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Autographs 1994 - 2001
The Harry Redknapp Years ...
Appointed Manager 10th August 1994
Overall League Record:
P:265 W:94 D:71 L:104 F:324 A:353
UEFA Intertoto Cup Winners 1999
Crafty Cockney character who is East London born and bred and grew up in the ‘West Ham Way’. Began his Football League managerial career at Bournemouth but returned to Upton Park in July 1992 (two months after the club were relegated from the top flight) to become assistant to former Hammers team-mate Billy Bonds. They won promotion to the Premiership at the end of Harry’s first season in tandem with Bonzo. ‘H’ took sole charge of the team in August 1994. Media-friendly Harry enjoyed a reputation as a shrewd wheeler-dealer in the transfer market, picking up bargains and selling them on for good profit. In an era of grossly inflated transfer fees. Smashed the British transfer record when selling home-grown Rio Ferdinand for an astonishing £18m in November 2000. After surviving near relegation in 1996-97, Harry recovered well to lead Hammers to eighth place in 1997-98 and fifth place a year later - our highest position for 13 years - and a return to serious European competition for the first time since 1981. Regardless of success of failure on the field, under Harry Redknapp, West Ham United maintained its tradition for playing attacking, entertaining football. However, the team’s failure to progress and subsequent brush with relegation towards the end of the campaign led to Harry coming under fire from many fans, and just days after the club’s Premiership survival had been secured with a 3-0 victory over Southampton, the shock announcement was made that Harry would be leaving Upton Park, after almost seven years in charge.
Player profiles "WEST HAM UNITED WHO's WHO" by Tony Hogg & Tony McDonald
Epping, Essex 22/10/1971
SWINDON TOWN
August 1994
Exchange deal Joey Beauchamp + £300,000
LEEDS UNITED - Sub 69mins Upton Park 20th August 1994
PORTSMOUTH - October 1996
£225,000
3/7 (gls 0) Cup: 3/1 (gls 0)
Arrived from newly-relegated Swindon Town in August 1994 for £500,000, just before the start of the season, in part-exchange for the beleaguered Joey Beauchamp valued at £800,000 who was relieved to be heading for the Wiltshire club without even making a competitive appearance for Hammers. For this powerful central defender it was a case of returning to his East London roots. Adrian began his promising career with near-neighbours Leyton Orient, whom he captained at the age of 21 and made 125 League appearances prior to his £500,000 transfer to Swindon Town in July 1993. Made his Hammers debut in the last 21 minutes of the opening home game versus Leeds United in a 1-1 draw on the 20th August 1994, and made his first full appearance in the 2-0 League Cup, second round (second leg) win over Walsall at Upton Park, collecting the sponsor's man-of-the-match award in the process. With central defenders in abundance, however, Adrian found his first team opportunities few and far between. He went to Portsmouth on loan in November 1995 and eventually joined them on a permanent basis in October 1996 for £225,000. Later played for Luton Town, Reading and Exeter City. Went into football management as an assistent first with Barnet, then with Brentford, MK Dons and Leiester City.
No.620 John MONCUR ... (1994 - 2003)
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Mile End, East London 22/09/1966
SWINDON TOWN
June 1994
£850,000
NORWICH CITY
Carrow Road 27th August 1994
Released - May 2003
131/44 (gls 6) Cup: 25/3 (gls 3)
East Londoner who was pleased to be back home following his £850,000 move from Swindon Town in June 1994. A tenacious yet stylish midfielder, who trained with Arsenal, Orient and West Ham as a boy but joined Tottenham from school in April 1983. His first team opportunities were limited at White Hart Lane, so he gained experience while on loan to a number of clubs in the lower divisions. "Moncs" joined Swindon Town for a fee of £80,000 in March 1992. Made his Hammers debut against Norwich City at Carrow Road in a 0-1 reverse on the 27th August 1994. 95-96 campaign was a season to forget for the team clown whose laughter turned to tears when groin, hip and knee injuries caused him to miss half the season. Speculation of a £3-million pound moved to Arsenal in 1998, but despite all the paper talk, the Crafty Cockney insisted his future lie at West Ham. Fans patience with the born-again Christian appeared to wane in recent years as his hard-man antics earned him a poor reputation amongst referees, costing the Hammers free-kicks, and sometimes goals.The Hammers hard-man was released and then retired from the game after almost 200 appearances and 9 years in the Claret and Blue at the end of 2002-03 season when the club slipped into the First Division.
Gateshead 09/05/1971
LIVERPOOL
August 1994
£1.5 million
NEWCASTLE UNITED - Upton Park 31st August 1994
SHEFFIELD UNITED - January 1996
£800,000
30/5 (gls 11) Cup: 3/2 (gls 2)
Don re-signs for the Hammers in August 2001 for £5 million
Don first caught the eye while playing for Redheugh Boys, but he made the breakthrough to League status for Hartlepool United. The gangling Hutch was used either as a striker or central defender before settling into his familiar attacking midfield role. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish signed him for £300,000 in November 1990. Despite some controversial off-the-field antics which earned him a somewhat dubious reputation, it was with great reluctance that Roy Evans finally agreed to make him Harry Redknapp's first signing as manager at Upton Park. Attacking midfielder who became the club's record signing when he moved from Liverpool soon after the start of the 1994-95 campaign for a £1.5 million fee. "Hutch" scored on his debut against Newcastle United at Upton Park in which he scored in a 1-3 defeat on the 31st August 1994. By the autumn the honeymoon period was over following Don's reckless first-half dismissal against Leicester City. Ultimately, his nine goals - including a double against the Reds - helped stave off relegation, but his in-and out performances were a frustration to all. Famously coated with a tray of sandwiches at Southampton following a ding-dong with Harry, the untamed "Hutch" was on his way to Sheffield United for a cut-price £800,000 in January 1996, having scored 13 goals from just 39 appearances.
Tony COTTEE ... (1994 - 1996) Second Debut
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West Ham 11/07/1965
EVERTON
September 1994
Exchange deal David Burrows
LIVERPOOL - Anfield 10th September 1996
SALANGOR (Malaysia) October 1996
£750,000
63/4 (gls 23) Cup: 13 (gls 5)
Tony first played for the Hammers in January 1983
All the animosity surrounding his record move to Everton was soon forgotten when the fifth highest scorer in Hammers' history returned for a second spell at his beloved Upton Park. A senseless sending off at Anfield marked his return 10th September 1994, "T.C's" original 118-goal haul was followed up by a further 28 price-less strikes from 80 outings before the arrival of the foreign legion squeezed him out. A £800,00 move to Malaysian outfit Selanger in October 1996. Returned to play for Birmingham City then Leicester City. Grab a remarkable record when he became the first player to play for a different club in all four Divisions of the Football League in a single season 2000-01; Leicester City (Premiership); Norwich City (Division One); Barnet (Division Three) and Millwall (Division Two).
Julian DICKS ... (1994 - 1997) Second Debut
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Bristol 08/08/1968
LIVERPOOL
October 1994
£100,000 + £50,000 every 25 games (Total £250,000)
SOUTHAMPTON - Upton Park 22nd October 1994
Retired
103 (gsl 21) Cup: 20 (gls 4)
Julian first played for the Hammers in April 1988
After 13 months and only 24 games for Liverpool he was dropped from manager Roy Evans plans after a pre-season row over his fitness level, Julian rejoined the Hammers in October 1994 in a bargain deal £100,000 plus £50,000 for every 25 games he plays. Voted Hammer of the Year in May 1996. In April 1997 cartilage problems finished his season. Missing the whole of the following campaign with knee problems. "Dicksy" made only nine appearances after again missing most of the season through niggling injury problems and hardly ever trained, reluctantly had to accept that, at almost 31 years-old, his top flight football career had come to an end - prematurely wrecked by injury. His full blooded tackles, uncompromising style, shaven head and sweet left foot are etched permanently in West Ham United folklore.
No.622 Michael HUGHES ... (1994 - 1997)
Larne, Northern Ireland 02/08/1971
RACING CLUB De STRASBOURG (France)
December 1994 (Loan) July 1996
Loan / Permanent / Free
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Loftus Road 4th December 1994
WIMBLEDON - September 1997
£1.6 million
77/7 (gls 5) Cup: 14 (gls 1)
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Following an 18-month loan spell, Hughes finally took full advantage of the Bosman ruling and joined Hammers on a free transfer from French club Racing Club De Strasbourg in July 1995. Originally the diminutive Ulsterman was on the books of Carrick Rangers as a youth, before crossing the Irish Sea to start his career in England with Manchester City. But after 26 league outings at Maine Road he switched across the Channel to join the French outfit in July 1992 for £500,000. The appointment of a new coach left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his French future. A chance remark to fellow Northern Ireland international Keith Rowland led to a rest-of-season loan period at Upton Park. Made his Hammers debut against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Roads in a 1-2 defeat on the 4th December 1994. Michael subsequently returned to France where he almost signed for the all-conquering Paris St Germain during the summer break. But the deal fell through and he returned on-loan to West Ham for another season-long spell, after which he made the move permanent on 4th July 1996 by taking advantage of the Bosman ruling. Scintillating one day, anonymous the next, the enigmatic Irish wide boy infuriatingly blew hot n' cold during his time at West Ham. After being dropped at the start of the 1997-98 campaign, 'Hughesie' severed his association with the Hammers. Joined Wimbledon September 1997, a £1.6m transfer that Joe Kinnear claimed was his best-ever deal. In 2002 he was loaned out to Birmingham City. Later played for Crystal Palace and Coventry City.
Copenhagen, Denmark 05/06/1968
BRONDBY (Denmark)
May 1995
Loan / £1.1 million
LEEDS UNITED - Elland Road 10th December 1994
GLASGOW CELTIC
£1.5 million
84/7 (gls 5) Cup: 10/1 (gls 0)
Powerful central defender once likened to Superman by Harry Redknapp, who originally signed him on loan from Bronby IF at the end of 1994. Made his Hammers debut against Leeds United at Elland Road in a trilling 2-2 draw on the 10th December 1994. A string of Viking-like displays in Hammers' successful relegation battle impressed several clubs, including champions elect Blackburn Rovers and big spending Turks, Fenerbahce. Knowing he had to act quickly, the wily Redknapp outwitted them both to capture the commanding Dane for £1.1 million on the final day of the 1994-95 campaign 14th May 1995. Rieper briefly found himself out of favour during Hammers' rocky start to the following season, before regaining his form and eventually securing a place in the new look back five alongside Bilic and Dicks. At international level "The Grimm Reaper" remained one of the linchpins of the Danish defence. With the popular Rieps' expiring contract set to make him a Bosman, Harry acted swiftly to salvage some cash by agreeing the £1.5m transfer to Celtic in September 1997. Following one year at Celtic, Rieper suffered a foot injury which ended his career in late 1998. He announced his retirement from playing in July 2000. Following his retirement he spent some time in 2001 as an assistant coach at childhood club AGF Aarhus.
Born: Copenhagen, Denmark 05/06/1968.
Premiership apps: 84/7 (gls 5) Cup: 10/1 (gls 0)
East Shilton, Leicestershire 20/01/1964
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
June 1993
£525,000
BLACKBURN ROVERS - Upton Park 30th April 1995
Retired November 1996
0/5 (gls 0)
Earmarked as a future Hammers' captain following his signing from Charlton Athletic in the summer 1993 for £525,000. Broke his leg in an accidental pre-season training clash with Julian Dicks just days later. Managed a few pre-season friendlies a year later, however ankle complications landed him back in plaster before a Premiership ball had been kicked. But a deserved change in fortune in 1995, saw brave "Webbo's" rehabilitation continue, as he headed out to Oldham Athletic on transfer deadline day for a brief loan spell. And after a string of stirring performances in the heart of the Latics' defence. Harry Redknapp had no hesitation in recalling him to West Ham for the vital survival run-in. Following his long, lonely fight the forgotten man of Upton Park finally made his first team appearance for the club when he came on as a late substitute in the 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park on the 30th April 1995. In all Simon made 5 substitute appearances that season, before finally being forced to give up the battle to save his career. Simon later became a sports physiotherapist and rejoined the club in that capacity.
