended and the disappointment of losing their Premiership status at the end of the 2002-03 campaign. Joined French side Monaco 7th July 2003.
No.705 Gary BREEN ... (2002 - 2003)
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Hendon, Middlesex 12/12/1973
COVENTRY CITY
July 2002
Free Transfer
ARSENAL Sub 69mins
Upton Park 24th August 2002
SUNDERLAND - August 2003
Free Transfer
9/5 (0 gls) Cup: 4 (0 gls)
Much sought after Republic of Ireland international who arrived at Upton Park on a free transfer from Coventry City. Breen was widely regarded as a cultured ball-playing centre back. He rejected the chance to join a big club at the start of his career concentrating instead on his studies, but he quickly moved through the divisions with Maidstone, Gillingham, Peterborough and Birmingham before Gordon Strachan secured his services for Coventry City in January 1997 for £2.5m. The 28-year-old was reportedly being targeted by European giants Barcelona and Inter Milan after his impressive displays during Ireland’s valiant World Cup finals campaign in Japan and South Korea. Gary chose the Hammers and admitted that the principal factor in his decision was the presence of Glenn Roeder, who was manager at third division Gillingham when he was enjoying the early days of his professional career in 1992. Missed the start of his first pre-season with West Ham after undergoing an operation to repair a torn hernia over the summer. Made his Hammers debut in the heart of the claret and blue defence as a 68th minute substitute against League Champions Arsenal in a game which finished 2-2 at Upton Park 24th August 2002. Released by the Hammers, Gary joined Mick McCarthy’s Sunderland in August 2003 on a free transfer.
No.706 Lee BOWYER ... (2003)
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London 03/01/1977
LEEDS UNITED
January 2003
£100,000
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Upton Park 11th January 2003
NEWCASTLE UNITED - July 2003
Free Transfer
11 (0 gls)
Lee re-signs for the Hammers in June 2006
As a life-long West Ham fan Lee Bowyer jumped at the opportunity to sign for Glenn Roeder’s Hammers for a reported £100,000 January 2003. Making his Hammers debut against Newcastle United at Upton Park 2-2 on the 11th January 2003. Bowyer was without doubt a talented player, and had it not been for his much-publicised court case, would surely have been a regular in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad. The former Under-21 international made a solitary appearance for the senior side, playing in a friendly against Portugal. He had the best season of his career in 2000-01 and was voted the Leeds player of the year by supporters. There were repeated calls to see his inclusion in the England squad, but to no avail. Now that he has been cleared of all charges relating to the assault on an Asian student. But a combination of injuries, suspensions and the FA's unwillingness to clarify their position meant that he did not join the World Cup party for Japan/South Korea 2002. Lee was the kind of combative, skilful, goalscoring midfielder that every manager wanted in their team and nobody likes playing against. The London born player reached double figures with his goalscoring exploits during 2000/01 and was a key ever-present in a Leeds squad blighted by injury. The former Charlton Athletic player was the most sought after player in the summer of 1996, nearly all the Premiership clubs enquired after his services. He chose Leeds United as he felt he would have the chance to win medals with the Yorkshire club. In doing so he became the country's most expensive teenager at the time. Bowyer won a string of England Under-21 caps in his early time at Leeds, having made an excellent start for the club. The controversial midfielder amassed over 250 appearances for Leeds and breached the 50 goal mark for the club - a record that any striker would be proud of. However, following O'Leary's departure from the Yorkshire club in the summer of 2002 the England international refused to sign a new contract. With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2002/03 campaign Leeds decided to get what they could for Bowyer by off loading him to West Ham for a cut price. After making just 11 starts due to an ankle injury the potential Hammers saviour but eventual flop was heading out of the door. Hammers fan Bowyer did not turn out to be the messianic hope the fans were looking for. Joined Newcastle United in July 2003 on a free transfer. Lee re-joins the Hammers in June 2006.
No.707 Les FERDINAND ... (2003)
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Acton, London 08/12/1966
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
January 2003
Undisclosed
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
The Valley 22nd January 2003
LEICESTER CITY - July 2003
Free Transfer
12/2 (2 gls)
Due to a lack of first team opportunities at White Hart Lane, former England striker Les Ferdinand signed for the Hammers in January 2003 to bolster the struggling Hammers for the remainder of their Barclaycard Premiership campaign. Making his Hammers debut against London rivals Charlton Athletic at The Valley 22nd January 2003, finishing on the losing side by 2-4. A Spurs supporter as a boy his dream came true when he sealed a move from St James's Park down to the capital. Les did not take much time in agreeing to move south and fill the position vacated by Manchester United bound Teddy Sheringham. Injuries often prevented Les producing his best form while at Spurs, though his professionalism ensured he kept fit, and was rewarded when Glenn Roeder snapped him up during the January transfer window. Acton-born, he joined Queens Park Rangers from non-League Hayes in March 1987 and over the years worked off his rough edges to become the complete striker. In his last three seasons with the Loftus Road club he was the top scorer and his form was consistent and good enough to earn him England caps. And so the man who had a loan spell at Brentford early in his career and also went to the Turkish side Besiktas finally made a big money move to Newcastle, where he played alongside David Ginola for the first time. Immensely strong in the air, Les was a powerful and forceful runner who possessed a good touch despite his muscular physique. Roeder insisted Ferdinand meet all the criteria he was looking for in a striker to link up with Jermain Defoe and was signed by The Hammers as a target man for the young striker to run off. Les was offered a years contract to stay at Upton Park at the end of the campaign, but instead signed for Leicester City on a free transfer 11th July 2003.
London 23/08/1984
Trainee
July 2000
CHARLTON ATHLETIC - Sub 63mins The Valley 22nd January 2003
CHELSEA
£6 million
14/1 (0 gls) Cup: 0/1 (0 gls)
Johnson started his career as a junior team player with Leicester City F.C.. He was released as a 12 year old and then found himself as a West Ham United F.C. junior. Johnson was a product of the West Ham United youth system, becoming a 15 year-old first year scholar in 2000. He signed a three-year professional contract for the Hammers on 1st August 2001 at the age of 16, and was given the number 23 shirt. In the 2001-02 season, he made regular Reserves appearances for West Ham, but was unable to break into the first team. He eventually signed an initial four-week loan deal with local rivals Millwall on 17th October 2002, making his Championship debut in an away loss against Norwich City on 19 October. His loan was twice extended by a month, before he was recalled early to Upton Park after having spent seven weeks at The Den. His Premiership and West Ham debut came on 22nd January 2003 in another away defeat to a London club, this time against Charlton Athletic, when he came on for midfielder Édouard Cissé. He made a total of 15 League appearances - and a solitary FA Cup appearance - in the 2002-03 season, becoming a more significant member of the West Ham side as the year went on. He even signed a new four-year deal to remain in East London on 18th March 2003, appearing keen to help keep the club in the top flight. However, his last outing in a Hammers shirt was to come on the final day of the season, 11th May 2003, in an away draw with Birmingham City - the must-win match which saw his club relegated to the First Division. Just two months after that fateful Saturday in May, he was to join London rivals Chelsea, signing on 15th July for a fee of £6 million. The first purchase of the new Abramovich era.
Derby 24/09/1969
FULHAM
January 2003
Undisclosed
LIVERPOOL - Sub 59mins Upton Park 2nd February 2003
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE - June 2005
Free Transfer
24/1 (1 gls) Cup: 4 (0 gls)
Brevett is sure to be a fans favourite at Upton Park with his crunching tackles and 100 per-cent commitment. The former Doncaster Rovers player made over 200 appearances for Fulham before deciding to switch to The Hammers. He made over 150 appearances for QPR in an attacking full back roll and had made the same left wing-back position his own when at Craven Cottage. He was impressive in the Premiership campaign of 2001/02, making 38 appearances and helping Fulham avoid the drop. Signed on transfer deadline day 31st January 2003 for an undisclosed amount. Rufus made his Hammers debut as a 59th minute sub against Liverpool at Upton Park on a 0-3 reverse 2nd February 2003. Restricted to just 3 senior appearances in 2003-04 season he found it increasingly hard to break back into first team contention and soon became out of contract 10th June 2005 and signed for Plymouth Argyle. Later played for Leicester City (loan), Oxford United and Leeds United.
TREVOR BROOKING Caretaker Manager (27th April - 11th May 2003) No transactions or Debuts
Glenn Roeder suffered a brain tumour and was replaced by Trevor Brooking for the final three games of the season as Caretaker Manager.
Despite a late rally, West Ham United were relegated with a record number of 42 points.
Glenn returned to work in July 2003, stating he had "unfinished business".
