West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Bellamy seals Irons switch

10 Jul 2007 - 09:40:10

Click To Enlarge

Wales striker Craig Bellamy has completed his £7.5million switch from Liverpool to West Ham United, signing a five-year contract at Upton Park.

The 27-year-old has been allowed to leave the Reds after just one season with the club, following the recruitment of Spain forward Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.

Bellamy scored nine goals in 42 appearances for Liverpool, having moved to Anfield for £6million last summer from Blackburn Rovers.

He had only spent 12 months at Ewood Park, having been allowed to leave Newcastle United in July 2005 after four years with the Magpies.

Bellamy started his career with Norwich City and also enjoyed a productive stint with Coventry City.

He recently became the captain of his country following the retirement from international football of Manchester United ace Ryan Giggs.

The Welshman is the fourth new arrival for the Hammers this summer, following Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Richard Wright into Upton Park.

The fee represents a new club record, surpassing the £7.25million paid to Norwich City for Dean Ashton.