Aggressive Dutch striker signed from Sparta Rotterdam for £800,000 in July 1995. Bought in to play alongside Tony Cottee, tall, lean and angular, Boogers shows typical Dutch poise on the ball and likes to receive it to his feet. Boogers joined Sparta in 1994 and scored 11 goals in 25 games. But he went there under a company sponsorship scheme and when that expired, the Dutch First Division club couldn't afford to keep him. Made his debut as substitute against Leeds United at Upton Park 19th August 1995 in a 1-2 reverse. Made a much more explosive impact again as sub at Manchester United four days later, when he was sent off after only 15 minutes for a reckless tackle on Gary Neville. Boogie Blunderland subsequently headed off to Holland and holed out in a caravan. Declared 'psychologically unfit for football'. Joined Groningen on loan pending the expiry of his Hammers' contract. A costly farce and a disastrous signing. Later played for RKC Waalwijk, FC Volendam and Dordrecht ’90.
Shot to fame at the beginning of 94-95 campaign when he played in the Charity Shield for Blackburn Rovers against Manchester United. Signed from the Ewood Park club in part exchange for Matt Holmes 14th August 1995, Holmes was rated at £1.2m by Rovers and they paid West Ham £600,000 plus Slater for the diminutive winger's services. Made his Hammers bow against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground 26th August in a 1-1 draw. Born in Ormskirk, Lancashire in 1964, Robbie's family moved to Australia when he was a young boy and grew up there. He played for Anderlecht in Belgium before moving to Lens in France where he won a French League Cup winners medal. Joined Blackburn Rovers for £350,000 and capped off his first year in England with a Premiership championship medal. Slater frustrated both the Hammers fans and the management with a string of erratic displays and minor injuries. Slater moved to Southampton for a more realistic £250,000 in August 1996. Subsequently released by Wolverhampton Wanderers, he returned to Oz where he played for Northern Spirit.
Nimble Australian international who caught the eye with a cracker at the WACA on the first leg of Hammers' centenary tour in May 1995. The Perth born winger caused the West Ham defence so many problems in their friendly against Western Australia, he was invited to make the 10,000 mile journey to England for a trail, with Harry Redknapp suitably impressed, Lazaridis, playing under a Greek passport of convenience. Following his successful trail spell he signed from West Adelaide in a £300,000 deal on 14th August 1995, thus avoiding any of the work permit problems that were set to frustrate future team-mates. Made his initial debut as a substitute against Chelsea at Upton Park in a 1-3 reverse, 11th September 1995. "Stan-the-Man" an excellent crosser of the ball, spent most of his first two season in the reserves before establishing himself in the campaigns to follow. With Harry Redknapp having to trim his large squad he sold "Skippy" to Birmingham City 27th July 1999 in a £1.9m move. After making 222 for the Blues he looked to finish his career back in Austailia with A-League club Perth Glory.
Iain DOWIE ... (1995 - 1998) Second Debut
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Hatfield, Hertfordshire 09/01/1965
CRYSTAL PALACE
September 1995
£125,000 + Jeroen Boere
CHELSEA - Upton Park 11th September 1995
QUEENS PARK RANGERS January 1998
Dowie & Rowland swap with £2m rated Trevor Sinclair
58/10 (gls 8) Cup: 13.1 (gls 3)
Iain first played for the Hammers in March 1990
Despite being warned that the second coming of Dowie would not go down well, 'H' copped a deaf ear to bring the much maligned striker back to Upton Park. Signed from Crystal Palace for £125,000 plus Jeroen Boere - September 1995. Things went well early on as Iain's nine goals swayed his band of critics who ended up voting him into runners-up spot in the Hammer-of-the-Year contest. An honest pro, Dowie's efforts put many of Upton Park's foreign legion to shame, before he embarked upon a disastrous drought that saw him go 40-Premiership matches without scoring in between, his notorious own goal at Stockport County, all but made his position with the fans untenable. Giving 100% to the last - and having scored only 11 goals - he finally headed to Queens Park Rangers with Keith Rowland as part of the £2 million package that brought Trevor Sinclair to the Boleyn. Later played for Oldham Athletic and in 2002 became the Latics manager.
Sealey joined Coventry City as an apprentice in 1976 and spent the next five years at the Midlands club before joining Luton Town in 1983. In December 1989 he was loaned to Manchester United and signed on a permanent basis, and was their regular goalkeeper throughout the 1990-01 season. Turned down a further one-year contract at Old Trafford and instead signed for Aston Villa. Lost his place to Nigel Spink and was loaned out to Birmingham City during the opening weeks of the 1992-93 season before returning to Manchester United on a free transfer, this time as understudy to Peter Schmeichel. It meant his last four appearances for United were a Cup Winners Cup Final, two League Cup Finals and an FA Cup Quarter Final. At the end of the season he was given a free transfer and Joined Blackpool, but within six-months he had left Bloomfield Road and returned to the Premiership with the Hammers in November 1994 as understudy to Ludek Miklosko. This nomadic 'keeper who bizarrely made his League bow for the Hammers' as an outfield substitute against Arsenal at Highbury in a 0-1 reverse 16th September 1995. With Ludo a firm fixture between the sticks, "The Cat" was confined to the bench before moving to Third Division club Leyton Orient on a free transfer in May 1996. In December 1996, the 39-year-old returned to Upton Park just five months later in exchange for 47-year-old England international Peter Shilton who had been training with the Hammers but was desperate to make his 1000th Football League appearance. Les made two further outings his last first-team appearance on the final day of the 1996-97 season, fittingly against Manchester United at Old Trafford. He came on as substitute for Ludek Miklosko. He was loaned out to Bury but didn’t make a first-team appearance. Upon his return to the Boleyn he made the transition to goalkeeping coach at the Boleyn. Sealey was still employed as goalkeeping coach when he died of a heart attack on 19th August 2001 at the age of 43.
Team USA skipper John Harkes joined West Ham on loan until the end of 95-96 campaign after Derby County sold him to the newly-formed US Soccer Federation for £500,000. The likeable Harkes finally got the all-clear to play against his old club Sheffield Wednesday 28th October 1995 at Hillsborough just minutes before the deadline in a 1-0 victory. Firstly, the US Soccer Federation had to organise payment to Derby County - around £500,000 - for his services before they were able to loan him out to the Hammers. Coventry City were also keen, but a difference of opinion between the Sky Blues and the American authorities concerning Roy Wegerie ensured Upton Park was always going to be the most likely destination. Manager Harry Redknapp completed the fairytale by introducing him into the fray 20 minutes from time against his old club. Moved back across the Atlantic at the end of the campaign to compete in the new American Professional Soccer League.
Dagenham, Essex. 29/12/1978
Trainee
July 1995
MANCHESTER CITY - Maine Road 1st January 1996
DORCHESTER TOWN - March 1998
Loan / Released
1
During the 1995-96 season, Neill aged 17, becoming at that time the youngest player to ever to appear in a Premiership match. Finn was a product of the West Ham United youth academy, and began his professional career as a trainee in July 1995. After just three reserve games, he became the then youngest player to ever to appear in a Premiership match on New Year's Day 1996 against Manchester City, when first-choice goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko was suspended and Les Sealey was injured. He won a runners-up medal in the 1996 FA Youth Cup final with Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand. He was offered a new contract in July 1997, but joined Dorchester Town on loan in March 1998 and was released by West Ham two months later. After a period out of the game, he joined non-league side Romford in 2004
Frank made his senior debut against Coventry City at Upton Park in a 3-2 victory on the 31st January 1996. Stamped his mark on the Premiership scene in 1997-98, scored with his first touch after coming on as a second half substitute in the opening game of the season at Barnsley. Enjoyed an excellent season in the top flight which was rewarded with the captaincy of the England Under-21 side for the Toulon tournament. Son of assistant manager and one time Hammers player, Frank Lampard, and nephew of manager Harry Redknapp. An attacking midfielder with a great goalscoring record, Frank was the subject of a £4.5m bid from Tottenham Hotspur in March 1999. With the sudden departure of Harry Redknapp which also saw his father Frank senior leave, young Frank was left with no option but to ask for a transfer out of Upton Park, The Blues of Chelsea tabled an £11m bid which was accepted by the West Ham board in June 2001.
Portuguese international. Began in the Sporting Lisbon youth section, released on A £130,000 loan deal to the Hammers in the middle of the 1995-96 season because of Sporting's financial difficulties. Made his League debut as substitute against Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 victory 3rd February 1996. He became an instant hit with the Hammers' fans as he made 9 first-team appearances, 6 as substitute, scoring the winner against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane 12th February. Dani's brief but eventful flirtation with the Premiership finally ended in tears just 24 hours before Hammers' match at relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers. For when he failed to show for Friday morning training at Chadwell Heath, it was definitely 'game off' as far as Harry Redknapp was concerned. "He just didn't report in and that's not the first time that's happened. Dani's a nice kid, but he must decide if he wants to be a footballer or a playboy". Played his last game for West Ham against Sporting Lisbon in Hammers Centenary Friendly which ended in a 1-4 reverse. Dani later played for Ajax in the Dutch league, then joining Benfica before settling down at Atletico Madrid.
Signed from German club Karlsruhe for £1.65m in January 1996. Invoked a clause in his contract that enabled him to leave the Bundesliga following Hammers' bid for him. Super Slav quickly became an Upton Park favourite with some emotional defensive displays. Made his Hammers bow against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a 1-0 victory at White Hart Lane 12th February 1996. His form for the Hammers saw him selected for the Croatian national team for the Euro 96 held in England.But clauses and the Croatian went hand in hand throughout a West Ham career punctuated with speculation over his future and extended contracts. Effectively agreed to join Everton midway through the 1996-97 season but pledged to stay and fight relegation...and collect a substantial end-of-season loyalty bonus! Slaven made the move to Goodison Park for £4.5m July 1997 declaring that by joining a bigger club he could win trophies. Injuries and relegation dog-fights have merely added to his Mersey misery. Linked with a return to Upton Park but the deal fell through on medical grounds. He later played for Hajduk Split before embarking on a managerial career as Croatian National coach.
Signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £1.5m January 1996. Insular Romanian international - and favourite of former dictator Ceausescu - who put himself on the map at World Cup USA '94. Arrived in England as one of Ossie Ardiles' Famous Five before Hammers' became entangled in work permit red tape forcing local MP Tony Banks to help finally smooth the way for Dumi to move from White Hart Lane. Hampered by hamstring pulls and a marked failure to reproduce anything like the form that had persuaded Spurs to pay a whopping £2.6m for him. Dumitrescu embarrassingly made just five league starts, and red-faced Hammers knew that their unpopular, goalless striker - who had insisted on a bonus if he won the Golden Boot! - had little prospect of a work permit renewal. His fingers burnt, Harry Redknapp finally cut his losses by sending Dumi down Mexico way within 12 months.
Signed from Sutton United for £50,000 in April 1995. Top Man window dresser who convinced Harry Redknapp that he might be able to sell a few dummies after netting 23 goals in 35 Diadora outings for Sutton United. Woeful finishing saw him cruelly tagged Pele by some of his senior professionals who quickly recognised that he was never going to land the odds at the top level. After making just one substitute outing at Queens Park Rangers 27th April 1996 in a 1-0 victory, Mark headed south to Bournemouth as part of the deal which brought Steve Jones back to Upton Park in May 1996. Later played for Welling United, Sutton United, Woking, Chesham United and Aldershot Town.