Peckham, South London 18/02/1985
Trainee
July 2001
PRESTON NORTH END - Deepdale 9th August 2003
SUNDERLAND - August 2008
£8 million
121/20 (5 gls) Cup: 21/1 (0 gls)
When your older brother is the world's most expensive defender it must be difficult to avoid the inevitable comparisons, but the young Anton Ferdinand was determined to step out of Rio's shadow and carve a place for himself in the Premiership. Glenn Roeder offered Ferdinand junior a professional contract at the age of 17, the same week in which his older brother completed his £30million move to Manchester United. After seeing huge improvements in his game over the previous six months, Roeder felt it was time for Anton to make the step up to professional level and rewarded him with a three-year deal. Ferdinand was another product of West Ham's celebrated youth academy and could play centre-back or right-back. Making his West Ham bow against Preston North End at the start of their Nationwide campaign 9th August 2004 in a 2-1 victory at Deepdale. In the 2004-05 season under Alan Pardew, he cemented his first team place with several key performances, including scoring the opening goal on the final day as the Hammers beat Watford 2-1 as West Ham booked a play-off spot. West Ham went on to beat Preston North End in the Millennium Stadium final, earning them promotion back into the Premier League after an absence of two years. In the 2006 FA Cup Final against Liverpool in Cardiff, Ferdinand fell to his knees in tears after missing the decisive penalty in the shoot out. On 27 August 2008, Ferdinand signed for Sunderland for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £8 million. Sunderland manager Roy Keane also stated after the signing that he viewed him as a future England International and believes Anton could achieve this by playing for Sunderland.
No.710= Matthew ETHERINGTON ... (2003 - 2009)
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Hitchin 14/08/1981
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
August 2003
Frederic Kanoute + £3.5m
PRESTON NORTH END
Deepdale 9th August 2003
STOKE CITY
Undisclosed - Rumoured to be £3 million
157/14 (17 gls) Cup: 20/4 (1 gls)
Exciting England Under-21 midfielder who joined the Hammers from Tottenham Hotspur 4th August 2003 as part of the deal that saw Frederick Kanoute move the other way. There was also a cash adjustment of £3.5m in West Ham’s favour. Matthew made his name as a young player at Peterborough United, coming through their youth ranks to make 65 senior appearances. Moved to Spurs in December 1999 for £500,000 and played nearly 50 first-team games for the club. Unable to command a regular first-team spot at White Hart Lane, the left footer was more than happy to join the Hammers where he added balance to the squad as well as supplying ammunition for the strikers. Made his West Ham debut in the opening day 2-1 victory against Preston North End at Deepdale 9th August 2003.
No.710= Robert LEE ... (2003 - 2004)
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Plaistow, London 01/02/1966
DERBY COUNTY
July 2003
Out of Contract
PRESTON NORTH END
Deepdale 9th August 2003
OLDHAM ATHLETIC - June 2004
Free Transfer
12/4 (0 gls) Cup: 2/1 (0 gls)
Veteran midfielder who fulfilled a boyhood dream by signing for the Hammers in the summer of 2003 after impressing Glenn Roeder during pre-season. Rob aged 37, began his career at Charlton Athletic back in 1983 and made over 350 appearances for them before joining Newcastle United in September 1992 for £700,000. He quickly established himself as one of the game's strongest and most competitive midfielders. Won most of his 21 England caps while at St. James' Park where he stayed for 10 successful years before joining Derby County in February 2002. Signed for the Hammers on a year's contract after being released by the Rams. Robert made his West Ham bow in the opening day 2-1 victory against Preston North End at Deepdale 9th August 2003. Released on a free transfer by the Hammers on the 3rd June 2004 he later had trails with Oldham Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers, and later signed full-time for the latter, staying for 2 seasons.
Sheffield 04/11/1982
LIVERPOOL
August 2003
Loan
PRESTON NORTH END - Deepdale 9th August 2003
LIVERPOOL
Return Loan
8/8 92 gls) Cup: 1/4 (0 gls)
Neil joined the Hammers on a year’s loan deal from Liverpool in August 2003. Son of former Manchester City star Ian Mellor. Progressed through the ranks at Anfield scoring 20 goals from the reserve team. A big, strong, competitive striker, who was exceptional in the air and worked extremely hard for his team-mates. Described by Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier as a “Goal-machine”. Neil made his Hammers bow in the opening fixture against Preston North End at Deepdale in a 3-1 victory. Neil scored two goals in the 3–0 win over Crystal Palace at the end of September, but an injury hit spell at Upton Park plus playing under three different managers and being forced to play out of position, proved unsettling. Mellor was soon back at Anfield and hit 10 goals in just four games for the reserves. Later played for Preston North End.
