Schemmel: missing you already

Former Hammers defender Sebastien Schemmel - who completed his switch to Premiership new boys Portsmouth this week - has thanked the West Ham fans for their support during his three years at the club.

The 28-year-old French defender, who signed for Pompey on Wednesday evening for an unconfirmed fee has revealed how he will miss the supporters who voted him KUMB's Player of the Season for the 2001/02 season.

"The big sadness for me is missing the West Ham fans," he said. "They liked me a lot and I certainly liked them. Now, though, I have gone to Portsmouth, gone back into the Premier League and I want to make the Portsmouth fans love me."

As for his comments about former boss Glenn Roeder - comments which ultimately led to his exit from the club - Schemmel added:

"Although it came out of frustration - and I did say some critical things about Glenn Roeder and the lack of strength in the squad - it was my honest opinion.

"But I have to respect now the manager's decision to drop me, and also his decision to fine me for what I said.

"I have paid the fine. I never considered complaining to my union or fighting it. At the end of the day, that is football.

"I enjoyed my time at Upton Park - unfortunately things went sour towards the end."