Widely regarded as the finest defensive prospect that English football has seen for many years. Rio is coveted by every top club in the land. Even before being called up to the England World Cup squad for France 1998, Rio was being hailed as a certain international for the next decade. The Peckham born defender, who signed schoolboy forms in 1994, was a vital member of the record breaking South East Counties championship team of 1996, when he also picked up an F.A. Youth cup runners up medal. Made his initial debut as a substitute against Sheffield Wednesday at Upton Park on the 5th May 1996. He began his breakthrough into the first team in the 1996/97 season and by the end of that campaign, was already one of the first names on Harry Redknapp's team sheet. Rio picked up "Hammer of the Year" for his consistently outstanding performances in the 1997/98 campaign cumulating with his inclusion in Glen Hoddle's England 22 for France '98. Aged 22 Rio became the world's most expensive defender when he signed for Premiership rivals Leeds United for £18m in November 2000 after the Yorkshire club had an earlier £15m bid turned down by the Hammers. Rio turned his back on the Yorkshiremen soon after the World Cup Finals of 2002 when Manchester United stepped in to take him to Old Trafford for an incredible £30m.
Steve JONES ... (1996 - 1997) Second Debut
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 17/03/1970
BOURNEMOUTH
May 1996
£150,000 + Mark Watson
ARSENAL 17th August 1996
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
£400,000
9/9 (gls 2) Cup: 4/3 (gls 1)
Steve first played for the Hammers in December 1992
In May 1996, after a successful spell at the south coast club Bournemouth, West Ham manager Harry Redknapp again brought the player back to Upton Park for a fee of £150,000, with Mark Watson moving to Dean Court. He joined Charlton Athletic a year later for £400,000.
After another short spell at Bournemouth, Jones moved to Bristol City and had loan spells at Brentford, Southend United and Wycombe Wanderers. He became player-coach for Isthmian League team Hornchurch in June 2002. Following retirement, Steve ran a memorabilia shop on Shaftesbury Avenue until its closure in 2006.
Montijo, Portugal 28/02/1966
AC MILAN (Italy)
July 1996
Free Transfer
COVENTRY CITY sub 53 mins - Upton Park 21st August 1996
Retired - January 1997
5/5 (gls 0)
Joined Hammers on a free transfer in July 1996 after sensationally swapping the San Siro and pasta for Upton Park and pie-and-mash. When a knee injury restricted him to just a single Serie A appearance, Italian giants AC Milan opted to cut their losses on the pedigree Portuguese international. Futre reportedly turned down offers from Japan, USA, Switzerland, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Birmingham City, once Harry Redknapp persuaded him to switch from pasta to pie and mash. Originally, the nomadic Paulo Jorge Dos Santos Futre - who boasts a career record of 75 goals from nearly 300 outings - started out with Sporting Lisbon before moving to FC Porto where he helped them to two championships and a European Cup Final victory over Bayern Munich in 1987. Subsequently moved across the border to Atletico Madrid and won successive Spanish Cup Finals against Mallorca (1991) and Real Madrid (1992) before getting itchy feet once again. Briefly returned to his homeland to help Benfica to a Portuguese Cup victory over Boavista, before embarking on a whirlwind tour of France and Italy with Olympique Marseille, Reggiana and, finally, AC Milan. Although that knee injury ruled him out of his country's Euro '96 challenge. Made his Hammers debut as a 53rd minute substitute against Coventry City in a 1-1 draw on the 21st August 1996. Paulo's knees and lungs were always suspect though and by the New Year, having made just four starts and five sub outings, Futre had been slashed from the wage bill. Played 10 games for Atletico Madrid the following season.
Neath, Wales 07/12/1963
NORWICH CITY
July 1996
Free Transfer
SOUTHAMPTON - Upton Park 24th August 1996
SHIMUZU (Japan)
Free - January 1998
16/2 (gls 1) Cup: 3 (gls 0)
Versatile defender who can play in either of the full-back berths. Despite playing scrum-half for Aberavon District in his native South Wales, soccer was always Mark's first love and he first signed apprentice forms for Tottenham Hotspur in June 1980. Bowen found his first team outings few and far between, eventually joined Norwich City for a bargain £90,000 in July 1987. Enjoyed 10 seasons at Carrow Road where he played in two FA Cup semi-finals and also helped the chirpy Canaries into a best-ever third place during the 1992-93 term. Jumped at the chance to return to the Premiership on a free transfer from Norwich City July 1996. Made his Hammers debut against Southampton at Upton Park in a 2-1 victory 24th August 1996. Experienced Welsh international who proved an excellent squad man. Yen-ned to go to Japan when former team-mate Ossie Ardiles made him an offer of a lifetime. And facing the twilight of his career, 'H' generously agreed to let him go to the Land of the Rising Sun after just 21 appearances and one goal. Subsequently returned to England and joined Charlton Athletic. Later played for Wigan Athletic and Reading.
Bucharest born, Florin made his league debut for hometown club Dinamo Bucharest at the age of 16, and his international bow for Romania just four years later. After impressing in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Florin found himself moving to Serie A as Bari signed him. That was the start of a five-year spell in Italy as Florin moved on to Verona, Brescia and AC Milan on loan. It was during the 1994 World Cup in America that he staked his claim as one of the world's top strikers, finishing as top scorer for Romania with five goals. In 1995 he moved further along the continent to sign for Spanish giants Espanol. "Flo" became West Ham's record signing in the summer of '96 when he signed for £2.4 million from Spanish club Espanol. A vicious elbow in the face, melted out in a pre-season 'friendly' at Torquay, provided a rude awakening for the record signing. The Romanian striker's lack of heart left Harry Redknapp tearing his hair out. Add an alleged Christmas shopping expedition to the West End when he should have been at Stockport County, and Florin was not worth two-bob as far as 'H' was concerned. Not even brilliant solo goals against Manchester United and Sunderland could redeem him. But having finally seen some Radi-cool finishing, many of the Upton Park faithful felt he was still finding his feet when 'H' - accepting a £700,000 loss - slapped a 'Return to Sender' label on the Espanol-bound striker. Later played for VfB Stuttgart, Brescia, Dinamo Bucharestand AS Monaco. Raducioiu retired in 2004 after a short stint with modest French side US Creteil-Lusitanos.
Signed from Canberra Cosmos in a £60,000 deal towards the end of the 1995-96 season. Previously tried his hand in Italian football as a raw teenager before heading home to Oz, an Italian passport holder. In Australia he finally established himself as one of the country's most promising young 'keepers, which prompted Hammers to sign him. A calf injury to Ludek Miklosko enabled Mautone to make the first of only three First-team appearances against Barnet in the Coca-Cola Cup at Under Hill on the 18th September 1996 in a 1-1 draw. The young goalkeeper was frustrated at the lack of first team football at West Ham, and after giving several magnificent displays on loan first to Crewe Alexandra then Reading. After playing 15 loan games for the Berkshire, the club came in with a £250,000 offer on deadline day March 1997 that Harry Redknapp could not afford to turn down. Mautone spent the 1999/00 season making a handful of appearances.at various clubs, including Wolverhampton, Crystal Palace and Gillingham. He eventually moved to non-league Slough Town FC where he spent a couple of seasons and made over 50 appearances before eventually returning to Australia to pursue a coaching career.
Hugo Cardoso Porfirio signed from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon in October 1996. Financially, Sporting were in bad shape and allowed Hugo to join the Hammers on loan until July 1997, but had until February to decide whether they want to take up the option to buy the £800,000 rated striker. Hugo made his League debut against Liverpool at Upton Park when he came on as a second half substitute in a 1-2 reverse 29th September 1996. Hugo told the Hammers he would not join them permanently, the on loan winger was left scarred by the battle against relegation. He admitted "I want to fight for the title or win cups. I don't know if West Ham can offer me that in the next few years. Porfiro became frustrated by a lack of opportunities and wanted to leave despite boss Redknapp pleading with him to stay. Porfirio was rated as one of the league's most skilful players but he struggled against physical sides. Joined Racing Santander of Spain and later played for Benfica, Maritimo before returning to Benfica again, before ending up in Saudi Arabian with Al-Nasr.
Mike joined the Hammers on a month's loan from Birmingham City with a view to a permanent move. Signed as cover for the injured Iain Dowie. Mike made his West Ham debut in the 1-3 defeat by London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 21st December 1996. The Hammers were not impressed with his overall performance in the matches played and decided to despatch him back to St. Andrew's. Mike joined Aberdeen for £175,000 in July 1997 then joined Bradford. Later went into management with Hartlepool in February 2003.
One of Redknapp's most inspired signings. The Ferrari-driving striker was on the road to nowhere behind Shearer, Asprilla and Ferdinand at Newcastle United when 'H' saw him as the man whose goals could steer Hammers away from relegation. With proven scoring pedigree at Leicester City and Derby County. Paul was signed from the St James's Park outfit for a fee of £2.3m in February 1997, just days before John Hartson was transferred from Arsenal. Kitson made his Hammers debut along with Hartson against his former club Derby County at the Baseball Ground 15th February 1997 but finished on the wrong ended of a 1-2 scoreline. The pair immediately hit it off "Kits" responded with eight strikes in 14 games as his lucrative 13-goal partnership with Hartson put Hammers on the fast lane to safety, which justified Harry Redknapp spending spree to ward off almost certain relegation at the end of the 1996-97 campaign. A string of injuries to Paul disrupted the partnership for the start of the following season. At the end of the season the Geordie underwent a groin operation after failing to shake off a niggling problem. Paul's injury problems persisted and was allowed to join Charlton Athletic on loan at the end of the 99-00 campaign helping the Addicts back to the Premiership. Further loan spells to Crystal Palace and Birmingham City followed before he finally signed for newly-promoted first division Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer August 2002.
Welsh international who endured a roller-coaster ride down West Ham way before Harry Redknapp negotiated the Sale of the Century with poor Joe Kinnear at Wimbledon. Like Paul Kitson, Hartson represented a huge punt when 'H' plucked the ill-disciplined, out-of-favour striker from the Highbury sidelines to become an Upton Park record £3.2m signing. Made his League debut along-side Paul Kitson in the 1-2 defeat by Derby County at the Baseball Ground 15th February 1997. He responded with five goals in 11 starts to help stave off relegation and by the following Christmas, Hartson was a big fish in the Upton Park pond, leading the scoring charts with 17 goals from 20 starts. But with disciplinary problems on-and-off the field, like his physique, it all started to go pear-shaped and an inexcusable clash with Eyal Berkovic, on the kicking fields of Chadwell Heath. Spelt the beginning of the end for the fiery Welsh dragon whose flame had gone out. After 28 goals in 70 appearances, the Wimbledon Crazy Gang's whopping £7.5m offer in January 1999 was a too good a deal which just had to be snatched up. The subject of failed medicals which scuppered his chances of joining, first Tottenham Hotspur then Glasgow Rangers in 2000 followed by Coventry City in 2001. Glasgow Celtic were however willing to take a chance on the Welshman, whom he quickly repaid with interest by shooting the “Hoops” into top spot in the Scottish Premier League.
A strong, pacey and skilful player. League debut against Leeds United at Elland Road 1st March 1997 in a 0-1 reverse. Little Manny made his mark on the first team, scoring twice after coming on as substitute against Crystal Palace at the end of the 1997-98 season. A product of the Hammers very successful youth scheme, he was a member of the side that won the South East Counties League title in 1995-6. Gained valuable experience north of the border during a loan spell with Dundee United. Manny was to make the biggest headline of his career when coming on for the last eight minutes of extra-time in Hammers' quarter-final clash with Aston Villa in the Worthington Cup at Upton Park December 1999. The final 2-2 scoreline, led to penalties with Villa's Gareth Southgate repeating his England miss from ten yards which catapulted West Ham into a semi-final spot. Two days later it emerged that "Manny" had played two games in the same competition for Gillingham whilst on loan to the "Gills" earlier on in the campaign. West Ham were ordered by the Football League to replay the game which Hammers' lost 1-3, players records from original match expunged. "Manny" was despatched on loan to the other 'Irons' Scunthorpe United for his own safety, as e-mail death threats were received by the club. Hammers club secretary Graham Mackell and football secretary Alison O'Dowd both resigned over the incident. Further loan spell at Barnet followed before being finally off-loaded to Oxford United on a free transfer.