No.714 David CONNOLLY ... (2003 - 2004)
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Willesden 06/06/1977
WIMBLEDON
July 2003
£285,000
PRESTON NORTH END
Sub 60mins Deepdale 9th August 2003
LEICESTER CITY - July 2004
£500,000
Appearances:
Born in London to Irish parents, the impish striker began his career with Watford in 1994 and was given his debut by the then Hornet’s manager Glenn Roeder as a 16-year-old. Went on to make over 100 appearances for Watford and scoring 62 goals. David broke into the Irish squad at the age of 18. His international form caught the eye of Dutch club Feyenoord, where he moved on a Bosman free transfer in 1997. Had a difficult four years in the Netherlands, and after a spell with the Rotterdam outfit's nursery club Excelsior he returned to England with Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Wimbledon (Milton Keynes Dons) on a free transfer in July 2001. Signed for West Ham from Milton Keynes Don’s on 31st July 2003 for a £285,000 Fee. Scored the winning goal on his Hammer’s debut after coming on as a 60th minute substitute in the opening season victory Preston North End at Deepdale 9th August 2003. Unable to command a regular first-team place, David was allowed to sign for Leicester City 20th July 2004 for a £500,000 fee. Connolly kept up his one season appearances by signing for Wigan Athletic in August 2005 for a whopping £2m. Later played for Sunderland.
No.715 Youseff SOFIANE ... (2003 - 2005)
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Lyon, France 08/07/1984
AUXERRE (France)
June 2003
Free Transfer
PRESTON NORTH END
Sub 63mins - Deepdale 9th August 2003
Released May 2005
0/1 (0 gls) Cup: 1 (0 gls)
Highly-rated young prospect who became Glen Roeder’s first summer signing 27th June 2002. 18-year-old French youth International signed from Auxerre thanks to the odd transfer rules concerning transfers between countries came on a free transfer. Considered to be one of France’s leading lights in the development of youth football. Roeder promised to give him the same fast track into the matchday squad as Jermain Defoe. In reality his opportunities were rare however and he made only two appearances for West Ham, as a substitute in a 2-1 away win against Preston North End at Deepdale 9th August 2003, and in a 3-1 win over Rushden & Diamond in the first round of the League Cup. He was loaned to Lille in January 2004 until the end of the 2003-04 season, and to Notts County on a one-month loan deal in September 2004, where he made three appearances, scoring one goal. He then joined Dutch club Roda JC on loan through January-May 2005, where he made three substitute appearances. Despite playing in pre-season games, he was not given a squad number by West Ham for the 2005-06 season and his contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2005. After trials with MK Dons and Coventry City, he joined Coventry on non-contract terms in October 2005. However, he made only one substitute appearance for Coventry before being released in January 2006. He later played for La Louviere in the Belgian Jupiler League, Sportfreunde Siegen of the German Regionalliga, and US Lesquin in France.
No.716 David NOBLE ... (2003 - 2004)
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Hitchin, Hertfordshire 02/02/1982
ARSENAL
January 2003
Free Transfer
RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS
Upton Park 13th August 2003
BOSTON UNITED - May 2004
Free Transfer
1/2 (gls 0)
David Noble completed his transfer from Arsenal before the closure of the transfer window in January 2003 - with Glenn Roeder hoping he could do enough before the end of the season to convince him he is worthy of an extended deal. Noble joined on a short term contract until the end of the season," declares Glenn, "and he believes he can show us enough in three and a half months for us to want to secure him on a longer contract. David spent two years at Lilleshall with Joe Cole; they were partners in the midfield and David chose the Arsenal route while Joe chose West Ham. Glenn declared David as a very good footballer, who was comfortable on the ball, he knows his next pass before he receives the ball, and we just hope that we can get him up to the athletic side of the game - which is a must in the Premiership. Signed a new contact with the Hammers in June 2003, making his Hammers debut 13th August 2003 against Rushden & Diamonds in a 3-1 victory in the Carling Cup. David featured in Scotland “Future” Squads, before being farmed out on loan to Boston United in March 2004 before making the move to the Pilgrims permanent in September 2004. In January 2006 he moved to Bristol City for £80,000, after enjoying a successful loan spell which later was made permanent.
