West Ham United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Upson predicts bright future

01 Feb 2007 - 09:31:08

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New West Ham defender Matthew Upson believes the Upton Park outfit can not only stave off the threat of relegation this season but go on to become one of the most successful clubs in the Premiership.

Upson moved to Upton Park from Birmingham City for £6million on transfer deadline day to bring to an end a lengthy transfer chase by Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.

And the England international is looking forward to a bright future at his new club after playing his part in helping the struggling Hammers beat the drop this season.

"I've experienced championship races and relegation battles in my career, so I'm no stranger to this kind of problem," Upson told the club's official website.

"A lot of people will look at the negative side, with the position the team are currently in, but I like to look at the positive side.

"It is a club with great history and tradition and clearly has the backing and ambition now to become one of the biggest in the Premiership.

"I believe that is a realistic target over the next two or three years and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge that is in front of me now.

"I've come here to get better and better, and hopefully enjoy the best years of my career. Physically and mentally, I am in the best shape of my life and will continue to progress.

"Obviously you can never stop learning or improving, but the experiences I've had in football mean that I feel 100 per cent ready for this challenge."