Former England Under-21 captain who joined Hammers from Southampton in July 1996 for £1.9m. A tall, courageous central defender who has broken his nose no less than seven times. Started out at Scunthorpe United and after just 22 outings for the fourth division club, Richard incredibly found himself on the way to The Dell for £200,000 in February 1991. In 1993 he won the last of his 11 caps when he skippered the young lions of England to glory over their French hosts in the final of the prestigious Toulon tournament. Like Simon Webster, another ill-fated central defender who was earmarked for the skipper's armband, only to succumb to a career-ending pre-season injury. This time a whack on the foot in a friendly at Carshalton, just weeks after his arrival, saw his dreams fade and die. Made his long awaited debut against Middlesbrough at Upton Park on the 9th April 1997 in a 0-0 draw, but this was the start of only 7 full appearances for the club before agonisingly quitting the game he loved in April 1999.
A pacy, hard working midfielder, Steve was signed via an eleventh-hour deadline day fax from Northern Ireland's training HQ from Manchester City 27th March 1997 for a fee in the region of £1.6m. Hammers' tireless, copper-topped, Duracell-like skipper started his career with Irish club Coleraine before being spotted by the Maine Road club. His consistent play has also earned him the captaincy of the Northern Ireland team. Lomas made his Premiership debut for the Hammers against Middlesbrough at Upton Park 9th April 1997 in a 0-0 draw. The £1.6m fee paid to City looked a bargain in the light of reported £4m-plus bids from both Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers a year later. The Northern Ireland international was again a wanted man, January 2001 this time by his former club "City" and Everton but choose to stay at Upton Park. Steve was released at the end of Hammers successful promotion campaign back to the Barclays Premiership and joined Queens Park Rangers in August 2005. After two seasons with the “Hoops”, Steve joined Gillingham in July 2007.
Product of the club's very successful youth scheme and member of the South East Counties Championship winning team of 1995-96. Signed professional forms July 1997. Premiership debut as an 89th minute substitute appearance against Sheffield Wednesday in a 5-1 victory at Upton Park on the 3rd May 1997. That one minute appearance in the Claret and Blue catapulted him into the Upton Park record books as the shortest playing time as a Hammer. Republic of Ireland Youth and Under-21 international. Lee was a nippy, strong forward - reminiscent of Tony Cottee. He had been banging in the goals for the youth and reserves team for many years. Unfortunately Lee never establish himself in the big time and was released at the end of the 1998-99 campaign to join Swedish club Trelleborgs on a free transfer and then with Exeter City before dropping into non-league football with Kingstonian, Hayes, Stevenage Borough and then joining Canvey Island in 2001. Boylan had great success with Canvey Island, scoring over 170 goals in five years, including 26 in 53 Conference games, and helping Canvey Island get promoted to the Conference in 2004. When Canvey Island resigned from the Conference in 2006, he joined Grays Athletic on a one-year contract but after starting only 16 games in the 2006–07 season, he joined Chelmsford City in February 2007 on loan for the rest of the season. At the end of the season, he joined Cambridge United on a free transfer and scored eleven goals in 32 league appearances in the 2007–08 season as Cambridge reached the Conference play-off final in May 2008, narrowly losing to Exeter City. He joined Stevenage Borough in June 2008 for an undisclosed fee.
Eyal confounded all his countrymen when he chose West Ham ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in 1997, completing his move from Southampton via Israeli club Maccabi Haifa who still held his registration forms. League debut against Newcastle United on the 20th September 1997. London was a million miles away when the football mad Berkovic kicked a ball around the dusty streets of his native Nahrya. As his talent emerged he soon found himself training with top side Maccabi in nearby Hafia, but his career was put on hold whilst he competed his national service. He went on to become player of the year in 1994 and scored 40 goals in 200 appearances for Maccabi. Berkovic has established himself as a crowd favourite with his mazy runs and trickery lit up the side. Constantly the subject of transfer speculation from the day he arrived, his inevitable departure was assured when he clashed with John Hartson in a training incident at Chadwell Heath. Eyal returned to Israel on international duty and was only persuaded to return after club director Peter Storrie flew over to bring the talented midfielder back to Upton Park. A written transfer request followed and Celtic must have thought they've got a relative bargain at £5.75m when he signed in July 1999. Later played for Manchester City and Portsmouth before returning to his homeland to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
West Ham raided the foreign market when they signed, young French defender David Terrier from FC Metz. David, 23 signed a three-year contract which also included a clause allowing for its cancellation after three months should he fail to make an impact. Signed on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, Terrier arrived for pre-season training and amazed everyone with his request for the squad No.13 shirt. Terrier has 15 French under-21 caps and has played for his country from the age of 14 upwards. David made his League debut as substitute in the opening game against Barnsley 9th August 1997 in a 2-1 away victory. Indeed this was to be his one and only appearance in the claret-and-blue, beset by constant injury problems, "The Ice Man" had his trail period extended in the hope that he could shake off his injury to help the Hammers with their defensive cover, but was frozen out and left to join Newcastle United on the 16th January 1998 on loan until the end of the season. Returned to France after his spell at St James's Park and played for OGC Nice, AC Ajaccio and US Creteil.
Signed from Everton together with £1m cash adjustment in exchange for Danny Williamson August 1997. The arrival of the once-capped England defender quickly showed manager Harry Redknapp he had got the best of that sensational swap deal involving the unfortunate Danny Williamson. David made his Hammers debut against his former Everton team-mates at Goodison Park 23rd August 1997 in a 1-2 reverse. While Unsworth quickly settled into the Upton Park life, his wife did not and by the end of a campaign that saw him make 39 appearances, scoring two goals, he sought a move nearer home. Geographically challenged, he signed for Aston Villa in a £3m deal but while Harry tallied up another profit, Unsworth was farcically claiming that he didn't realise Birmingham was still so far from Liverpool. A mocking John Gregory allowed the red faced, "under-the-thumb" Unsworth to return to Everton a fortnight or so later for a similar fee. After six years with the Goodison Park outfit he later played for Ipswich Town (loan), Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Burnley and Huddersfield Town.
No.652 Ian PEARCE ... (1997 - 2004)
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Bury St Edmunds 07/05/1974
BLACKBURN ROVERS
September 1997
£2.3m
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Upton Park 20th September 1997
FULHAM - January 2004
£1m
135/9 (gls 9) Cup: 17/2 (gls 1)
A member of Blackburn Rovers' championship-winning squad, the young central defender firmly established himself in the heart of the West Ham defence. Signed for £2.3m and made his Hammers debut against Newcastle United at Upton Park on the 20th September 1997. A strong, versatile defender who gained England Youth honours before joining Blackburn Rovers for £300,000 from Chelsea in October 1993. Ian can play in defence or attack and has gained the reputation of one of the game's outstanding prospects. Powerful in the air and skilful on the ground, Ian was a member of the Under-19 England World Cup squad 1992/93. Runner-up to Shaka Hislop in the Hammer-of-the-Year award 1998-99. The following season he tore cruciate ligaments in the opening game against Tottenham Hotspur and was forced to undergo 14 months of gruelling rehabilitation. 2000-01 campaign saw him back to his best. An attacking crisis at Upton Park in December 2002 saw Ian leading the attack in which he scored against Middlesbrough in his second game in that position. Ian signed for West London rivals Fulham 20th January 2004. Having played 57 games for the cottagers he was loaned out to Southampton for one game before retiring from the professional game to play for Oxted & District.
No.653 Andy IMPEY ... (1997 - 1998)
Signed from Queens Park Rangers for £1.25m in September 1997. Originally sent back to Rangers during the summer of '97 after a medical revealed an ironically-named Hammers Toe condition, before being given the all clear to rejoin West Ham. Left as controversially as he arrived, having made 33 goalless appearances. A £1.6m transfer to Premiership Leicester City in controversial circumstances. Manager Harry Redknapp had intended to select the player for his team to play against Derby County at Pride Park on 22nd November 1998. But with the Foxes' offer having been accepted by the Board of Directors, he was asked by Chief Executive Peter Storrie to withdraw Impey from the travelling squad. "My main concern was trying to win three points," insisted Redknapp, who aired his frustrations on camera before and after the Sky televised game. "I'm disappointed with the way things have been handled, "he complained. Storrie responded by explaining: "Harry and I agreed with the board that we would sell a player by the end of November to balance the books after investing over £3m on five new players in the previous summer. Played 152 games for the Foxes and later played for Nottingham Forest, Millwall (loan) and Coventry City.
No.654 Ian MOORE ... (1997)
After the Hammers had a double transfer boost by signing Blackburn defender Ian Pearce and Queens Park Rangers winger Andrew Impey. Another addition to the Hammers squad - although only a temporary one - was the loan signing of Nottingham Forest striker Ian Moore 26th September 1997. Nottingham Forest's £1 million signing from Tranmere Rovers made his Hammers debut as a substitute in the 0-3 defeat against Southampton at The Dell on the 4th October 1997. This was to be Ian's one and only outing for the Hammers and was despatched back to the City Ground. Ian however enjoyed a more permanent move to Stockport County. Later playing for Burnley.
No.655 Craig FORREST ... (1997 - 2002)
Signed for the Hammers in the 1997 close season, after 13 years at Portman Road with Ipswich Town for £500,000. The big Canadian international joined the Suffolk club from Vancouver as an apprentice and made over 300 first team appearances. His position in the Ipswich first team which was under threat and lack of Premiership action did not help his World Cup campaign with Canada, Craig jumped at the chance to return to the big-time when offered a contract at the Boleyn as understudy to Miklosko. However, injury to the towering Czech gave Craig his chance, made his Hammers debut against Aston Villa in a Coca-Cola cup tie at Upton Park 15th October 1997 which resulted in a 3-0 victory, embarked on a run of 13 League appearances before he too succumbed to injury and was forced to give way to French 'keeper Bernard Lama. Lost the top spot when Shaka Hislop signed on from the start of the 1998-99 campaign, but agreed to remain with the club as his understudy. Gold Cup 2000 will probably go down as the most cherished memory of a long and successful career. For, against all odds, a Canadian team ranked 85th in the world, stepped out of the football shadows during February 2000 to win a Concacaf Gold Cup winner's medal. Beating Colombia 2-0 in the Final at the Los Angeles Coliseum to capture the continent's equivalent of Euro 2000. Craig was to face the biggest challenge of his life so far when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer which he finally beat, but sadly the tough Canadian announced his retirement from the game in August 2002 when he could no longer maintain the fitness levels necessary for professional football.
No.656 Samassi ABOU ... (1997 - 2000)
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Gabnoa, Ivory Coast 04/04/1973
CANNES (France)
28th October 1997
£400,000
CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge 9th November 1997
AC AJACCIO (France)
Released
14/8 (gls 5) Cup: 5/4 (gls 1)
After protracted transfer negotiations Samassi jetted into West Ham from French club Cannes with a simple ambition in English football - to make and score goals. Signed on the 28th October 1997 for £400,000. He was born in the Ivory Coast but, thanks to a French passport, went on to Under-21 national honours for France. Made his Initial Hammers debut against Crystal Palace at Upton Park 3rd November 1997 in a game that was abandoned due to floodlight failure with the score at 2-2, with this game being void it was another six days before Samassi made the First XI again this time against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 9th November the game finished 1-2 to the Blues. Long term injuries to Paul Kitson gave the player his chance, and he took it. Abou's was a huge favourite with the Upton Park fans who just love to 'a-booooo' him. Despite failing to sustain his early promise, Samassi had a loan spell with Ipswich Town. Harry still looked like doubling his money, only for the French striker to refuse an £800,000 loan moves to Hearts and Bradford City in 1998. The followed campaign also saw him loaned out, first with Walsall then a 3-month spell with Kilmarnock, before he slipped quietly back to France to play for AC Ajaccio.