Erith 01/11/1972
MANCHESTER CITY
August 2003
£300,000
SHEFFIELD UNITED - Upton Park 16th August 2003
IPSWICH TOWN - July 2004
Free Transfer
23/4 (1 gls) Cup: 6 (0 gls)
Scored 11 goals as left-back in the Hammers youth-team during the 1990-91 season, Kevin was unable to make the breakthrough into the first team at West Ham United and joined Glenn Hoddle at Swindon Town for a small fee during the summer of 1992. Moved to Manchester City in 1997 for £1.25m playing under the management of Joe Royal for half that time. Quickly established himself as a dynamic midfielder and played a key role in Kevin Keegan’s promotion season 1999-2000. Horlock played on the left-flank for City. Northern Ireland international with 32 caps to his name. Glenn Roeder took him back to Upton Park 15th August 2003 for a bargain £300,000 fee. Made his West Ham United debut the next day against Sheffield United in a Nationwide First Division game at Upton Park which ended in a 0-0 draw. The 31-year-old was a regular at the heart of the Hammers’ midfield for the first half of the season but he gradually drifted out of favour with new boss Alan Pardew and when the opportunity came to rejoin Joe Royal at Ipswich Town in July 2004 he grabbed it, signing a two year contract.
TREVOR BROOKING Caretaker Manager (26th August - 18th October 2003)
After only four games into the new season Glenn Roeder was sacked after the result against Rotherham United at Millmoor. The West Ham United board for the second time in five months asked Trevor Brooking to step into the Caretaker Manager role at Upton Park while they waited for their preferred option Alan Pardew to become available.
Brooking gave the following three players their Hammers debuts.
York 08/01/1984
LEEDS UNITED
August 2003
Three month loan
IPSWICH TOWN - Portman Road 30th August 2003
LEEDS UNITED
Return loan
1/2 (0 gls) Cup: 1 (0 gls)
Promising young central defender who emerged through the Leeds United Academy to play regularly for the Elland Road reserves. Matthew was widely tipped to become a regular in the United side. Made his Leeds United debut in the UEFA Cup against Hapoel Tel Aviv in November 2002, coming on for the injured Lucas Radebe in a remarkable 4-1 away win. Signed for Hammers on a three month loan deal 21st August 2003 to gain first team experience. Matthew made his Hammers s debut against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in a 2-1 victory 30th August 2003. Made a further three appearance before re-joining the Elland Road club. Later played for Sheffield United.
Truro 19/11/1976
NEWCASTLE UNITED
September 2003
Season long loan
READING - Upton Park 13th September 2003
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Return Loan May 2004
22 (0 gls) Cup: 4/1 (0 gls)
Attack-minded left-back who arrived at Upton Park from Newcastle United on a month’s loan initially as cover for the injured Rufus Brevett. The Turo born 26-year-old began his career at Sheffield United, making 167 appearances for the Blades and scoring 5 goals, before moving to St James’ Park in January 2001. He went on to record 24 appearances for the Magpies, but struggled to make an impact on Bobby Robson’s first-team. Wayne made his Hammers debut against Reading in a 1-0 victory 13th September 2003. Quinn’s one-month loan period was extend and in all he made 27 appearances. With the return to fitness of Rufus Brevett Wayne was allowed to return to Newcastle at the end of the season. Later played for Penzance in Cornwall and in 2008 along with his father, Colin, were part of the managerial set up at New Hayle F.C.
Halmstad, Sweden 29/12/1971
EVERTON
September 2003
1 Month loan
READING - Sub 54mins Upton Park 13th September 2003
EVERTON
Return loan
5/3 (gls 0)
An attack-minded midfielder, who also liked to operate as an out an out winger, Niclas signed on a one month load deal from Everton on 12th September 2003. Swedish international with 68 full caps to his name. Began his career with home town club Halmstads, before moving to one of Sweden’s leading clubs, IFK Gothenburg in January 1996. Scoring 13 goals in over 50 appearances from midfield, Premiership Sheffield Wednesday paid £750,000 to brig him to England in May 1997. Niclas was one of the few success stories at Hillsborough over the next few seasons. Unfortunately, it was not enough to prevent the Owls decline and the Yorkshire outfit were relegated in May 2000, sparking intense speculation about his future. That summer he joined Everton for £2 million, where he made over 50 appearances, mainly as a right-sided midfielder or winger. The 31-year -old travelled to Japan and South Korea for the 2002 World Cup Finals, where he scored Sweden’s equalising goal against England as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the opening group game. Alexandersson made his Hammers debut as a 54th minute substitute for Anton Ferdinand against Reading at Upton Park in a 1-0 victory 13th September 2003. Returned to Everton at the end of his one month spell. Later played 103 games for Swedish club IFK Goteborg.
