Konch clinched, Gab grabbed, Coll culled

West Ham today confirmed the triple signings of Charlton's Paul Konchesky and the Cardiff City defensive duo of Danny Gabbidon and James Collins.

Konchesky, 24 first broke into the Charlton team at the age of 16 and has since made 168 appearances for the Addicks as well as fitting in a loan spell at Tottenham, after a row with Alan Curbishley. Dagenham lad Paul joins us on a long term deal and provides cover down the entire left hand side of the pitch. Being a former member of the youth set up at Chadwell Heath he is no stranger to his new club. He won his one and only England cap against Australia in the friendly at the Boleyn Ground.

Gabbidon, 25 and Collins, 21 are both Welsh internationals. Collins was rumoured to be joining West Ham before the transfer deadline last season, but the deal did not materialise. But now with the Welsh club strapped for cash, Alan Pardew has swooped. He has made five appearances for the Welsh national side and is a very highly rated prospect.

Gabbidon has been a mainstay in the City defense for some time and has been of interest to numerous clubs, most recently West Brom. With 17 Welsh caps to his name he comes with a good deal of experience.

Both these also join on long term deals.

These signings will create much needed competition in the defence at West Ham. Konchesky will be competing with former Charlton team mate Chris Powell on the left, and the central defensive duo with Anton Ferdinand and Eliott Ward.