No.657 Paulo ALVES ... (1997 - 1998)
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Mateus Villa-Real, Portugal 10/12/1969
SPORTING LISBON (Portugal)
November 1997
Loan
ASTON VILLA Sub 71mins
Upton Park 29th November 1997
Return Loan: January 1998
0/4 (gls 0)
Portuguese international. Member of Portugal's World Youth Cup-winning team against Nigeria in 1989 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Third best Portuguese league marksman in 1994-95 with 14 goals. His form in helping Maritimo (Funchal) qualify for the UEFA Cup in '95 attracted offers from both the two big Lisbon clubs. Paulo appeared bound for Benfica but the deal was held up by contractual problems. Eventually, the transfer was declared invalid and he joined Sporting Lisbon instead. Signed for the Hammers on a three-month deal from Sporting, for who he netted at Upton Park in Hammers Centenary match, the 13-times capped 30-year-old made his West Ham bow as a 71st minute substitute in the 2-1 home win against Aston Villa 29th November 1997. Paulo returned to Portugal after being unable to gain regular first-team place, making just four appearances all as substitute. With Frenchman Samassi Abou being favoured as a replacement for the injured Paul Kitson, it was subsequently agreed by mutual consent that Alves could depart a month ahead of schedule. Clearly frustrated with his lack of opportunities, Paulo complained "I'm always sitting on the bench, and I could be doing that back home in Lisbon rather than in London".
Newham, East London 02/03/1978
Trainee
July 1994
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - White Hart Lane 17th January 1998
SCUNTHORPE UNITED - July 1999
£130,000
0/3 (gls 0) Cup: 0/3 (gls 0)
An England schoolboy international. A midfield/striker who is fast, elusive and reads the game well. Joined the Hammers July 1994 on a Youth Training Scheme, signing professional forms in July 1996. Lee made his Premiership debut against Tottenham Hotspur as a 85th minute substitute in a 0-1 reverse at White Hart Lane 17th January 1998. Loan periods at Ipswich Town, Leyton Orient and enjoyed a successful spell at Southend United, helping them stave off relegation from the third division. The diminutive striker stalled on a new contract when he found out the French Premier League outfit Cannes and first division club Le Havre were both interested in him. When these offers fell through Lee signed for Scunthorpe United in July 1999 for a £130,000 fee. Later played for Rochdale, Bristol Rovers, Thurrock, Billericay Town and Hornchurch.
Dulwich, London 02/03/1973
QUEENS PARK RANGERS
January 1998
£1.6 million
EVERTON - Upton Park 31st January 1998
MANCHESTER CITY - July 2003
£2.5 million
175/2 (gls 37) Cup: 36/1 (gls 1)
Trevor had no doubts that West Ham were the team to rescue him from First Division obscurity with Queens Park Rangers and get his once glittering career back on track. The former England Under-21 international was quick to persuade people he was back to his best following his move to Upton Park. Trevor made the switch across London in a £2m deal that also saw Hammers striker Iain Dowie and Keith Rowland move in the opposite direction. Few players can claim to be a versatile as Trevor, starting life as a winger but equally effective as a striker or in midfield. Hotshot Sinclair marked his Hammers Premiership debut with a double-barrelled blast against Everton at Upton Park 31st January 1998 in a 2-2 draw. Since joining Hammers “Sincs” has won England Under-21 caps, B honours and full England Honours. In 2001 the former FA School of Excellence pupil handed in a transfer request after fearing that his international chances would be stronger elsewhere, the subsequent seventh place finish persuaded Trevor he could fulfil his ambition at Upton Park. His greatest achivement was going to the World Cup finals in Korea / Japan 2002. Having been left out of the original 23-man squad by Sven-Goran Eriksson. Trevor then flew the 8,000 miles home despite being invited to stay on with the squad, however, just a day after returning home to his family, the withdrawal of Liverpool’s Danny Murphy meant he was back on his way to the Far East. After grabbing his chance with both hands in the 1-0 victory over Argentina, the winger became one of England’s success stories. After signing a new improved contract at the start of 2002/03, and relegation at the end of the season put an entirely different complexion on things and, on 21st July 2003 he moved to his boyhood idols Manchester City for £2.5m. Later played for Cardiff City.
Saint Symphorien, France. 07/04/1963
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12 Cup: 2
Signed from Paris St Germain, the 34-year-old pony-tail international goalkeeper was released by the French club following a summer's drugs ban. Lama joined the Hammers on loan 22nd December 1997 until the end of the season. At one time it seemed that Bernard was just an Air France flight away from giving up on the Hammers. But a neck injury sustained by the in-form Craig Forrest finally gave the Frenchman the opportunity to show the powess behind the pony-tail. Made his long awaited Hammers debut by keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal at Upton Park 2nd March 1998. His performances between the sticks for West Ham had French coach Aime Jacquet declaring he will wipe the slate clean for his 35-cap stickman by including him in his World Cup plans for France 98. Despite an attractive offer from the Hammers, Lama returned to France to rejoin his former club Paris St Germain and went onto gained both World Cup and European Championship winners medals as understudy in the international side. Later played for Stade Rennais.
Another one of Harry Redknapp's protégées who has trodden the well-worn path between Bournemouth and Upton Park on loan November 1996. Followed up the earlier injury-ridden loan spell with a permanent transfer and a £100,000 fee 12th May 1997. Made his Hammers' League bow as a substitute against Leeds United in a 3-0 home win on the 30th March 1998. Likes to break forward from midfield, is a good passer of the ball and possesses a fierce shot. Benefited from completing a full pre-season training programme ahead of the 1989-90 season, but was again hit by his injury curse while on loan at Port Vale. Underwent surgery on damaged medial knee ligaments. Scott's knee ligament complications restricted him to just a trio of substitute outings, West Ham had no option but to release him in June 1999 to rejoin his old club Bournemouth on a free transfer. Later played for Kingstonian and Crawley Town.
Shaka was snapped up by the Hammers after becoming available on a free transfer from Newcastle United in July 1998. The move spells something of a homecoming for the player who was born in Hackney, but moved to Trinidad with his parents when he was two years old. Kevin Keegan the Magpie's manager recruited Shaka from Reading for £1.5m in the summer of 1995. The 6ft 4ins 'keeper fought a battle for first team supremacy at St James's Park with Pavel Srnicek and Shay Given. Started his Hammers career in winning style against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in a 1-0 victory 15th August 1998. Celebrated his first term at Upton Park by winning Hammer-of-the-Year poll by a landslide. Keeping 15 clean sheets in 37 appearances, his ever-present record was marred by a final-game suspension following his dismissal in the farcical game against Leeds United where three Hammers' were given their marching orders. Sustained a broken leg against Bradford City in February 2000 which kept out of action for the rest of that campaign. Season 2000-01 saw him resume his position between the sticks once more, only to lose it to David James who joined from Aston Villa the following campaign. Unable to dislodge the England No.2 keeper, Shaka took the opportunity to join former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth in the summer of 2002.
Wandsworth, South London 09/05/1968
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39/3 (gls 2) Cup: 11/2 (gls 1)
The club crooner, Neil likes to "get the players going" by singing his old London songs before a match. Unfortunately it just gets them going out of the changing room as quickly as possible. Along with his one-time tormentor Ian Wright, Neil added a real buzz to the Hammers camp when he was signed to add steel to the Hammers defence, and help bring on the youngsters. "Razor" as he's known, spent five stormy years at Liverpool before joining West Ham on the same day the club clinched the services of Chilean international Javier Margas, 30th July 1998. Signed for a £300,000 fee, for 3 years, and payments based on appearances. Neil played 152 games for the Merseysiders, scoring 12 goals. Won a solitary England cap while with the Reds, against Nigeria at Wembley in 1995. Neil's League debut for the Hammers came against Sheffield Wednesday 15th August 1998 in a 1-0 victory at Hillsborough. Physical presence and a power in the air are Razor's strong points. Stayed just the two campaigns before being released to Crystal Palace in July 2000 for an undisclosed fee. Later played for Swindon Town 2001-2002.
Described by manager Harry Redknapp as the club's biggest ever signing, joining the Hammers 13th July 1998 for an undisclosed fee - rumoured to be in the region of £1m. Ian Edward Wright had made the switch across town from London rivals Arsenal after nearly seven years at Highbury. During his time there, "Wrighty" smashed Cliff Bastin's Arsenal scoring record of 178 goals, and won just about every domestic honour in the game. A favourite in the changing room, Ian's contribution to team spirit and morale could almost be as important to West Ham as his contribution on the pitch. Scored the only goal in his Hammers debut against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough 15th August 1998. The record-breaking striker unfortunately saw his first campaign for West Ham restricted to just 20 starts due to injury. His season ended on a sour note when he was charged by the FA for trashing the referee's room at Upton Park after being sent off by Rob Harris in the match against Leeds United. A TV celebrity, with his own Friday night chat show. Unable to command a regular first-team spot he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest 27th August 1999 and was later snapped up on a free by Celtic. Played for Burnley before finally hanging up his boots at the end of the 99-00 campaign.
Famous for dyeing his hair red when Chile qualified for the second phase during France '98. A quality international, Javier was watched several times by Harry Redknapp while playing in the World Cup finals. Signed in a £2.3 million deal from hometown club Universidad de Catolica (Chile) on a four year contract the same day the club received his work permit 30th July 1998. His previous clubs, include Javier could speak no English when his first arrived in England, but immediately joined a class and is determined to be the first Chilean to succeed in the Premiership. However, after initially impressing on his League debut against Coventry City 29th August 1998 in a 0-0 draw. After playing just 3 games his sustained a knee injury and headed home to Chile for treatment, he went AWOL for the rest of the season amid rumours that his family were unsettled in London. The club stopped paying his wages and were hoping they could off-load him to a South American club. However, with his contract suspended, Margas re-appeared after playing in Chile's Copa America campaign, and announced his desire to head back to Upton Park to rebuild his career. Javier made his peace with the club at the start of the 1999-00 campaign. Although not a first team regular, he won over the Hammers fans with his brave and committed attitude. At 31 the Chilean international defender announced his retirement from football due to knee problems and dedicated himself to his hotel business in Chile, where he owned 15 establishments in Santiago and on various beaches.
Colmar, France. 14/01/1968
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36/8 (gls 6) Cup 10/2 (gls 1)
Marc was Harry Redknapp's first transfer coup at the end of the successful 1997-98 campaign. A full French international, Marc was unfortunate to miss out on a place in his country's winning World Cup squad. Started his career with Mulhouse, transferring to Strasbourg in August 1991. Marc signed from German Bundesliga side Karlsruhe SC in July 1998 on a free transfer, becoming the first foreign player to arrive at Upton Park under the Bosman ruling. Marc made his League debut as an 85th minute substitute against Liverpool at Upton Park 12th September 1998, West Ham winning 2-1. Proved a valuable squad member showing his versatility by switching regularly to both flanks in the wing-back position and catching the eye with some superb goals and pinpoint crosses. Although not a regular first-team player he was Loaned out to Portsmouth September 2000 and Blackburn Rovers January 2001. Linked with as move to French club Metz at the start of the 2000-01 campaign . Choosing instead to fight for a place in the Hammers starting XI. This line of action proved fruitless and agreed to join struggling French club Strasbourg as their Sports Manager in June 2001.
Islington, North London 08/11/1981
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108/18 (gls 10) Cup: 18/5 (gls 3)
Joe Cole became the second youngest outfield player (at 17 years and 55 days) to appear for West Ham's first team when he came on as a 65th minute substitute in the F.A. Cup third round tie against Swansea City at Upton Park on the 2nd January 1999, the score 1-1. Just eight days later, however, he became the youngest outfield player ever to represent the Hammers in a top-flight league game (at Manchester United), as Paul Allen - who made his debut was 17 years and 32 days - was originally thrust into Second Division action. With the departure of Eyal Berkovic to Celtic, Joe was unleashed on the Premiership in 1999-00 campaign. Sustained a fractured leg against Derby County at Pride Park in April 2000 missing the rest of that campaign which ended his slim hopes of winning a place in England's ill-fated Euro 2000 squad. The following season brought better fortunes to the Islington born player as his was named in the full England squad to face Germany in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley in October 2000 and was included in the World Cup Final squad for Japan / Korea 2002. Joined Chelsea 6th August 2003.
