West Ham confirm Davenport has left after defender accepts £250k pay-off

17 March 2010 17:00
Davenport: Heading for the West Ham exit door[LNB]Calum Davenport has left West Ham after agreeing to mutually terminate his contract in a bid to help his search to find a new team, the club have confirmed.[LNB]The defender had been back in training after suffering horrendous leg injuries in an alleged stabbing by his sister's boyfriend last year.[LNB]The Hammers are keen to cut costs however, and Davenport is headingfor the exit door in the clearout planned by new owners David Sullivanand David Gold.[LNB]A statement on the club's official website read: 'After a traumatic period of time for the player, the felt felt that itwould be in his best interests to allow Calum an opportunity to put pastevents behind him and restart his career afresh.'[LNB]Davenport said: 'I would like to thank everyone at West Ham for their incredible support over the last six months, especially the manager and the excellent medical staff who have helped me through my recovery. [LNB]'I would like to also thank the fans for all their messages of support. I understand that there is no longer a place for me in the team and wish the team every success for the future. I am fully focused on returning to fitness and aim to be back playing football for a new club by the start of next season.' [LNB]Davenport, who was paid £16,000 a week, has been charged with assaulting his sister Cara and is due to stand trial at Luton Crown Court in August.[LNB]West Ham were ordered to start paying Davenport again after initially stopping the player's wages in the wake of the incident.[LNB]  The 27-year-old has played 13 times for the Hammers since making a£3m move from Tottenham in 2007, last appearing against Portsmouth onBoxing Day 2008.[LNB]West Ham are embroiled in another relegation battle and face the toughest of tests at title chasing Arsenal on Saturday. [LNB] Shameless West Ham owner David Sullivan calls on fans to loosen the purse strings LEO'S LONDON: Forward thinking Harry set to change his game at SpursChelsea 4 West Ham 1: Drogba's double sends Blues back to the summitWEST HAM UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail