West Ham put an end to months of speculation this afternoon by confirming that Irish international defender Gary Breen has joined the club.
Hendon born Breen, 28, has been linked with a move to Upton Park for almost full on a year, since it became clear that he wanted to leave Coventry City, who dropped out of the top flight the season before last for the first time in 35 years.Glenn Roeder has kept tabs on the versatile defender almost since taking over from Harry Redknapp last season, and finally got his man earlier today when Breen - who signs on a Bosman free - agreed the switch to West Ham.
The Hammers will be the seventh club of the new Irish international captain; Charlton, Maidstone, Gillingham, Peterborough, Birmingham and the aforementioned Coventry have all previously had Gary on their books, in a professional career which has thus far spanned some 12 years.
The reaction by supporters to news of Breen's signing has been somewhat mixed so far; several have voiced their reservations on message boards across the community, yet many are looking forward to seeing Breen back in the Premiership as a Hammer following an extremely successful World Cup campaign for Mick McCarthy's side.
Glenn Roeder greeted the announcement by the club this afternoon with some delight; he told the club's website:
"I've had my eye on Gary for a while and discussions have been ongoing for seven to ten days.
"He's played nearly 200 games in the Premiership and knows what it is all about.
"With Gary we know what we are getting - unlike some of the names being thrown at me, exciting names from the biggest clubs in the world - and there will be no problems with him communicating with other players, which is particularly important.
"He is a lovely age, versatile and quick, as well - like Ian Pearce, he can play right back, and he has pace and energy.
"I hope he can have a long career here, and he really adds height, at 6' 3", to our defence."
More reaction to follow soon ...
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