Signed from Portuguese giants Benfica in a £1 million deal, with the aim of proving a suitable long-term replacement for the soon-to-be-retiring Julian Dicks. However the former Charlton and Chelsea defender endured a miserable start to his Hammers career, that began with a humiliating 4-0 debut defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday 16th January 1999, and when history repeated itself against Arsenal next time out at Upton Park, the crowd wanted "Scottie" beamed back to Portugal. But the attacking defender showed a lot of character to bounce back during the next dozen games to prove he was well worth the million pounds Harry Redknapp paid for him. Ruled out for almost the entire 2000-01 season, he did eventually enjoy a comeback though, making his one and only appearance on the final day of the campaign at Middlesbrough under Glen Roeder’s caretaker reign. Failed to budge Nigel Winterburn from the left back spot and was considered unlucky not to be featured more in the starting line-up the following season. The arrival of Vladimir Labant in 2002 further dented Scott’s first team hopes. But when the Slovakian failed to live-up to his reputation and was loaned back to his formed club Minto was given the chance to show what he could do. Despite not letting the side down when called upon, didn’t manage to see off the challenge of Nigel Winterburn or Rufus Brevett.
Cameroon international curiously coveted by Manchester United before tragically breaking a leg on the eve of France '98. Hammers' record £4.5m signing from French club Lens in January 1999. Made his Hammers debut in the 0-0 draw with London rivals Wimbledon at Selhurst Park on the 30th January 1999. With the jury still out on the record signing who picked up eight bookings in 13 appearances - the marauding midfielder seemed poised to rejoin former Lens boss Gerard Houllier at Liverpool in a move that would have allowed Harry to recoup that huge outlay, but Marc failed to agree personal terms. Disaster then struck when he was admitted to hospital suffering from Malaria, contracted on his trip home to Africa at the end of his first campaign. Marc became the first West Ham player since Moore, Hurst and Peters to win a major international honour when Cameroon beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties to win the African Nations Cup Final in Lagos, Ghana February 2000. Marc-Vivien Foe's Upton Park swansong ended early when he was sent off in the 90th minute in the final game of the 1999-2000 campaign against Leeds United at Upton Park, and joined Olympique Lyonnais for £6m in the same deal that brought on-loan striker Frederic Kanoute to East London for £4m. The giant Cameroon player returned to Premiership football with Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City for the start of the 2002-03 campaign. Foe was part of the Cameroon squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup, a tournament played between continental champions. On 26 June 2003, Cameroon faced Colombia in the semi-final, held at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, France. In the 72nd minute of the match Foe collapsed in the centre circle, with no other players near him. After attempts to resuscitate him on the pitch, he was stretchered off the field, where he received mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and oxygen. Medics spent 45 minutes attempting to restart his heart, and although he was still alive upon arrival at the stadium's medical centre he died shortly afterwards.
Paolo returned to English football after the infamous pushing incident involving referee Paul Alcock threatened to finish his Premiership career. Signed from Sheffield Wednesday for £1.7 million. Gamble, what gamble? That was Harry Redknapp's defiant reply when the men in white coats asked what he was doing paying a large sum for a man with the white boots. But by serving an 11-match ban, he did his time for the crime and Sheffield Wednesday's loss was Hammers' gain. Made his debut as a substitute against London rivals Wimbledon at Selhurst Park in a game which finished 0-0 on the 30th January 1999. Former clubs Lazio, Ternana, Juventus, Napoli, AC Milan, Glasgow Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday. A player with a tremendous attitude to the game, Di Canio's physique and fitness belies his age. Scooped the 1999-2000 Match of the Day goal of the season competition with his airborne volley against Wimbledon in a 2-1 victory 26th March 2000. Turned down the chance to join London rivals Chelsea after the Stamford Bridge club offered £4m for the talented Italian. The Italian giant's Lazio were also after his signature in December 2000. Paolo was released after scoring on his last two Hammers appearances as substitute. One of the most spectular players ever to play for the club, his on the ball skills will be remembered for years as his off the field rants slip into the recesses of our minds. Joined Charlton Athletic at the start of the following campaign and later return home to play for boyhood heroes Lazio. Later joined Cisco Roma before retiring from the game in March 2008.
This young striker was plying his football trade for non-league Kingstonian. Signed for £100,000 (which would rise according to appearances). One of the hottest properties in non-league football, Redknapp beat the chasing pack to Holligan's signature and he moved to Upton Park once Kingstonian's plucky FA Cup challenge flounded at Leyton Orient. Hit successive hat-tricks for the youth side before he was dramatically put on the bench against Liverpool by the injury-hit Hammers' boss and came agonisingly close to marking his one and only appearance with a Roy of the Rovers-style winner at Anfield, a 2-2 draw resulted on the 20th February 1999. Gavin failed to make the breakthrough at Upton Park and also struggled to make an impression during loan spells with Division Three sides Leyton Orient in September 1999 and Exeter City in October 2000. Accepted a free transfer when Wycombe Wanderers offered him a one-year deal in August 2001.
Signed from Perth Soccer Club for £20,000 in January 1996. Brisbane-born son of former Tranmere Rovers striker John, who impressed in youth trials. The burly central defender made his sole senior appearance when coming on as substitute against Leeds United in a 1-5 home defeat 1st May 1999. Spent a while on loan at Southend United before his debut. Unable to get another sniff in the first XI Chris was loaned out north of the boarder to Hibernian and was eventually signed by Scottish club Dundee on a free transfer in April 2000. Despite releasing the husky Aussie pivot on a free, West Ham stand to make £50,000 based upon his appearances at Dens Park, as well as including a sell-on clause in the move north of the border. Luto Town signed him for £50,000 in 2001 and quickluy became first choice centre back. After Luton went into admistration during the 2007-08 season, Coyne was sold to Colchester United in January 2008 for a club record transfer fee of £350,000.
Former England international came to Upton Park on trial after being released by Liverpool at the end of 1998-99. Missed the whole of that season through injury after a knee operation went wrong and was never given a chance by new Reds manager Gerard Houlier to prove himself. Harry Redknapp attempted to sign him before the March deadline but Liverpool refused, only to allow him a free transfer under the 'Bosman' ruling at the end of the season. Rob was given the chance to prove his fitness in pre-season with West Ham and made his debut in the UEFA Intertoto Cup 3rd round against FC Jokerit, a 1-1 draw on the 24th July 1999. After only the one game for the Hammers ge was forced to retire from football after failing to recover from the serious knee injury. The 27-year-old right back had undergone four operations to mend a tendon in his left knee but finally told by surgeons that he can no longer continue in the game.
Michael was a classy midfielder who can also play as a striker. This Geordie teenager turned down the likes of Newcastle United and Sunderland to join the Hammers as apprentice 1st 1997. Michael made his senior debut in the UEFA Intertoto Cup 3rd round against FC Jokerit in Helsinki, a 1-1 draw on the 24th July 1999. Of his debut, he said "It came as a bit of a shock to be honest, but I was determined to make the most of it even though I was only on the pitch for three minutes. Made his Premiership debut against Bradford City at Valley Parade a month later . Scored his first Premiership goal against Coventry City at the Boleyn in a 5-0 victory April 2000. The following campaign was the springboard to his Premiership career making 33 appearances, his form also caught the eye of new England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who included him in his first ever squad against Spain and then handed him a first full cap as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Mexico in May 2001. Before the beginning of the 2004-05 season, keen to ply his trade in the highest league, Carrick then moved to Tottenham Hotspur 21st August 2004 for £275,000. Carrick rose to fame with Spurs during the following two seasons, gaining the sort of reputation that eventually led to a move to Manchester United 31st Luly 2006.
Certainly unpredictable, Paulo Cesar Wanchope Watson to give him his full name was a match winner who combines breathtaking skills with immense strength. A Costa Rican international, the 6ft 4ins striker was brought to England by Derby County boss Jim Smith for £700,000. Paulo scored an outstanding solo goal on his debut against Manchester United, immediately endearing himself to the Rams fans. Signed for West Ham in a £3.5m deal, Paulo added to a colourful Hammers strikeforce alongside Paolo Di Canio, and Paul Kitson. Made his Hammers debut in the UEFA Intertoto Cup 4th round against Dutch side SC Heerenveen, a 1-0 victory resulted on the 28th July 1999. Scored his first Hammers goal in the return leg in Holland 4th August. After a bright start for the Hammers, Paulo's lazy style of play didn't endear himself to the West Ham faithful, dubbing him "Lamb Chop". It looked as if his Upton Park career would come to an early conclusion before his first season was complete. A late run of scoring form saw him end the campaign on a high note. His Hammers career however was curtailed when Joe Royal paid £3.65m to take him to Manchester City before the start of the following campaign to the relief of the Hammers supporters. Helped guide City back to the Premiership and later played for Spanish side Malaga befor joining Qatari champions Al-Gharrafa in July 2005. He later had brief spells at Rosario Central (Argentina), FC Tokyo (Japan) and Chicago Fire (USA). Retired from football in November 2007.
With more than 70 caps for his country and a distinguished league career , Harry Redknapp knew exactly what he was getting when he swooped for "Psycho". In need of a left sided defender, the Hammers boss wasn't put off by the former England captain's age and was delighted to offer him the chance of Premiership football after a spell in the Newcastle shadows. With a vast amount of experience, Harry values Stuart's contribution in the dressing room almost as much as his endeavours on the pitch. Stuart made his Hammers debut in the opening fixture of the 1999-00 season, a 1-0 victory at the Boleyn 7th August, London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. One month and 7 games into his Hammers career "Psycho" broke his leg in the match against Watford. After a six-month lay-off the veteran lined up in his third game back in the Premiership game against Southampton March 2000 when he hobbled out after just nine minutes, it was later revealed he had sustained a leg brake in exactly the same place. Once again the England legend defied the laws of ageing to overcame this setback to produce outstanding displays for the Hammers in 2000-01. With the sudden departure of Harry Redknapp at the tail-end of the 00-01 campaign, the West Ham board declined to promote Psycho into the managerial hot-seat that he so wished, instead he joined Manchester City as player coach in June 2001 on a free transfer.
A vastly experienced defender, Igor started his football career for Croatian club Hajduk Split before moving to Spain to play for Cadiz. Won a bronze medal with Croatia in the '98 World Cup Finals held in France. Jim Smith the Derby County manager persuaded him to join the Rams. After a successful stint with Derby, the big centre-back decided West Ham were a better bet for silverware and Igor finally made the switch to the Hammers in a £600,000 deal in September 1999. A commanding figure at the heart of the Hammers defence he quickly established himself at Upton Park, making his Premiership debut against Watford in a 1-0 victory at the Boleyn on the 11th September 1999. Starred in West Hams emphatic 6-1 aggregate victory in the Intertoto Cup against NK Osijek, the Croatian club lodged an official complaint to UEFA after it was revealed that Stimac should have been serving a suspension dating back to his days with Hadjuk Split in the mid 90's, an oversight by UEFA meant that he was not listed among the suspended players. However, the big defender served his two game suspension against Hammers next opposition Romanian club Steaua Bucharest. Igor was allowed to leave Upton Park on compassionate grounds, due to his daughter's health problems, Dea suffered from asthma which was aggravated whilst living in London. The big Croatian rejoined his first club Hajduk Split on a free transfer in July 2001.
Pacy right-sided player who shot to fame when he won the “Man of the Match” award for his scintillating display in Hammers’ 1999 FA Youth Cup Final win over Coventry City. An England Under-21 international. Adam spent loan spells at Portsmouth and Notts County before he stepped up to make his Hammers bow as a 76th minute substitute against Coventry City at Highfield Road in a 0-1 reverse 25th September 1999. In the time honoured tradition of the Academy, the budding star was put out on loan as part of his “apprenticeship” to First Division Portsmouth in July 1999 and after one start and two sub appearances returned to Upton Park. Further loans to Notts County and Orient followed. Adam was released by the Hammers at the end of the 2001-02 season and. After rejecting a contract with Orient he joined Peterborough United in May 2002. Later played for Brentford.
The on-off signing of Gary Charles was finally completed to end a drawn out transfer from Portuguese club Benfica for a £1.5 million fee in October 1999. The former Newham schoolboy had been training with Hammers all summer but contractual problems at the Portuguese club, as well as doubt over his fitness, prompted West Ham chief Harry Redknapp to stall on a decision. Charles underwent a hernia and groin operation and had been struggling for match fitness. The former Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Aston Villa right-back made his Hammers debut against Birmingham City at St Andrews a 3-2 Worthington Cup victory 30th November 1999 ended after just 53 minutes when a nasty challenge left him nursing a badly gashed shin. Another injury ruled him out of the final games of the season. A solitary substitute appearance in 2000-01, the former England defender, who won two caps against New Zealand and Malaysia in 1991 had hoped to make a fresh start to his Hammers career, but was eventually forced into retirement in the summer of 2002 after he failed to recover from a persistent knee injury.
Republic of Ireland youth captain although Buckinghamshire-born, Shaun qualifies through his father and was very much a part of the Irish set-up. A member of Tony Carr's all-conquering youth side of '99 made his first team debut as a substitute in West Ham United's first match of the new Millennium against Newcastle United at Upton Park which resulted in a 2-2 draw 3rd January 2000. Has suffered largely with injuries before making his Premiership bow, Shaun was loaned out to Bristol Rovers for the remainder of the campaign to gain more experience. The following campaign again saw him loaned out, this time to Cambridge United. Shaun finally signed for Swansea City 28th January 2004. Later played for Dublin City, then had trials with Chesham United, Burnham F.C., and Hemel Hempstead.
Signed from Rochdale for £300,000 in February 1998. One of the country's brightest goalkeeping prospects, the teenager caused a storm in a tabloid teacup with claims that he had cost £2m. In reality he'll probably have to captain Earth against Mars for all the add-ons to click in. Meanwhile, if his early youth performances are anything to go by, the initial £350,000 down payment looks like money well spent. Stephen was loaned out to Hull City and Wycombe Wanderers to gain League experience at the start of the 1999-00, but could never have predicted the sequence of events that saw him thrust into the Premiership limelight at the age of just 18. With Craig Forrest on international duty, the young keeper was handed his debut when Shaka Hislop broke his leg in the third minute against Bradford City at Upton Park 12th February 2000. Sadly, the day turned into a personal nightmare for Stephen as his two errors gave Bradford a 4-2 lead, although his blushes were spared as the Hammers came back to win 5-4. However, showing amazing resilience and strength of character, he returned for the final three matches of the season and did his confidence a power of good with fine performances. Capped off his season with a heroic penalty-saving display in the FA Premier Youth Academy League play-off final against Arsenal. With the arrival of David James from Aston Villa at the start of the 2001-02 campaign new manager Glenn Roeder loaned Stephen out to Wolverhampton Wanderers for 3 months but was quickly recalled because of the injury to David James. After the Hammers had been relegated and David James eventually left to join Manchester City, Bywater was given his chance to shine and in 2004/05 he made 38 appearances and was key to West Ham's promotion push. He soon had to share the role of the club’s primary keeper with Jimmy Walker who was brought in from Walsall in June 2004 to provide competition for him. Bywater joined Coventry City on loan for six months 3rd August 2005. The 24-year-old saw his chances at Upton Park limited by the arrival of both Roy Carroll and the re-signing of Shaka Hislop in July 2005. Bywater joined Derby County in August 2006 on an initial emergency loan deal for two weeks and signed a permanent three-year deal two weeks later for a fee of £225,000.
No.682 Sasa ILIC ... (2000)
Melbourne, Australia 18/07/1972
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A tall, commanding goalkeeper, who is surprisingly agile for his size. First choice keeper for Charlton Athletic until loss of form and eventually dropped from the side. Once of Macedonia, he represented Yugoslavia at international level. Signed on a month's loan from Charlton Athletic 24/2/00, admitted his future at West Ham looked bleak following his disastrous debut against Everton at Upton Park two days later in a 0-4 reverse 26th February 2000. He was at fault for at least two of the four goals conceded. Signed as a stop-gap replacement for broken leg victim Shaka Hislop and Craig Forrest who had been on international duty with Canada, Sasa said "I haven't done myself any favours. "When it doesn't go your way it just gets worse as the afternoon goes on. With the loan signing of former Hammer Ian Feuer for the remained of the campaign, Sasa was allowed to returned to the Valley.
Saint Foy-les-Lyons, France 02/09/1977
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79/5 (gls 28) Cup: 8 (gls 3)
Former French Under-21 striker signed from Olympique Lyonnais at the end of the 99-00 season for £3.75m after impressing on a three-month loan spell at Upton Park. Monaco tried and failed to buy the uniquely-talented marksman in 1998 for £6m. The giant French striker became an instant hit with Hammers fans when he capped an impressive individual performance with a debut goal in the televised 2-1 victory over Wimbledon at Upton Park 26th March 2000. At the seasons end the £6m rated Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe joined Olympique Lyonnais in the same deal which saw Kanoute joining the East London club. A pacy, powerful striker with fantastic dribbling ability Kanoute looked awesome alongside fellow Hammer Paolo Di Canio which prompted the management to extend his contract to fend off other Premiership club's for his signature. His physical presence and direct but skilful style of play in front of goal have made him one of the Premiership’s most coveted forwards and has been the subject of constant transfer speculation, linking him with moves to Chelsea, Rangers, Fulham and Liverpool. Joined Tottenham Hotspur 4th August 2003. Kanoute enjoyed mixed success at Spurs, occasional flashes of brilliance marked by apparent pique when he preferred the African Cup of Nations over the Premiership and went AWOL from Tottenham’s 2005 summer tour to Mauritius. Sold to Sevilla in August 2005 for 6.5m Euros.
Las Vegas, USA 20/05/1971
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3
Towering American who would ordinarily be line-backing, slam-dunking or base-stealing back in his native USA. Came to Upton Park on trial from FC Brugge (Belgium) and subsequently signed in the Spring of 1994 for £70,000. Ian just missed out on a place in Team USA's 1994 World Cup squad. Highly-rated by mentor, Ludek Miklosko, Ian joined Peterborough on loan in a bid to gain more experience of the English game. Moved to Luton Town for £600,000 in 1995 after failing to dislodge "Ludo" from between the sticks. A clash of personalities with Lennie Lawrence the manager at Kenilworth Road, spelled the end of Feuer's opportunities there and decided on a return to his United States homeland. "Speedo" admits he made a huge mistake in leaving England and is desperate to make amends with the second chance given to him by West Ham when Shaka Hislop (broken leg) and Craig Forrest (international duty) were both unavailable. As a free agent Ian signed for three months until the end of the season. The giant stopper, who towers at 6'7" finally after six years made his Hammers debut against Derby County at the Baseball Ground 15th April 2000 in a 2-1 victory. Ian played three consecutive games before a injury forced him back onto the bench, left at the end of the season to join Wimbledon. Later played for our East London rivals Orient.
Veteran defender, Winterburn arrived at Upton Park in the summer of 2000 after over 13 years plying his trade with Hammers' London rivals, Arsenal. Winterburn was snapped up by manager, Harry Redknapp for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be £150,000, Nigel added a wealth of experience to the club's rearguard. Though primarily a left-back, the former Wimbledon man could also play in the wing-back role. Began his career at Birmingham City before moving on to join the Dons where he spent four successful years. He was signed by Arsenal for £407,000 in May 1987, and enjoyed glittering success at Highbury, which included Championship triumphs, FA Cup victories, League Cup wins and a European Cup Winners Cup medal. In total, he made nearly 600 appearances for the North London outfit, and also collected two England international caps. Made his Hammers debut along with Davor Suker against our West London rivals Chelsea which resulted in a 2-4 defeat at Stamford Bridge on the 19th August 2000. Showing amazing fitness and stamina for a 37 year-old, Nigel won over the Upton Park faithful with his determination and battling displays. As the 2001-02 campaign drew to a close, it was announced that the 38 year-old left back would be handed a free transfer as boss Glen Roeder made moves to trim the size and wage bill of his squad. Nigel, however, agreed to take a pay-cut in order to fulfil his ambition of enjoying one more year as a Premiership player. Nigel was “Out of Contract” 10th June 2003.
No.685= Davor SUKER ... (2000 - 2001)
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Osijek, Croatia 01/01/1968
ARSENAL
July 2000
Free transfer
CHELSEA
Stamford Bridge 19th August 2000
TSV MUNICH 1860 (Germany) November 2001
Free transfer
0/3 (gls 0) Cup: 0/1 (gls 0)
In the summer of 1999 Hammers tried in vain to sign the talented Suker from Real Madrid, he moved to Arsenal instead, where he slipped in quietly behind the trail of Arsenal's record capture at the time, Thierry Henry. Sadly for the Croatian striker though, behind the trail of Henry was where he remained for the entire campaign. Suker was handed only seven league starts, yet still managed to hit seven goals, and in all competitions 10 goals from 14 starts. Signed from the Gunners as a "free" just weeks after Nigel Winterburn had made an identical move, at 32 years of age the Hammers had acquired the services of a natural goalscorer the like not seen at the club since the departure of Tony Cottee. Davor made his Hammers bow in the opening game against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which resulted in 2-4 reverse on the 19th August 2000. Unfortunately for Davor he suffered the same fate as at Arsenal becoming a bit-part player and never lived-up to his goalscoring reputation. Reclined to take-up the option of a one-year extension to his contract and returned to his native Croatia to start up a soccer school.
Paris, France 05/10/1977
REENES (France)
August 2000
Loan
MANCHESTER UNITED
Upton Park 26th August 2000
STRASBOURG (France) July 2001
Loan
0/3 (gls 0) Cup: 0/1 (gls 0)
Signed on a one-year loan deal from French club Rennes. However, the tall, lanky midfielder couldn't have made a tougher Premiership baptism, coming on in the 67th minute of the thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Upton Park on the 26th August 2000. Delighted the Upton Park faithful by clattering both Roy Keane and David Beckham within minutes of coming on. The 23-year-old aggravated a knee injury soon after and the Hammers fans didn't see him in action again until the new year, when he again came on as substitute in the FA Cup third round against Walsall. A close friend of Frederic Kanoute from their days together at Lyon, Christian is a former French under-21 midfielder. Left the Hammers to join Strasboug for the 2001-02 season initally on loan before the French club signed him the 2003-04 season. Returned to the Premiership with Sunderland 2005-06, and later played for Greek side Larisa, Energie Cottbus (Germany), En Avant de Guingamp (France).
No.688 Jermain DEFOE ... (2000 - 2004)
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Beckton, London 07/10/1982
CHARLTON ATHLETIC
July 1999
£1.5m
WALSALL
Bescot Stadium 19th September 2000
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR February 2004
£7m
62/31 (gls 29) Cup: 10/2 (gls 12)
A Football League appeals committee ordered Hammers to pay Charlton Athletic up to £1.65m in compensation for teenage striker Defoe. But that's only if he makes 40 senior outings and wins an England cap. The first installment is £400,000. Jermaine made his Hammers bow as a 77th minute substitute against Second Division Walsall at the Bescot Stadium in the Worthington Cup 19th September 2000, scoring the only goal of the game 7 minutes after coming onto the field of play. Manager Harry Redknapp loaned out his young goalscoring machine to Bournemouth to gain more experience, which paid off for the teenager who managed to equal the goalscoring feat of scoring in ten consecutive games. With the sacking of Redknapp at the tail-end of the 2000-01 campaign new manager Glenn Roeder promoted him to the First Team squad for the following season. Defoe finished as top scorer in the 2001-02 season despite being used primary as a substitute as the Hammers finished in seventh place in the Premiership. He scored a further 11 goals in 42 league and cup appearances in the 2002-03 season but was unable to prevent them being relegated. Less than 24 hours after the club had been condemned to the First Division, Defoe made a written request for a transfer. Defoe begain the 2003-04 campagin but a refusal to sign a new contract and disciplinary problems, including three sending offs, led to West Ham accepting an to join London rivals Tottenham Hotspur 2nd February 2004. An initial fee of £6m was agreed, rising to £7m depending on “specific performance criteria”. Later signed for Portsmouth in January 2008 for £9m. The following January saw him return to White Hart Lane to be reunited with former Manager Harry Redknapp for a fee thought to be around £15.75m.
No.689 Kaba DIAWARA ... (2000 - 01)
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Toulon, France 16/12/1975
BLACKBURN ROVERS
(Registred to Paris St Germain)
September 2000
Loan
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road 23rd September 2000
PARIS ST GERMAIN - May 2001
Return Loan
5/6 (gls 0)
Paris St Germain striker Kaba Diawara joined the Hammers on loan for the 2000-01 campaign after Blackburn Rovers released him from his loan spell at Ewood Park. Making his West Ham debut against Coventry City as an 84th minute substitute in a 3-0 victory at Highfield Road on the 23rd September 2000. Kaba made his first full start against Leeds United in a 1-0 victory at Elland Road 18th November 2000. The former Bordeaux, Rennes and Marseille striker was signed after an injury crisis had hit the Hammers forward line. Diawara, who had previously played in the Premiership with Arsenal while on loan from Bordeaux, had been at Blackburn, but jumped at the opportunity of proving himself in the top flight. Kaba’s loan spell lasted only the one campaign, with much of the time on the treatment table. Despite being a striker, he never scored a league goal for any of his English clubs. Return to France with Paris St Germain who again loaned him out, this time to Racing de Ferrol of Spain and then French club Nice. Over the next five years Kaba’s clubs included Al-Gharrafa and Al-Kharityath (Qatar), Ajaccio (France), Gaziantepspor and Ankaragucu (Turkey) and Alki Larnaca (Cyprus).
Captain of the Cameroon national side, Rigobert became Harry Redknapp's first defensive signing following the departure of Rio Ferdinand to Leeds United. Signed from Liverpool for £2.5m at the end of November 2000. Rigobert announced his desire to revitalise his Premiership career at Upton Park after falling out of favour at Anfield under French boss Gerard Houllier. The giant defender originally arrived on Merseyside in January 1999 from Italian Serie A side Salernitana and made an impressive Premiership debut against the Hammers in a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Prior to his spell in Italy, Rigobert enjoyed a successful career with French side FC Metz. He was spotted by the European scouts during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA when, at the tender age of 17, he became the youngest player to be sent off in the history of the finals. He also appeared for Cameroon's World Cup side four years later in France and led them to victory in last year's African Nations Cup, when he scored the decisive penalty in a shoot-out against Nigeria in the final. Endured a disappointing Hammers debut in the Worthington Cup fourth round 1-2 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Upton Park 29th November 2000. After struggling with life in the Premiership, new manager Glenn Roeder was quick to accept the invitation for him to join 1.F.C. Koln in Germany for the remainder of the 2001-02 campaign. After playing in the World Cup Japan : Korea 2002, Rigobert, as expected, left to join French club Lens on the 21st June 2002, but the World Cup had not inflated his price sufficiently and the Hammers were left taking a loss on the price they paid Liverpool for him. It was thought that due to reported strong interest from big teams in Germany, that we would be able to at least recover the original fee of £2.5m. But after a less-than-convincing World Cup it seems that we've only secured an embarrassingly low (and hence undisclosed) fee for the player. Song had two years left on his contract, and agreed a four-year deal with Lens. The pity really is that he never established himself at the club, despite showing plenty of ability, pace and enthusiasm. It was the lapses of discipline and concentration that cost him dear at the heart of the Hammers defence.
Striker Titi Camara was the second acquisition to join the Hammers for £1.7m from Liverpool after the arrival of Rigobert Song. Manager Harry Redknapp switched his interest to Camara after failing to lure Robbie Keane from Inter Milan. Camara - out of the Liverpool frame as Gerard Houllier shuffled his strike force of Owen, Heskey and Fowler. The Guinea international was a crowd pleaser at Upton Park making his Premiership debut on Boxing Day 2000 against Charlton Athletic in the 5-0 victory at Upton Park. Became the first footballer from Guinea to play in the English Premiership when he signed for Liverpool from French giants Olympique Marseille for £2.5m in the summer of 1999. However, after becoming frustrated at the arrival of 11m striker Emile Heskey and his subsequent lack of first team opportunities, Titi handed in a transfer request in the hope of kick-starting his Premiership career. Alais Titi suffered the same fate as at Liverpool, failing to break into Glen Roeder’s plans. A loss of form combined with a series of injuries and failure to regain full fitness restricted him to just eleven appearances in over 18 months at the club. Titi joined Saudi-Arabian club Al-Lttihad in January 2003 on a free transfer.
Finnish international centre-back Hannu Tihinen joined West Ham on loan to boost the Hammers depleted defensive resources. With the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Leeds United and both Javier Margas and Igor Stimac with long term injuries. Despite arriving from Norwegian side Viking Stavanger at the end of November 2000 the 24-year-old had to wait until Boxing Day for his Hammers debut, when he appeared as an 88th minute substitute in the 5-0 Upton Park victory against Charlton Athletic. Hannu began his career with Finland's most famous club, HJK Helsinki, with whom he gained Champions' experience, but moved across Scandinavia in December 1999 to enjoy a higher quality of football in Norway. A regular in the Finnish national side, he made an impressive first start for the Hammers against Walsall in the FA Cup third round tie at the Bescot Stadium. With the end of his loan period with the Hammers proving to be a success, a fee for his permenant move across the North Sea could not be agreed between the two clubs and Hannu was allowed to return to Viking Stavanger.
After weeks of on-off speculation, Christian Dailly finally became a West Ham United player on 17th January 2001 when he signed in a £1.75m deal from Blackburn Rovers. It appeared that the Scottish international from Lancashire was heading to Premiership rivals Leicester City but, after thinking over the choices on offer, he decided that his future lie at Upton Park. Christian made his Hammers debut against Charlton Athletic in the 1-1 draw at the Valley 22nd January 2001. After beginning his career with hometown club Dundee United, he made his move south to English Premiership in 1996 when Derby County swooped to sign him on the eve of their first season back in the top flight. Just over two years later Roy Hodgson took him to Ewood Park in a £3.5m deal. However, he was considered surplus to requirements by Graeme Souness, paving the way for the Hammers to snap up an experienced international defender at such a small cost. He earned his first full cap in 1997 and was one of Scotland's few successes in the 1998 World Cup finals in France. He also starred in Scotland's Euro 2000 play off second leg victory over England. Christian can play in several positions but was happiest playing in the centre of defence. Injury prevented him from the majority of West Ham’s promotion-winning 2004-05 season, although he returned to make brief appearances in both play-off semi-final legs and the final. He signed a new deal in June 2005. Made a substitute appearance in the 2006 FA Cup Final defeat to Liverpool. In September 2007, he joined Southampton on loan, intitally for a month. The loan was extended for a further month as Saints continued to suffer with injuries. On the 30th January 2008 he signed for Rangers on a short term contract until the end of the season. The club took over what remained of his contract from the Hammers.
French wing-back signed initally on a one-month loan spell as temporary replacement for the injured Trevor Sinclair. Originally caught the eye of Harry Redknapp during the 1999 Intertoto Cup, when he starred for Metzs against the Hammers in the two-legged final. A fall-out with the French management at Metz led to him seeking the chance to ply his trade at Upton Park and his outstanding debut against Charlton Athletic in the 1-1 draw at the Valley 22nd January 2001 persuaded the club to start negotiating a more permanent deal. He proved a more than able replacement for the injured Trevor Sinclair in the right wing-back role, yet it appeared towards the end of the campaign that he would be moving elsewhere at the end of his loan spell, as Metz reportedly placed a £1.5million price tag on his head. However, Glenn Roeder proved immediately that shrewdness in the transfer market is one of his strengths as he persuaded Metz to lower the price to a bargain £465,000 for the man who become his regular right-back. Single-mindedly ploughing a furrow up and down the right flank, “Super Seb” had endeared himself into the hearts of the effort-loving East Enders for his relentless, selfless, never-say-die approach to the Hammers’ cause which won him the “Hammer of the Year Award 2002” Schemmel joins former Hammers manager Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth for an undisclosed amount. After being released by the south coast side in December 2004 he joined Le Havre AC for the rest of the season.
Norwegian defender who signed for the club on the same day as Christian Dailly, after a long period of protracted negotiations and speculation. Originally starred on trial for the reserves, but it seemed he would never be able to complete his £800,000 move from tiny Norwegian club Bryne. Since making his debut for Bryne at the age of 17, Ragnvald has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in Norway, winning the Player of the Year at his club in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and making 19 appearances for the Norway under-21's. Ragnvald made his Hammers debut against mighty Manchester United a 1-0 FA Cup victory at Old Trafford on the 28th January 2001. Naturally left-footed, he can play as a full-back, but prefers to think of himself as a central defender. Ragnvald’s stay at Upton Park lasted just over one and a half years, during which time made only 3 starts before returning to Bryne on a free transfer. Later played for SK Brann and Viking FK.
Bulgarian international who arrived at Upton Park at the start of 2001 in a bargain £500,000 transfer from hometown club Liteks Lovech. With over 20 senior caps under his belt, including an appearance against England during the Euro 2000 group qualifiers in 1999, the 22-year-old striker has already gained plenty of experience at the highest level and hoped to prove that he could build a reputation in the Premiership. After making his debut against Liverpool as an 73rd minute substitute which resulted in a 3-0 defeat at Anfield 3rd March 2001. Svetoslav scored his first Hammers goal after coming off the bench again, during the devastating FA Cup quarter-final defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur in March. He continued as back-up for first choice strikers Fredi Kanoute and Paolo Di Canio after that, but made a highly impressive full debut against Southampton in the final home match of the season and then scored his first Premiership goal against Middlesbrough two weeks later. Originally arrived in England for a trial with Preston North End but caught the eye of a watching Hammers scout during a practice match and the rest, as they say, is history. The talented striker suffered a badly gashed leg in the summer's first pre-season warm-up, against Bishop's Stortford, but returned to net against Rushden & Diamonds and, with Fredi Kanoute missing the start of the new Premiership season, 'Toddy' was handed a chance to make a name for himself but failed to make an impact. With Harry Redknapp now at the helm with Portsmouth, he still saw the potential the Bulgarian international processed when he first brought him to Upton Park and persuaded him to join the Fratton Park outfit in a deal worth £750,000 in March 2002. Later played for Charlton Athletic.
Despite signing for the Hammers back in August 2000 and remaining fit throughout the season while announcing that he was raring to play for his new club, Hayden Foxe didn't make his Hammers debut until 31st March, 2001 against Everton at Upton Park in the 0-2 defeat. After joining the Hammers on a free transfer from Japanese club Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Foxe was denied a work permit by the Department of Employment because his lack of regular international appearances which meant he didn't meet the criteria needed to earn one. Hammers boss Harry Redknapp didn't back down though and, with the support of the Club, began a campaign to appeal against the decision. It was eventually lifted, but only after Hayden had married his French girlfriend! The 23-year-old had been tracked by the Hammers for some time, and began talks with Redknapp in January 2000, when the latest FIFA rulings allowed him to open negotiations with foreign clubs despite the fact that he was still under contract with Sanfrecce. After signing Hayden was then immediately loaned to Belgian club Mechelen in order to build up his match fitness. Before his spell in Japan, Hayden played for Arminia Bielefeld in Germany and Dutch giants Ajax, but failed to make the grade alongside former Hammers loan idol Dani in Amsterdam. The Australian international had been regularly involved in their Aussies unsuccessful 2002 World Cup qualifying bid. Unable to command a regular place in the Hammers defence under the reign of new manager Glenn Roeder, Hayden took the opportunity to team-up with former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park in the summer of 2002. A fractured foot ended his campaign that Christmas. He spent the rest of that season and the next rehabilitating. With his contract expiring in June 2005 he was released and Foxe returned to Australia to undergo an operation. Hayden trained with Leeds United during the 2006 pre-season campaign and signed a five-month permanent contract. In 2007 he returned to Australia to play for Perth Glory in the A-league.
